Microsoft allows only one Windows Vista transfer

Windows Vista has yet to hit the market, but when it does consumers will be able to transfer the OS license from the original computer to a second computer only once, according to a Microsoft statement Monday.

"Most likely, a user will not need to transfer an OS license to more than one computer during the time that OS is the latest one available," explained Shanen Boettcher, a Windows general manager at Microsoft. He said Microsoft thinks the restriction makes sense because "lifetimes for PCs are getting longer."

"It's a fit for what most customers do," he said.

Boettcher added that XP did not have a specific limit for the number of times the license was transferable, but that Microsoft wanted to be "specific" about transfer rights with Vista.

A user, who asked not to be named, said the change may encourage Windows piracy among PC enthusiasts who update their machines on a more regular basis.

"Power users will pirate what they need," he said, but one transfer is "probably enough for most people."

Another change Microsoft has made to Windows client licensing after Windows XP is that only two versions of Vista -- Windows Vista Ultimate and Windows Vista Business -- can operate as a virtual OS in a virtual machine.

"Virtualization is a new technology, and it's primarily used in the business space and by technology enthusiasts," Boettcher said. "It fits in well with the target audience for these (Windows versions)."

Windows XP did not have any restrictions on running in a virtual environment, he added.

Microsoft also has tightened antipiracy features in Vista. Users who do not verify their version of the OS is authentic with a software license key within 30 days of its activation will lose the use of certain features of the PC until they do so.

Joel Richman, a Windows user in Boston, said he approves of the process of checking for pirated software as long as it "does not stop my workflow in the middle of the day."

"As a consumer, I wouldn't want a pirated version of [Vista] because I want all the support I expect to go with a licensed piece of software," he added. Enditem

(Agencies)