copyright of discontunied softwares ?
By sunny68
@sunny68 (1327)
India
August 11, 2009 3:58am CST
hi! i am currently using xp and i am very much satisfied with it. i do not see any reason to upgrade to vista or 7. since microsoft has discontinued xp, it means i will not be able to install xp on the next computer i purchase. even so if i wish to do so, will be there any copyright issues involved. are discontinued softwares covered under copyright laws ?
3 people like this
4 responses
@owlwings (43915)
• Cambridge, England
11 Aug 09
If you own a copy of Win XP, you will be able to install it on any computer, even though support has been discontinued. If you plan to do this, it would be a good idea to make a backup installation disc that has been 'slipstreamed' with Service Pack 3 and any further updates. You can find information on how to do this by searching on 'slipstream XP' or something similar. It's not a difficult process, provided you follow the instructions. You need an original XP installation disc (full version), a copy of SP3 and any other subsequent updates, which you can download from Microsoft, and, of course, the ability to write a new disc.
Windows 7 is, by all accounts, a much better OS than Vista and probably worth having in the long run. Many businesses and corporations may hold back on upgrading but that is because of issues and expenses involved in running a corporate network. There should be no problems with it for individual users. I have read a number of glowing reports on Tech websites and no warnings about Win 7 as there were with XP and Vista. It has had a very long and comprehensive Beta stage and most of those who have used it feel that it's a very stable, efficient and well-designed OS.
@rosdimy (3926)
• Malaysia
12 Aug 09
Microsoft is a bit stingy when it comes to the use of its software. They hang on to them even though they are outdated. Technically Microsoft can still sue anyone using MSDOS 1.0, especially if the user is making lots of money from it.
There are software manufacturers which allow the use of their previous software without having to pay any licence fees. They are probably hoping that satisfied users will upgrade.
Have you used any open source software?
@sunny68 (1327)
• India
15 Aug 09
i agree with you. microsoft can launch as many os as it wants (vista, 7) but discontinuing xp and leaving no other option but vista or 7 amounts to extortion. i am sure many are happy with xp even without support. and yes i am a big fan of freeware and open source. apart from os and office all my other softwares are freeware. i have even started using openoffice and may soon do away with microsoft office. that would leave me with the os only.
@EliteUser (3964)
• Australia
9 Sep 09
Hi,
Yes even though Microsoft has stopped selling or distributing Windows XP, it is still governed by International copyright laws. Hope this information has helped you out. Make sure you have a good day, Happy Lotting!!
