Re: [tlug] linux notebooks, virtualization, windows: Have to run Windows as Primary OS: Why?

[Darren Cook <darren@example.com>]

>  > Why would Windows have to be the primary OS? 
> 
> License issues.  AFAIK the most recent non-server versions of Windows
> Vista and all non-server versions of Windows 7 come with a license
> that does not permit running them in a virtual machine.  

Thanks, that was useful to know. A bit more searching found some mention
that they relaxed the regulations recently, and I think this March 2010
document describes it (4th link in the briefs tab; a docx file):
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/about-licensing/virtualization.aspx#tab=3

I'm not a lawyer, and I'm not sure even 4 years in law school would
allow me to fully understood it, but here is my understanding:
  Windows 7 professional allows: "Copies may be run either directly on
the physical hardware or in virtual machines (or otherwise emulated
hardware systems)." You can only run one instance at a time.

"Windows 7 Enterprise with active Software Assurance" (which seems to be
aimed at large companies) allows 4 virtual instances running at a time
(and unlimited copies).

I also found the advice that if you just need a windows instance for a
short time (<30 days) you can install it and simply not register it. See
the "Leverage the Activation Grace Period" at
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd981009.aspx

Darren

P.S. According to Amazon JP, Windows 7 professional costs 30,000 yen.
Dospara say they include the DSP version on DVD; if that could be used
to install a guest OS, it works out at 15,000 yen compared to the cost
of the machine with no O/S.


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Darren Cook, Software Researcher/Developer

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