[kwlug-disc] MS in your kernel?

[unsolicited]

L.D. Paniak wrote, On 07/21/2009 9:44 PM:
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> Is this an opportunity for Linux?  Why buy Windows 7 when you can just
> do a physical-to-virtual transfer of your existing XP install an run it
> on Linux for free?  VMware has a lovely tool for such transfers:

That's usually not true, license wise, these days. MS OEM licenses, 
such as those that come with hardware, are one-hardware only licenses. 
You are not permitted to use it elsewhere.

It wouldn't surprise me if there was language in there denying virtual 
usage, or once physical you can't go virtual. Or something. Certainly 
the move to virtual is a significant enough change, (virtual) hardware 
wise, to give XP a small hissy fit.

So, unless you bought a full, retail, non-academic, version of XP, 
you're probably violating the license agreement. That license would 
permit you to run on any hardware at any time, but only one at a time. 
I believe there is even language such that turning off one install, 
turning on another, using it then turning it off, and repeating, is 
also verboten. I wouldn't be surprised if virtual use of any sort is 
prohibited, but I don't recall for sure.

The only 'cheap' (non-retail) way I can see this is if you bought a 
piece of hardware, and immediately do the physical to virtual 
conversion. Even then, I suspect there's language somewhere to 
prohibit it.

Assuming, of course, you care about adhering to the license terms.