Hypothetical question

Hypothetically speaking, would it be illegal for me to pubicly ask someone for a copy of the Windows 2000 CD? And would it be illegal for someone to provide me with said copy, as long as there was no money exchanged? Just the CD, not the key. Again, hypothetical only. I always thought that the true legallity of "pirating" such a piece of software was in the use of duplicate keys rather than actually copying the CD, as long as there was no profit made in the copy.

PK

 

Take at look at this and maybe your question will be answered:

Types of Software Piracy
End-User piracy: When users copy software without appropriate licensing for each copy. This includes both casual copying and distribution between individuals, and companies who do not strictly monitor the number of software licenses they install and do not acquire enough licenses to cover their software installations. It also consists of unlicensed PCs caused by customers who have the misperception that their Volume License covers the full Windows desktop operating system, which it does not; Volume Licensing provides only for Windows desktop upgrades.

Pre-installed Software: When a computer manufacturer takes one copy of software and illegally installs it on more than one computer. Consumers should be on the lookout for proper license documentation when purchasing a new PC, to ensure they're getting what they paid for. For more information on what to look for, visit the COA page.

Internet Piracy: When unauthorized copies are downloaded over the Internet. If downloads are made available on the Internet, make sure that the publisher has authorized this distribution.

Counterfeiting: When illegal copies of software are made and distributed in packaging that reproduces the manufacturer's packaging. Counterfeit registration cards with unauthorized serial numbers are often included in these packages.

Online Auction Piracy: takes several forms, such as:

Software resold in violation of the original terms of sale, NFR (Not for Resale), or OEM software that is never authorized for resale by a third party.
Online distributors offering special deals with the software publisher, liquidated inventories, or acquisition through bankruptcy sales. These types of phrases are used to fool consumers into believing that they are getting genuine product that wouldn't otherwise be discounted.

 

Yes, both hypothetically and in reality.

 

If you own a legally acquired key, I think you would be oK. Bazza

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But he never mentions he had a legally acquired key

 

He didn't say it was illegally acquired, either, hence my proviso. Bazza

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If he doesnt have a legally aquired Win2000 CD then how could he have a "legally acquired" key, unless he actually bought the cd and wrote the key down

 

Let's not go on and on about this. He either has a legally acquired key, or not.
He knows whether it is legal, or not. Bazza

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I believe it would be illegal, myself.

 

If the said computer it was to be installed on had come with win 2000 the key will be in the microsoft manual,but it will probably be an OEM key which wont work with a retail copy of windows

If the key is legal in copy is an original and your friend gives you the copy to use with your key there isnt a problem,strictly speaking your friend may have to sell the windows disk to you for say a penny,uninstall windows from his computer while you use the disk with your key and then you sell it back to him for a penny

A little common sense is needed IMHO

 

Wow....I did not mean to start a debate. Let's say for example that my installation disc (either OEM or retail) was damaged or lost and I have the CD key either in the manual or as a sticker on the side of the machine. The question is whether copying the CD alone is legal or not. Again, no money changing hands for the copy. To me it would be much worse if money was exchanged.

PK

 

While copying the CD and distributing it is a violation of the MS EULA, MS determines the validity of the installation with the product key. They have no way to determine the source of the installation CD.

 

Thanks, Just Playin, that's what I was getting at, but didn't explain it as well as you did. As you say, M$ goes by the Product Key, not the CD. Bazza

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Or if he looked at the sticker on the pc which has the Key on it. Not all PC's are sold with CD's.

 

LOL, ILMHO

 

Look why not just obtain a copy/derivative of Linux (legally for free) and use WINE (Windows application Emulator) and cut out the potential Billy Gates backdoor scenario. You will only be more free and possibly suffer a lot less prying on your activties.

 

I believe the original CD's are stamped with the words "not to be copied".