|
|
 |
Windows XP EULA in Plain English
This is the EULA for Windows XP Home Edition. EULA stands
for “End-User Licensing Agreement.” Let's break that
down:
- End-User – The person who purchased and is using Windows XP Home.
- Licensing – When someone buys Windows XP
Home, they do not own anything. Instead they are licensing it from
Microsoft.
- Agreement – A legally binding contract
between the person and Microsoft.
What does this document contain? Most people don't know, because it
is written in legal-speak. Still, you are expected to read it and are
required to agree to it before using Windows XP Home. Even if you don't read it, you are still bound by it, so it's good to know what's in there.
Let's take a look at just what rights a user of Windows XP Home has
given up. In the “What it Says” column we have reprinted the text
exactly as it appears in the EULA (obtained from Microsoft's website at
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/eula.mspx). In the “What it Means” column, we summarize what it means in plain English.
|
What
it Says
|
What it Means
|
|
IMPORTANT-READ CAREFULLY:
This End-User License Agreement ("EULA") is a legal
agreement between you (either an individual or a single entity)
and Microsoft Corporation for the Microsoft software that
accompanies this EULA, which includes computer software and may
include associated media, printed materials, "online" or
electronic documentation, and Internet-based services
("Software"). An amendment or addendum to this EULA may
accompany the software. YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS
EULA BY INSTALLING, COPYING, OR OTHERWISE USING THE SOFTWARE. IF
YOU DO NOT AGREE, DO NOT INSTALL, COPY, OR USE THE SOFTWARE; YOU
MAY RETURN IT TO YOUR PLACE OF PURCHASE FOR A FULL REFUND, IF
APPLICABLE.
|
This is a legal agreement,
and by using Windows XP Home you are automatically bound by
everything in this agreement.
|
|
1. GRANT OF LICENSE.
Microsoft grants you the following rights provided that you comply
with all terms and conditions of this EULA:
|
If you agree to this EULA,
you get the following rights:
|
|
1.1 Installation and use.
You may install, use, access, display and run one copy of the
Software on a single computer, such as a workstation, terminal or
other device ("Workstation Computer"). The Software may
not be used by more than one processor at any one time on any
single Workstation Computer.
|
You may install and use
Windows XP Home on one computer.
|
|
1.2 Mandatory Activation.
The license rights granted under this EULA are limited to the
first thirty (30) days after you first install the Software unless
you supply information required to activate your licensed copy in
the manner described during the setup sequence of the Software.
You can activate the Software through the use of the Internet or
telephone; toll charges may apply. You may also need to reactivate
the Software if you modify your computer hardware or alter the
Software. There are technological measures in this Software that
are designed to prevent unlicensed use of the Software. Microsoft
will use those measures to confirm you have a legally licensed
copy of the Software. If you are not using a licensed copy of the
Software, you are not allowed to install the Software or future
Software updates. Microsoft will not collect any personally
identifiable information from your Workstation Computer during
this process.
|
You must activate Windows
XP Home either via the Internet or by telephone. You may have to
reactivate Windows XP Home when you upgrade your computer hardware
or software (the upgrades that would cause this are not
specified).
|
|
1.3 Device Connections. You
may permit a maximum of five (5) computers or other electronic
devices (each a "Device") to connect to the Workstation
Computer to utilize one or more of the following services of the
Software: File Services, Print Services, Internet Information
Services, and remote access (including connection sharing and
telephony services). The five connection maximum includes any
indirect connections made through "multiplexing" or
other software or hardware which pools or aggregates connections.
This five connection maximum does not apply to any other uses of
the Software.
|
If you share files or
printers with other computers in your house, you are not allowed
to share with more than 5 other computers.
|
|
1.4 Remote
Assistance/NetMeeting. The Software contains Remote Assistance and
NetMeeting technologies that enable the Software or applications
installed on the Workstation Computer (sometimes referred to as a
host device) to be accessed remotely from other Devices. When you
are using Remote Assistance or NetMeeting (or other software which
provides similar functionality for a similar purpose) you may
share your session with other users without any limit on the
number of Device connections and without acquiring additional
licenses for the Software. For Microsoft and non-Microsoft
applications, you should consult the license agreement
accompanying the applicable software or contact the applicable
licensor to determine whether use of the software with Remote
Assistance or NetMeeting is permitted without an additional
license. As used above, a session means the experience delivered
by the Software similar to when a user is using the input, output
and display peripherals attached to the Workstation Computer.
|
The “Remote
Assistance” and “NetMeeting” applications are
not bound by the above rule.
|
|
1.5 Storage/Network Use.
You may also store or install a copy of the Software on a storage
device, such as a network server, used only to install or run the
Software on your other Workstation Computers over an internal
network; however, you must acquire and dedicate an additional
license for each separate Workstation Computer on or from which
the Software is installed, used, accessed, displayed or run.
Except as otherwise permitted by the NetMeeting and Remote
Assistance features described above, a license for the Software
may not be shared or used concurrently on different Workstation
Computers.
|
You need to buy a license
for each computer you use Windows XP Home on.
|
|
2. DESCRIPTION OF OTHER
RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS
|
More rights and
restrictions:
|
|
2.1 Digital Rights
Management. Content providers are using the digital rights
management technology contained in this Software ("DRM")
to protect the integrity of their content ( "Secure Content")
so that their intellectual property, including copyright, in such
content is not misappropriated. Portions of this Software and
third party applications such as media players use DRM to play
Secure Content ("DRM Software"). If the DRM Software's
security has been compromised, owners of Secure Content ("Secure
Content Owners") may request that Microsoft revoke the DRM
Software's right to copy, display and/or play Secure Content.
Revocation does not alter the DRM Software's ability to play
unprotected content. A list of revoked DRM Software is sent to
your computer whenever you download a license for Secure Content
from the Internet. You therefore agree that Microsoft may, in
conjunction with such license, also download revocation lists onto
your computer on behalf of Secure Content Owners. Microsoft will
not retrieve any personally identifiable information, or any other
information, from your computer by downloading such revocation
lists. Secure Content Owners may also require you to upgrade some
of the DRM components in this Software ("DRM Upgrades")
before accessing their content. When you attempt to play such
content, Microsoft DRM Software will notify you that a DRM Upgrade
is required and then ask for your consent before the DRM Upgrade
is downloaded. Third party DRM Software may do the same. If you
decline the upgrade, you will not be able to access content that
requires the DRM Upgrade; however, you will still be able to
access unprotected content and Secure Content that does not
require the upgrade.
|
You agree that at any
time, and at the request of “content providers”
Microsoft may disable certain features on your computer, such as
the ability to play your music or movie files.
|
|
2.2 Windows Media Format
Software Development Kit ("WMFSDK"). This EULA does not
grant you any rights to use the WMFSDK components contained in the
Software to develop a software application that uses Windows Media
technology. If you wish to use the WMFSDK to develop such an
application, visit
http://msdn.microsoft.com/workshop/imedia/windowsmedia
/sdk/wmsdk.asp, accept a separate license for the WMFSDK, download
the appropriate WMFSDK, and install it on your system.
|
(This section is only
applicable to software developers.)
|
|
2.3 Internet-Based Services
Components. The Software contains components that enable and
facilitate the use of certain Internet-based services. You
acknowledge and agree that Microsoft may automatically check the
version of the Software and/or its components that you are
utilizing and may provide upgrades or fixes to the Software that
will be automatically downloaded to your Workstation Computer.
|
You agree that Microsoft
can automatically and without your consent put new software on
your computer.
|
|
2.4 Internet Gaming/Update
Features. If you choose to utilize the Internet gaming or update
features within the Software, it is necessary to use certain
computer system, hardware, and software information to implement
the features. By using these features, you explicitly authorize
Microsoft or its designated agent to access and utilize the
necessary information for Internet gaming and/or updating
purposes. Microsoft may use this information solely to improve our
software or to provide customized services or technologies to you.
Microsoft may disclose this information to others, but not in a
form that personally identifies you.
|
Microsoft may collect
information about your computer and may share it with other
companies, but this may not include personal information about
you.
|
|
3. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
AND OWNERSHIP. Microsoft reserves all rights not expressly granted
to you in this EULA. The Software is protected by copyright and
other intellectual property laws and treaties. Microsoft or its
suppliers own the title, copyright, and other intellectual
property rights in the Software. The Software is licensed, not
sold.
|
You have only the rights
granted in this EULA. You do not have the right to do anything
with Windows XP Home not covered by this EULA.
|
|
4. LIMITATIONS ON REVERSE
ENGINEERING, DECOMPILATION, AND DISASSEMBLY. You may not reverse
engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Software, except and only
to the extent that such activity is expressly permitted by
applicable law notwithstanding this limitation.
|
Software developers cannot
attempt to figure out how Windows XP Home works for any reason.
|
|
5. NO RENTAL/COMMERCIAL
HOSTING. You may not rent, lease, lend or provide commercial
hosting services with the Software.
|
You may not rent, lease, or lend
your computer with Windows XP Home on it or otherwise make commercial
use of it.
|
|
6. CONSENT TO USE OF DATA.
You agree that Microsoft and its affiliates may collect and use
technical information gathered as part of the product support
services provided to you, if any, related to the Software.
Microsoft may use this information solely to improve our products
or to provide customized services or technologies to you and will
not disclose this information in a form that personally identifies
you.
|
Microsoft (and anyone else
chosen by Microsoft) may collect information about your computer
and may share it with other companies, but this should not include
personal information about you.
|
|
7. LINKS TO THIRD PARTY
SITES. You may link to third party sites through the use of the
Software. The third party sites are not under the control of
Microsoft, and Microsoft is not responsible for the contents of
any third party sites, any links contained in third party sites,
or any changes or updates to third party sites. Microsoft is not
responsible for webcasting or any other form of transmission
received from any third party sites. Microsoft is providing these
links to third party sites to you only as a convenience, and the
inclusion of any link does not imply an endorsement by Microsoft
of the third party site.
|
Microsoft is not
responsible for anyone else's websites.
|
|
8. ADDITIONAL
SOFTWARE/SERVICES. This EULA applies to updates, supplements,
add-on components, or Internet-based services components, of the
Software that Microsoft may provide to you or make available to
you after the date you obtain your initial copy of the Software,
unless we provide other terms along with the update, supplement,
add-on component, or Internet-based services component. Microsoft
reserves the right to discontinue any Internet-based services
provided to you or made available to you through the use of the
Software.
|
These
restrictions apply to all software that you get from Microsoft in
the future. Future software may contain further restrictions.
Microsoft may cancel any
service that they provide to you at any time and for any reason.
|
|
9. UPGRADES. To use
Software identified as an upgrade, you must first be licensed for
the software identified by Microsoft as eligible for the upgrade.
After upgrading, you may no longer use the software that formed
the basis for your upgrade eligibility.
|
Microsoft may check that
you are a licensed user before allowing you to upgrade software.
After upgrading software, you may no longer use the older version
of the software.
|
|
10. NOT FOR RESALE
SOFTWARE. Software identified as "Not For Resale" or
"NFR," may not be sold or otherwise transferred for
value, or used for any purpose other than demonstration, test or
evaluation.
|
If your copy of Windows XP
Home is marked “Not For Resale,” you may not sell it.
|
|
11. ACADEMIC EDITION
SOFTWARE. To use Software identified as "Academic Edition"
or "AE," you must be a "Qualified Educational
User." For qualification-related questions, please contact
the Microsoft Sales Information Center/One Microsoft Way/Redmond,
WA 98052-6399 or the Microsoft subsidiary serving your country.
|
To use an Academic Edition
you must meet certain criteria.
|
|
12. EXPORT RESTRICTIONS.
You acknowledge that the Software is subject to U.S. export
jurisdiction. You agree to comply with all applicable
international and national laws that apply to the Software,
including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations, as well as
end-user, end-use, and destination restrictions issued by U.S. and
other governments. For additional information see
http://www.microsoft.com/exporting/.
|
You must comply with the
regulations set by the United States Export Administration.
|
|
13. SOFTWARE TRANSFER.
Internal. You may move the Software to a different Workstation
Computer. After the transfer, you must completely remove the
Software from the former Workstation Computer. Transfer to Third
Party. The initial user of the Software may make a one-time
permanent transfer of this EULA and Software to another end user,
provided the initial user retains no copies of the Software. This
transfer must include all of the Software (including all component
parts, the media and printed materials, any upgrades, this EULA,
and, if applicable, the Certificate of Authenticity). The transfer
may not be an indirect transfer, such as a consignment. Prior to
the transfer, the end user receiving the Software must agree to
all the EULA terms.
|
You
may install Windows XP Home on a second computer, but you must
completely erase it from the original computer.
You may sell your copy of
Windows XP Home. Before doing so, you are responsible for making
sure the buyer agrees to all rules in this EULA.
|
|
14. TERMINATION. Without
prejudice to any other rights, Microsoft may terminate this EULA
if you fail to comply with the terms and conditions of this EULA.
In such event, you must destroy all copies of the Software and all
of its component parts.
|
If you break any of these
rules, Microsoft may instruct you to immediately remove Windows XP
Home from your computer and you are legally bound to comply.
|
|
15. LIMITED WARRANTY FOR
SOFTWARE ACQUIRED IN THE US AND CANADA. Microsoft warrants that
the Software will perform substantially in accordance with the
accompanying materials for a period of ninety (90) days from the
date of receipt. If an implied warranty or condition is created by
your state /jurisdiction and federal or state/provincial law
prohibits disclaimer of it, you also have an implied warranty or
condition, BUT ONLY AS TO DEFECTS DISCOVERED DURING THE PERIOD OF
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY (NINETY DAYS). AS TO ANY DEFECTS DISCOVERED
AFTER THE NINETY-DAY PERIOD, THERE IS NO WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF
ANY KIND. Some states/jurisdictions do not allow limitations on
how long an implied warranty or condition lasts, so the above
limitation may not apply to you. Any supplements or updates to the
Software, including without limitation, any (if any) service packs
or hot fixes provided to you after the expiration of the ninety
day Limited Warranty period are not covered by any warranty or
condition, express, implied or statutory.
|
Microsoft assures you that
Windows XP Home will work correctly for the first 90 days. They
do not assure you that Windows XP Home or any “service
packs” or “hot fixes” will work correctly after
this time.
|
|
LIMITATION ON REMEDIES; NO
CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES. Your exclusive remedy for any
breach of this Limited Warranty is as set forth below. Except for
any refund elected by Microsoft, YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED TO ANY
DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, if
the Software does not meet Microsoft's Limited Warranty, and, to
the maximum extent allowed by applicable law, even if any remedy
fails of its essential purpose. The terms of Section 17
("Exclusion of Incidental, Consequential and Certain Other
Damages") are also incorporated into this Limited Warranty.
Some states /jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This Limited
Warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have other
rights which vary from state/jurisdiction to state/jurisdiction.
YOUR EXCLUSIVE REMEDY. Microsoft's and its suppliers' entire
liability and your exclusive remedy for any breach of this Limited
Warranty or for any other breach of this EULA or for any other
liability relating to the Software shall be, at Microsoft's option
from time to time exercised subject to applicable law, (a) return
of the amount paid (if any) for the Software, or (b) repair or
replacement of the Software, that does not meet this Limited
Warranty and that is returned to Microsoft with a copy of your
receipt. You will receive the remedy elected by Microsoft without
charge, except that you are responsible for any expenses you may
incur (e.g. cost of shipping the Software to Microsoft). This
Limited Warranty is void if failure of the Software has resulted
from accident, abuse, misapplication, abnormal use or a virus. Any
replacement Software will be warranted for the remainder of the
original warranty period or thirty (30) days, whichever is longer,
and Microsoft will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide
your remedy within a commercially reasonable time of your
compliance with Microsoft's warranty remedy procedures. Outside
the United States or Canada, neither these remedies nor any
product support services offered by Microsoft are available
without proof of purchase from an authorized international source.
To exercise your remedy, contact: Microsoft, Attn. Microsoft Sales
Information Center/One Microsoft Way/Redmond, WA 98052-6399, or
the Microsoft subsidiary serving your country.
|
Microsoft
is not responsible for anything that happens to your computer,
lost time, lost documents, etc. that happens as a result of using
Windows XP Home.
If
Windows XP Home causes damage or otherwise misbehaves, Microsoft
may choose to refund the price you paid for Windows XP Home or
replace Windows XP Home. In either case, you are responsible for
all related charges (such as shipping).
Microsoft
will never have to pay you more than the price you originally paid
for Windows XP Home.
Microsoft
will not be liable for any damages caused by viruses, even if
those viruses are the result of security problems in Windows XP
Home.
|
|
16. DISCLAIMER OF
WARRANTIES. The Limited Warranty that appears above is the only
express warranty made to you and is provided in lieu of any other
express warranties or similar obligations (if any) created by any
advertising, documentation, packaging, or other communications.
Except for the Limited Warranty and to the maximum extent
permitted by applicable law, Microsoft and its suppliers provide
the Software and support services (if any) AS IS AND WITH ALL
FAULTS, and hereby disclaim all other warranties and conditions,
whether express, implied or statutory, including, but not limited
to, any (if any) implied warranties, duties or conditions of
merchantability, of fitness for a particular purpose, of
reliability or availability, of accuracy or completeness of
responses, of results, of workmanlike effort, of lack of viruses,
and of lack of negligence, all with regard to the Software, and
the provision of or failure to provide support or other services,
information, software, and related content through the Software or
otherwise arising out of the use of the Software. ALSO, THERE IS
NO WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, QUIET
POSSESSION, CORRESPONDENCE TO DESCRIPTION OR NON-INFRINGEMENT WITH
REGARD TO THE SOFTWARE.
|
The
right granted to you above replace any that you may think you have
because they were stated in advertising, documentation, or product
packaging.
Windows XP Home is
provided “AS IS AND WITH ALL FAULTS.” This means they
make no claims as to how well Windows XP Home will work.
|
|
17. EXCLUSION OF
INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL AND CERTAIN OTHER DAMAGES. TO THE
MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL
MICROSOFT OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHATSOEVER
(INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS OR
CONFIDENTIAL OR OTHER INFORMATION, FOR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, FOR
PERSONAL INJURY, FOR LOSS OF PRIVACY, FOR FAILURE TO MEET ANY DUTY
INCLUDING OF GOOD FAITH OR OF REASONABLE CARE, FOR NEGLIGENCE, AND
FOR ANY OTHER PECUNIARY OR OTHER LOSS WHATSOEVER) ARISING OUT OF
OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE
SOFTWARE, THE PROVISION OF OR FAILURE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT OR OTHER
SERVICES, INFORMATON, SOFTWARE, AND RELATED CONTENT THROUGH THE
SOFTWARE OR OTHERWISE ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THE SOFTWARE, OR
OTHERWISE UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY PROVISION OF THIS EULA,
EVEN IN THE EVENT OF THE FAULT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE),
MISREPRESENTATION, STRICT LIABILITY, BREACH OF CONTRACT OR BREACH
OF WARRANTY OF MICROSOFT OR ANY SUPPLIER, AND EVEN IF MICROSOFT OR
ANY SUPPLIER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
|
Microsoft
is not responsible for any damages. This includes loss of profit,
the release of confidential information, or the loss of your
privacy.
Microsoft
is further not liable for failing to use “good faith,”
“reasonable care” or for negligence.
Microsoft is not liable
even if they break the terms of this agreement.
|
|
18. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
AND REMEDIES. Notwithstanding any damages that you might incur for
any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation, all damages
referenced herein and all direct or general damages in contract or
anything else), the entire liability of Microsoft and any of its
suppliers under any provision of this EULA and your exclusive
remedy hereunder (except for any remedy of repair or replacement
elected by Microsoft with respect to any breach of the Limited
Warranty) shall be limited to the greater of the actual damages
you incur in reasonable reliance on the Software up to the amount
actually paid by you for the Software or US$5.00. The foregoing
limitations, exclusions and disclaimers (including Sections 15, 16
and 17) shall apply to the maximum extent permitted by applicable
law, even if any remedy fails its essential purpose.
|
If Microsoft chooses, they
may pay you for any damages, but never more than the amount
you paid for software (and curiously, never less than $5).
|
|
19. U.S. GOVERNMENT LICENSE
RIGHTS. All Software provided to the U.S. Government pursuant to
solicitations issued on or after December 1, 1995 is provided with
the commercial license rights and restrictions described elsewhere
herein. All Software provided to the U.S. Government pursuant to
solicitations issued prior to December 1, 1995 is provided with
"Restricted Rights" as provided for in FAR, 48 CFR
52.227 -14 (JUNE 1987) or DFAR, 48 CFR 252.227-7013 (OCT 1988), as
applicable.
|
(Applies only to
governments.)
|
|
20. APPLICABLE LAW. If you
acquired this Software in the United States, this EULA is governed
by the laws of the State of Washington. If you acquired this
Software in Canada, unless expressly prohibited by local law, this
EULA is governed by the laws in force in the Province of Ontario,
Canada; and, in respect of any dispute which may arise hereunder,
you consent to the jurisdiction of the federal and provincial
courts sitting in Toronto, Ontario. If you acquired this Software
in the European Union, Iceland, Norway, or Switzerland, then local
law applies. If you acquired this Software in any other country,
then local law may apply.
|
If you bring Microsoft to
court, you agree to be bound by any court decision.
|
|
21. ENTIRE AGREEMENT;
SEVERABILITY. This EULA (including any addendum or amendment to
this EULA which is included with the Software) is the entire
agreement between you and Microsoft relating to the Software and
the support services (if any) and they supersede all prior or
contemporaneous oral or written communications, proposals and
representations with respect to the Software or any other subject
matter covered by this EULA. To the extent the terms of any
Microsoft policies or programs for support services conflict with
the terms of this EULA, the terms of this EULA shall control. If
any provision of this EULA is held to be void, invalid,
unenforceable or illegal, the other provisions shall continue in
full force and effect.
|
This
EULA takes the place of all prior agreements you may have had with
Microsoft.
If any part of this
agreement is found to be illegal and therefor void, the rest of
the agreement remains in place.
|
|