Ethical/Unethical ?


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Subject: Ethical/Unethical ?
Name: Undercover
Date: 10/20/2005 12:15:11 PM (GMT-7)
IP Address: 24.166.0.48
Message:

Here is a tale of two computers- an HP and a Compaq. The HP has Windows XP Pro and the Compaq has a broken version of 2000 Pro...

The HP (which is hers) had a hard drive failure, and it was still under warranty, so we took it back for repairs. They replaced the HD- no questions asked, and reloaded XP. Once the machine was home, we had nothing but problems with the OS- features missing, features not working as they should, etc. After screwing with it and losing my cool, I reformatted the HD and installed a non-branded version of XP. All was fine afterwards.

Before I go any further, I want to state that the copy of XP I installed on the HP is a LEGIT one- not warez or copied from a friend. It is XP Pro with SP2, legal and legit. I had bought it for use on another HP I am still rebuilding, but she needed it worse than I at the moment. So, this legal XP install is currently on her HP computer, and no others at this time (end disclaimer).

Now, that said, I am well aware that Micro$oft intends for me to purchase multiple copies for multiple machines, and even though I am still fresh with XP, I understand that there is an activation process which attempts to hamper the home user with more than one machine. Being that I've been around the internet for awhile, I am also aware that there are plenty of workarounds...

Now, my question is NOT "how do I do this and get away with it." I already know most of the answers to that one. What I want to know, is what you guys' opinions are about it? I know the legal issues, I'm just wondering how you feel about the ethics part of it. Opinions, if you will.

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