DumbStick 13 Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 This may well be a question but here goes When software on a disc comes with a "product key", would I be right in saying that the actual disc is the same for everyone - and it's just the "key" that is different? So effectively if I had an Office 2007 disc but 5 different keys (legit of course) I could install it on 5 different computers legally with those 5 different keys? Link to post Share on other sites
RobBright 35 Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 Kinda - each key is assigned a license, and depending on how that license works, is it for one pc or many, thus allows how many times you can install it to different computers. For example, my vista ultimate has one license, so I can only install onto one pc. If you want additional licenses then you are supposed to pay for the amount you need, ie if you have 5 pcs, and only one license, then you have to pay for an extra four; however, still using the same keys. Different keys, mean different licenses. Link to post Share on other sites
DumbStick 13 Posted November 17, 2009 Author Share Posted November 17, 2009 Right I think I get that. But the actual disc itself is the same, right? So if my friend had exactly the same Office 2007 and my disc was damaged, lets say, I could use his disc but my key to install it on my computer. Is my understanding there correct? Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites
RobBright 35 Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 You used to be able, but nowadays, a lot of software needs activating via the internet. Using MAC addresses, and linking them to the original key, has quite effectively reduced the speed of piracy. However, it has also pissed off authentic users due to its inflexibility. If you were to buy a new pc, or move house, the mac address may change, which, when you come to activate the legal software, you may be denied because of this. This would then mean lots of phone calls to sort it out and confirm you are original user. Link to post Share on other sites
DumbStick 13 Posted November 17, 2009 Author Share Posted November 17, 2009 Mac users pissed off? Wow, I didn't think that happened! If you buying a new computer - and effectively disregarding the old one - the same problems happen I suppose. I'm in that process now! I'll report how it goes. Link to post Share on other sites
RobBright 35 Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 Mac user and MAC address are very different things. Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 Wouldn't know! Go on tell us what the difference is! Those product key things, always intrigued how it works. My not very technical head can't really understand. Link to post Share on other sites
RobBright 35 Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 A mac user uses Apple Products. A MAC address is basically a unique identifier for your PC or hardware on a network. Link to post Share on other sites
pie-eater 207 Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 And a Big Mac is an appetising entry on the menu of the gourmet restaurant chain, MacDonalds. Link to post Share on other sites
JA2340 16 Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 Originally Posted By: RobBright A mac user uses Apple Products. A MAC address is basically a unique identifier for your PC or hardware on a network. Ashully, a MAC address in hardwired to the specific network adapter. It consists of a portion which identifies the manufacturer and the remainder which is a serial identifier for that particular adapter. So ... even if you change the adapter (like I updated my wifi card recently, and the MAC address changed dramatically because the card was from a different manufacturer) the MAC address matching has a pup! Link to post Share on other sites
JA2340 16 Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 Originally Posted By: pie-eater And a Big Mac is an appetising entry on the menu of the gourmet restaurant chain, MacDonalds. You are kidding, right? Appetising? About as appetising as a plastic mac. Link to post Share on other sites
rach 1 Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 I think "the gourmet restaurant chain, MacDonalds" somewhat gives it away, JA! Link to post Share on other sites
RobBright 35 Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 Originally Posted By: JA Originally Posted By: RobBright A mac user uses Apple Products. A MAC address is basically a unique identifier for your PC or hardware on a network. Ashully, a MAC address in hardwired to the specific network adapter. It consists of a portion which identifies the manufacturer and the remainder which is a serial identifier for that particular adapter. So ... even if you change the adapter (like I updated my wifi card recently, and the MAC address changed dramatically because the card was from a different manufacturer) the MAC address matching has a pup! Was trying to keep it simple as not to confuse people if they didn't understand the terminology. Link to post Share on other sites
bobby12 0 Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 "But the actual disc itself is the same, right? So if my friend had exactly the same Office 2007 and my disc was damaged, lets say, I could use his disc but my key to install it on my computer. Is my understanding there correct?" Yes. There a X number of valid keys and the software can know what is a valid key or invalid one by using an algorithm. In other words, your key is not burnt onto the installation DVD and all DVDs are identical. Link to post Share on other sites
DumbStick 13 Posted November 18, 2009 Author Share Posted November 18, 2009 Thanks. bobby, exactly what I was hoping for. Thanks for clearing that up. Link to post Share on other sites
JA2340 16 Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 Unless, of course, you installed with a CD that had SP3 on it, and you are trying to reinstall with a CD with only SP2 on it. Link to post Share on other sites
DumbStick 13 Posted November 20, 2009 Author Share Posted November 20, 2009 I'm afraid I am lost after that last comment, JA! Link to post Share on other sites
JA2340 16 Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 OK, MS, in their wisdom, issue "fixes" for their Operating Systems and applications when they discover a flaw that has led to (or could lead to) malicious attacks. If the Cd you used to install the software was created after a "Service Pack" - hence SP - was done, it may well have the fixes incorporated into the installation. If you try to reinstall with an older version (ie one without the fixes) you might run into trouble. That said, however, in general you'd be right as SP don't come out that often for Office etc. Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 just do a live update. Link to post Share on other sites
DumbStick 13 Posted November 27, 2009 Author Share Posted November 27, 2009 Thanks JA. Sometimes I think I am better off not knowing! Link to post Share on other sites
JA2340 16 Posted November 27, 2009 Share Posted November 27, 2009 That's possible, so long as you are happy to pay someone who DOES know to fix every little thing that happens. (How I make my "side" money!) Link to post Share on other sites
7-11 2 Posted November 29, 2009 Share Posted November 29, 2009 Windows 7 not good for you then JA so far? Seems to have few issues. I have a new pc with it on, not one problem with it or installing any of my software or hardware. Like it. Link to post Share on other sites
JA2340 16 Posted November 30, 2009 Share Posted November 30, 2009 I make some income from people who do not realise how simple it can be to install a new PC. Vista was a godsend, the problems it could cause were numerous, and the fixes quite simple. Never had a Win7 install as yet. Waiting, waiting! Link to post Share on other sites
RobBright 35 Posted November 30, 2009 Share Posted November 30, 2009 Yeah, tis easy to fix the problems. Link to post Share on other sites
minus 1 Posted December 1, 2009 Share Posted December 1, 2009 Recently got onto Windows 7 from XP. Big difference, I like it so far. No problems with the upgrade as well, it went very smoothly and all hardware and software ok. Link to post Share on other sites
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