# Should I really buy another copy of software I already own? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 20, 2006, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-really-buy-another-copy-of-software-i-already-own/349161 "2006-03-20T17:26:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-really-buy-another-copy-of-software-i-already-own/349161/1 "2006-03-20T17:26:38Z")
Well, I’m sure this is more of a general question of practicality rather than a debate, so here goes: I’m considering buying a laptop computer for my own productivity while on the road, but more for my own damn pleasure in it’s usage rather than a using a ‘loaner’ from the ‘jobby-job’. In pricing certain models, I’ve noticed that I can buy a copy of “MS Office Small Business Edition” with Access and other nifty things I use on a daily basis for work. Now, I already _own_ a copy of MS Office SBE back home on my desktop, albeit it’s a few years old (2003). Given the price of including this software package with the new laptop ($350 :eek: ), would it really be worth it to order this with the laptop, or would I be just as good installing the ‘old and already purchased’ copy onto my laptop? In other words, should I really haul off and shell out the cash for what would be a second copy? I’m sure the question would revolve around two things: A) Would I have to uninstall the copy off my desktop, leaving me with only _one_ working “productivity” computer (i.e. with the old copy, can I use it on multiple computers?) B) Would there be any benefit from purchasing the new copy for, I dunno . . . upgrades in the software itself? No, I’m not looking to bilk MS out of cash. I’m just cuious if it’s worth buying the new copy when the old one works just fine for me. Thoughts? Tripler I’m just a practical kinda guy. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-really-buy-another-copy-of-software-i-already-own/349161/2 "2006-03-20T17:43:17Z")
You say that your current copy of Office is the Small Business Edition. I’ve only ever had regular home versions of MS Office programs, so i’m not aware of whether or not the licensing agreement for SBE is different. Does the license that came with your SBE copy allow you to use it on more than one computer, or are you restricted to a single machine like you are with regular Office? The answer to this will effectively give you the answer to your first question. As for your second question, i’m not sure about exactly what improvements there might be in the newer edition, but i think the best question to ask yourself is whether the edition you are running now does everything you need it to do. If it does, then it seems rather pointless to change just for the sake of it. In your position, my first priority would be answering Question A by trying to find out the licensing rules for your copy of Office SBE. And, after typing all that, i decided to look on the Microsoft website, and i think i might have found your answer. ON the [FAQ page for MS Office 2003](http://www.microsoft.com/office/editions/prodinfo/faq.mspx#EHH), it says: > [@](#): > > **Q. How many times can I install Office 2003 editions?** > > A. You can install one copy of Office Professional Edition 2003, Office Small Business Edition 2003, and Office Standard Edition 2003 on your main computer **and another on your laptop computer for your exclusive, but non-concurrent use.** To install a version of these Office 2003 Editions on more than these two computers, you must obtain another license for the program. You can install Office Student and Teacher Edition 2003 on up to three computers in your household if a household member is qualified. You can work with Office 2003 Editions at your desk and when mobile. Note: Licenses for the 2003 release of Office acquired preinstalled on new computers are single-computer licenses that cannot be transferred or installed on another computer. So, it seems that you’re good to go UNLESS your version of office was a preinstalled, OEM version. In that case, the last sentence in the above quotation seems to preclude you from installing it on a second computer. ---
**Author:** ![Mindfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mindfield/32/19759_2.png) [@Mindfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mindfield)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-really-buy-another-copy-of-software-i-already-own/349161/3 "2006-03-20T17:48:29Z")
Unfortunately, unless you buy an edition of MS Office that includes a multiple-user license, Microsoft’s End User License Agreement only allows one copy of their products to be installed on one machine. Period. You would not be legally allowed to install the same copy of Office you already own on a laptop – you wouldn’t be able to activate it anyway, since (I’m presuming) you have already activated it on your desktop computer, so any attempt to activate it a second time will fail. Microsoft also does not allow transferring a license to a different computer – even if you’re the license holder in both cases. Microsoft’s recent “redefinition” of what constitutes a “new computer” concludes that if the motherboard (defined as the core component of a computer system) changes, then the license is invalidated because Microsoft considers that a transferrence of license, which is disallowed by their EULA (This applies to Windows XP, but I’m pretty sure all other Microsoft products are or will be grandfathered in under that change in the EULA) The bottom line is, if you want Office on your desktop and your laptop concurrently, you’ll need two Office licenses with which to do so. ---
**Author:** ![Mindfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mindfield/32/19759_2.png) [@Mindfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mindfield)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-really-buy-another-copy-of-software-i-already-own/349161/4 "2006-03-20T17:50:39Z")
_ **DOH!** _ I forgot about that povision for Office. **mhendo** is right; it can be installed concurrently on one stationary computer (desktop) and one mobile computer (laptop). IIRC this only applies to Office products, however, but both Office XP and Office 2003 have that provision. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-really-buy-another-copy-of-software-i-already-own/349161/5 "2006-03-20T17:58:38Z")
> [@Mindfield](#): > > Unfortunately, unless you buy an edition of MS Office that includes a multiple-user license, Microsoft’s End User License Agreement only allows one copy of their products to be installed on one machine. Period. You would not be legally allowed to install the same copy of Office you already own on a laptop – you wouldn’t be able to activate it anyway, since (I’m presuming) you have already activated it on your desktop computer, so any attempt to activate it a second time will fail. > > Microsoft also does not allow transferring a license to a different computer – even if you’re the license holder in both cases. Microsoft’s recent “redefinition” of what constitutes a “new computer” concludes that if the motherboard (defined as the core component of a computer system) changes, then the license is invalidated because Microsoft considers that a transferrence of license, which is disallowed by their EULA (This applies to Windows XP, but I’m pretty sure all other Microsoft products are or will be grandfathered in under that change in the EULA) > > The bottom line is, if you want Office on your desktop and your laptop concurrently, you’ll need two Office licenses with which to do so. Well, as you have realised in your following post, it is possible to have Office on a desktop and a laptop, as long as they’re not used concurrently. But your comment about “new motherboard = new computer” only applies to OEM versions of software like Windows. This is because OEM software is specifically sold only for the computer on which it is originally installed. If, on the other hand, you buy a proper, retail version of Windows (or other MS software) , you can transfer the license from one computer to another. We’re still not sure, though, whether **Tripler** ’s version of Office SBE is retail or OEM, and that will make a difference for him, if i’ve read my above quotation correctly. ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-really-buy-another-copy-of-software-i-already-own/349161/6 "2006-03-20T18:18:09Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > We’re still not sure, though, whether **Tripler** ’s version of Office SBE is retail or OEM, and that will make a difference for him, if i’ve read my above quotation correctly. Unfortunately, I can’t answer that question right now, since my desktop is in storage back in the states. However, being that I did buy the thing and the accompanying software back in '03 (and I think I remember installing it myself, rather than having it pre-loaded on the machine when it arrived), I _think_ I might be in the clear, thanks to **mhendo** ’s post. One question for clarification: “OEM”? Tripler When I get back to the states, _I_’m gonna get loaded. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Mindfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mindfield/32/19759_2.png) [@Mindfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mindfield)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-really-buy-another-copy-of-software-i-already-own/349161/7 "2006-03-20T18:38:55Z")
[QUOTE=mhendo] Well, as you have realised in your following post, it is possible to have Office on a desktop and a laptop, as long as they’re not used concurrently. > [@](#): > > True – although it is utterly impossible for Microsoft to find out if it’s being used concurrently. I’m sure however that calling home to have a family member check or do something in Office on your home computer while you’re using it on your laptop would still honour the spirit of not the letter of the license, if that is at all an issue for the user, but having little Billy do his homework at home while you work out a proposal on your laptop would be frowned upon despite such a violation being unenforceable. I wonder if the “non-concurrency” clause applies to Office as a whole or if, say, one person could use Word on the desktop while another uses Powerpoint on the laptop. Not that it makes a bit of difference – just useless musing here. 🙂 > > [qupte]But your comment about “new motherboard = new computer” only applies to OEM versions of software like Windows. This is because OEM software is specifically sold only for the computer on which it is originally installed. > > If, on the other hand, you buy a proper, retail version of Windows (or other MS software) , you can transfer the license from one computer to another. That would make more sense than what I’d been hearning (which was admittedly just the usual Microsoft hysteria people glom on to whenever MS news or policy changes sounds like Microsoft trying to grub more money from people) > [@](#): > > We’re still not sure, though, whether **Tripler** ’s version of Office SBE is retail or OEM, and that will make a difference for him, if i’ve read my above quotation correctly. I don’t think I’ve personally come across a company that _didn’t_ give OEM copies of the OS and other bundled software with desktop or notebook purchases. It’s difficult to tell from the bundle price in **Tripler** ’s proposed purchase whether that’s retail or OEM, but I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if it is the latter. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-really-buy-another-copy-of-software-i-already-own/349161/8 "2006-03-20T18:40:15Z")
> [@Tripler](#): > > Unfortunately, I can’t answer that question right now, since my desktop is in storage back in the states. However, being that I did buy the thing and the accompanying software back in '03 (and I think I remember installing it myself, rather than having it pre-loaded on the machine when it arrived), I _think_ I might be in the clear, thanks to **mhendo** ’s post. > > One question for clarification: “OEM”? OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. To reduce my typing load, i’ll quote from [Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_equipment_manufacturer): > [@](#): > > OEM, when used to describe software, is used to differentiate that version of the software which is bundled with other hardware or software from that same software package sold on its own as a retail package. The packaging and legal rights that come with the OEM versions of a software package generally differ from what is provided with the retail versions. The functionality of the software is often the same, but it is quite common for the OEM version to be a version with reduced functionality. (For instance the OEM version of Cyberlink PowerDVD supports two channel audio but not multi-channel sound systems. A customer who wishes to play DVDs with multi-channel sound is required to pay to upgrade to the full version). > > OEM software may be licensed under conditions requiring that it be sold with computer hardware. To avoid contravening the conditions while passing OEM software savings on to end users, some retailers will sell OEM software with a “token” hardware device of small cost, such as a tiny SIMM or a cable splitter. When you get back to the US, look at the discs you got, and the package or book that came with them. It should tell you whether it is a full retail version of the software, or an OEM version. ---
**Author:** ![Mindfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mindfield/32/19759_2.png) [@Mindfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mindfield)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-really-buy-another-copy-of-software-i-already-own/349161/9 "2006-03-20T18:43:00Z")
> [@Tripler](#): > > One question for clarification: “OEM”? OEM software is typically unpackaged software (CD-only, usually a paper sleeve or very simple packaging) that is bundled with hardware purchases for a discounted rate. The tradeoff (other than the lack of packaging and often hardcopy documentation) is that OEM software usually has a more restrictive license agreement, either restricting it only for use to the specific machine it was bundled with, or requiring that new versions be purchased as full retail packages (as opposed to upgrade versions) or the like. ---
**Author:** ![Stan\_Doubt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/53a042/32.png) [@Stan\_Doubt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Doubt)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2006, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-really-buy-another-copy-of-software-i-already-own/349161/10 "2006-03-21T05:38:51Z")
FYI, From a recent CS2 install, Adobe software also currently allows the principal user of the computer the software is installed on to install a second copy on a portable or home computer, provided that those copies are used exclusively by the registered user and are not used concurrently with the original installation of the software. ---
**Author:** ![Alan\_Smithee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/2acd7d/32.png) [@Alan\_Smithee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alan_Smithee)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2006, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-really-buy-another-copy-of-software-i-already-own/349161/11 "2006-03-21T06:49:14Z")
Or you could get [Open Office](http://www.openoffice.org/), which is open source and is perfectly compatible (IME) with MS Office. (You just have to set OO to automatically open and save files in MS formats.) Why give MS more money than you have to? (If you really don’t want to switch between programs, get a copy of OO for both your computers. Why not? It’s free! It’s pretty similar to MS Office, and shouldn’t give you any problems getting used to it.) ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2006, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-really-buy-another-copy-of-software-i-already-own/349161/12 "2006-03-21T07:39:05Z")
> [@Alan Smithee](#): > > Or you could get [Open Office](http://www.openoffice.org/), which is open source and is perfectly compatible (IME) with MS Office. (You just have to set OO to automatically open and save files in MS formats.) Why give MS more money than you have to? > > (If you really don’t want to switch between programs, get a copy of OO for both your computers. Why not? It’s free! It’s pretty similar to MS Office, and shouldn’t give you any problems getting used to it.) Though I am a big fan of OO (and StarOffice, before there was an [OpenOffice.org](http://OpenOffice.org)) it is not perfectly compatible - for example, it doesn’t do Office macros well (a plus if you ask me.) You should try it, though. However, if you don’t do anything really, complicated, it is a good choice. BTW, the student edition of Office, which I got for my daughter, comes with three licenses. ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2006, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-really-buy-another-copy-of-software-i-already-own/349161/13 "2006-03-21T14:48:37Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. To reduce my typing load, i’ll quote from [Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_equipment_manufacturer):When you get back to the US, look at the discs you got, and the package or book that came with them. It should tell you whether it is a full retail version of the software, or an OEM version. From memory, and from your definition, I’m fairly certain it’s an OEM version–I remember going into the “Computer Disk Ammo Box” to get my paper-sleeve disks to install the Equation Editor for Word. I’m starting to get a slow, sinking feeling. . . I’ve read the previous posts, but now I have to ask–would someone mind digging through their copies to see if I can do a “one desktop and one laptop” install? Tripler I miss my Lotus Works and 1-2-3 already. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2006, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-really-buy-another-copy-of-software-i-already-own/349161/14 "2006-03-21T16:04:01Z")
I wouldn’t lose a bit of sleep over installing your legally purchased copy of Office on another computer, especially if only one was being used at once. Seriously, you bought the software, how far can EULAs go? Can Microsoft say you can only run their software every other day, or while upside down and reciting a Gilbert and Sullivan song? Another option, as previously mentioned, is to install OpenOffice. [http://www.openoffice.org](http://www.openoffice.org) See if you like it before putting Office on another machine. You might find it does what you need and for free. I’ve used the Word Processor and Spreadsheet and found them just as useful as the MS versions.