3

I was wondering about computers yesterday, and I got onto the subject of pirating operating systems. The place that I work in has a small network of computers, about 15-20 used by employees. As the employees work, sometimes they get bored and will go onto sites that could potentially have malware, viruses, etc. To combat this, the computer technician has a 'ghost' computer that no one ever uses.

He will back up this computer, and copy the disk image / back up to all of the computers. When doing this, there is the potential to replace every thing on the computer, including the activation key and things like that. I was wondering, if the copy were to wipe the computer entirely and not just specified folders, if that would technically be pirating software because the same exact computer is copied 15-20 times?

Entension: So, if the computers all had separate keys in the beginning, which were all paid for, and then they all switched to one UPC/activation key, 14-19 would be left over, and then those 14-19 could technically be used on another machine? I was under the assumption that every computer had a seperate key.

Community
  • 1
cutrightjm
  • 4,424

2 Answers2

12

No.

As long as your company holds an Enterprise license for your 15-20 computers this is perfectly legal and sensible thing to do.

ChrisF
  • 41,540
2

Nuking a computer in event of suspected Malware infection is the option we take in my workplace (School). It's quicker than trying to clear out the malware by hand.

The legalaties of Windows is a very strange beast, but I would say as long as the company is licensed for the version of windows that is being deployed (that is, it has 20x computers with OEM stickers) on the side then you should be ok, however saying that I Am Not A Lawyer.

If you are concerned, ask him. If he can't give you a decent, straight answer then it's possible it's a dodgey windows version and time to think about moving. (Would I be happy working at a place with illegal software? Not really. Would I be happy working as a sysadmin who is expected to use pirated software? No. Because it's MY ass on the line).

tombull89
  • 6,699