Legal aspects of virtual machines
My normal computer is currently under "repair" due to the fact that I uninstall a bunch of applications while trying to fix an old application that failed in certain situations and caused a blue death cycle.
I have now requested the ability to have virtual machines so that I can test outdated software safely and in a controlled manner and not worry about installed apps / services hiding symptoms since I joined this and this incident patrons for my reason.
However, I am confused by saying that I need an XP license for every copy installed on my machine. I think this is wrong (Scott Henselman freely admits to using multiple Win7 installations - or is this just a Win7 licensed thing?), But I have no evidence to back up my claims.
What is the legality of running virtual machines - XP in particular - for testing purposes?
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How can you get a VM from a Microsoft site that has XP and IE (the operating system will often "expire" after a few weeks / months), I guess this covers the legality.
These VPC images are for testing purposes and will expire on July 1, 2010 - there can be no problem using them.
Overview
This download page contains various VPC images, depending on what you want to check.
IE6-on-XP-SP3.exe contains Windows XP SP3 with IE6 VHD file. Expires July 1, 2010
IE7-on-XP-SP3.exe contains Windows XP SP3 with IE7 VHD file. Expires July 1, 2010
IE8-on-XP-SP3.exe contains Windows XP SP3 with IE8 VHD file. Expires July 1, 2010
IE7-VIS1.exe + IE7-VIS2.rar + IE7-VIS3.rar contain Vista image with IE7 VHD file. Expires 120 days after the first run.
IE8-VIS1.exe + IE8-VIS2.rar + IE8-VIS3.rar + IE8-VIS4.rar contain Vista image with IE8 VHD file. Expires 120 days after the first run.
Note. For the Vista image, you will need the files in this set, downloaded and in the same directory, then run the EXE in the root directory.
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You need to purchase a Microsoft Technet subscription , you get (almost unlimited) licenses for almost all Microsoft applications and operating systems for testing and development (eg non-productive) use only . You just go to the site, click the Get License button every time you need a different license for a new virtual machine.
There's an expensive subscription (which includes Visual Studio licenses) for developers and a cheaper version that we use for every member of the test / support / QA team.
Please note that while you have access to a large number of licenses, in accordance with Microsoft's reputation I spoke with every person who accesses or uses the installed software, a technology subscription is also required.
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