Major Office 2013 licensing changes (laptop, desktop, Open Office, installed)

[NHDave]

Office 2013 retail has basically taken on licensing very similar to previous years OEM versions, it's now permanently tied to the PC it's first installed on and cannot be moved to another, and no more use on multiple PC's for certain versions.

Office 2013 retail licensing change ties suite to specific PC forever - Computerworld

[Tek_Freek]

Scr3w you Microslop. I still use Office 2003.

[irman]

One more reason to stick with old versions (I have a 2003 version that came with an old laptop), or use the free *Office Suites*. So my desktop has the 2003 MS version, while my laptop either uses the *free* MS Works thingy (comes with MS Win7, and I never have used it yet), or the *FREE* version from *Softmaker*, which I always use.

I am sure tho that if one has to *replace* his computer, or has a need to re-install everything (for some reason or another), then it might be done, by asking MS for another key.

[SorryIMovedBack]

Originally Posted by Tek_Freek

Scr3w you Microslop. I still use Office 2003.

LOL! You can still buy that for, like, $40. Open Office is pretty close to 2003 or so I have been told. And it's free.

Office 365 / 2013 can kma.

[NHDave]

Originally Posted by irman

One more reason to stick with old versions (I have a 2003 version that came with an old laptop), or use the free *Office Suites*. So my desktop has the 2003 MS version, while my laptop either uses the *free* MS Works thingy (comes with MS Win7, and I never have used it yet), or the *FREE* version from *Softmaker*, which I always use.

I am sure tho that if one has to *replace* his computer, or has a need to re-install everything (for some reason or another), then it might be done, by asking MS for another key.

Going by the letter of their law, if you have to reload Windows you should be able to get it reactivated, if you replace your PC with an entirely different one you'll be buying a new copy of Office.

[NJBest]

This is Microsoft's response to Pirates who steal software.

Personally, I'm not too fond of the Office 2013 licensing terms... but the Office 365 pricing is not bad at all.

[NHDave]

Originally Posted by NJBest

This is Microsoft's response to Pirates who steal software.

Personally, I'm not too fond of the Office 2013 licensing terms... but the Office 365 pricing is not bad at all.

That's likely part of their goal, to get people into monthly subscriptions rather than a buy it once, use it for 10 years scenario.

[EscapeCalifornia]

These moves always remind me of this quote:

"The more you tighten your grip, Tarkin, the more star systems will slip through your fingers."

People DO have a choice, especially home users who aren't particularly invested in MS Office. Sure, they'd like to have it, but if the terms become too onerous, they'll find something else even if they don't like it as well.

[NHDave]

Yes they do have a choice, the problem is that most don't KNOW that they do. People are always surprised when I tell them about Libra Office.

[Peregrine]

Yea, I am getting pretty fed up with MS and I am a fan who also supports the products at my job.
Now 2003 isn't supported on Win8 for no other reason then they just want it dead and want you to upgrade upgrade upgrade.