Microsoft offers charity-friendly license

Microsoft has created a special software license for Windows 98 and Windows 2000 that allows charities and schools to use second-hand PCs without breaking the company's end-user license rules.

As pressure increases on businesses to recycle or refurbish their old PCs, a greater number of used systems are finding their way into the hands of charitable organizations and schools. The catch is that, because the computers were sold with corporate licenses, it is effectively illegal for the charities to make use of the computers without falling afoul of Microsoft's license agreement.

To address this issue, the company has launched the Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers program, which allows selected companies to install updated versions of either Windows 98 or Windows 2000 to used computers for a "nominal charge" to cover "materials and program operations."

Elena Bonfiglioli, Microsoft's corporate social responsibility and community affairs director, said in a statement that the program will extend the life of PCs and help increase access to technology. She said the refurbishers program will "maximize IT access in schools and community centers to support more education for all and minimize the environmental impact of redundant hardware."

Three years ago, Microsoft gave in to pressure after at first demanding that an Australian children's charity buy new licenses for donated computers. Eventually, the software giant offered to give the charity 150 packs of Windows 95 and 10 refurbished computers as a "gesture of goodwill."

Munir Kotadia of ZDNet UK reported from London. Megan McAuliffe of ZDNet Australia contributed to this report.

[marvin25]

Anti Trust Agreement

I wish the author understood the anti trust with the Department of Justice of the United States. That part of license agreement is not enforceable anymore world wide. They can use any OS including Linux. So when the company sells or donates a computer(s) they don't have to maintain the Windows Operating System at all. If Microsoft requests money they can put another operating system with no problem. So the next time please research the neew licensing agreement that Microsoft must follow. They can't mandate the Windows system at all on any computer even the one you own as they could do before. Thank you for allowing me to present my view.

They're not doing anyone any favors

They strongly opposed this until Linux started taking off in this regard. They're not the least bit interested in doing the right thing, they're only worried about being displaced.

[jmarler]

Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers

In checking the website, Authorized refurbishers or MAR's are only in Europe, Africe, etc. Not for USA at this time, although I do not see why!