"Free" cover disc software

[Cmd.exe]

My apologies if this has already been covered, I did a quick forum search.

I have been handed a PC Advisor cover disk and been asked to install a piece of software across our network. This software is the full version and presumably was previously on sale somewhere and is now given away ‘free’ with the magazine.

The License agreement states:

“Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Licensor grants to End-User a non-exclusive, non-transferable, limited license for the personal and non-commercial use of the software…”

So… is a school ‘non-commercial’ I guess so.

“… to (i) install and use the Software in object code form only on a single computer as a single end-user, (ii) make one (1) copy of the Software for backup and archival purposes, and (iii) use the Documentation only in conjunction with the use of the Software. End-User acknowledges that it must purchase from Licensor, pursuant to a separate written agreement with Licensor, a license for each concurrent user of the Software and that concurrent use by multiple users in excess of the licenses purchased from Licensor is prohibited. …”

So we can’t use it across our network without additional permission anyway (or buying 500 magazines)?

I would appreciate some advice, as this issue keeps cropping up and we are being asked to push the boundaries of legality, and as the licensing of software is my responsibility!

[plexer]

Single computer statement means you can't do it.

Ben

[TheLibrarian]

Single computer statement means you can't do it.

Ben

Agree completely, don't do it.

Unless of course you want to load the school with illegal software, tip us off and then we'll split the reward with you for reporting the illegal software...

Stick to your guns.

[OutToLunch]

Send them off to buy another few hundred copies of PC Advisor then ask them to make sure they're stored safely somewhere in their office as licensing evidence

[JJonas]

You cant do it the software is for personal use only.

[Cmd.exe]

Cheers Guys, this is what i thought, i shall stand my ground!

Responses much appreciated.

[alextreadwell]

Get in touch with the software vendor, if they are giving it away for free they may aggree that you can use it on your whole site. One of our teachers wanted to run a magazine copy roller coster Tycoon on our network we phoned atari and they said no problem and sent us a load of CD's to use as proof of license.