Microsoft XP License Prohibits VNC

jhml writes: "Looks like the monopoly muscles are flexing. According to this article in Infoworld, the XP license prohibits products other than from Microsoft's from being used to remotely control an XP workstation. So ... guess they were having a little trouble with VNC being widely used?"

No difference...

[JPriest]

I never could get the sub seven client to run under wine anyway...

Finally, an end to the trojan problem!

[Anonymous Coward]

"the XP license prohibits products other than from Microsoft's from being used to remotely control an XP workstation"

Well, I guess Microsoft finally figured out how to take care of the thousands of trojans out there... Just forbid them in the EULA, and surely they'll all go away ;-)

2-Borg Limit

[unsinged int]

Okay people, we've reached the 2-Borg limit on the main page...

Time to find something non-Microsoft to post before the whole page gets assimilated.

Re:That doesn't mean VNC won't run.

[Anonymous Coward]

since it means a huge fine for the company (and the behind of the IT head).

At most companies the IT head's head is functionally equivalent to his/her behind.

A sure sign of despiration...

[ChrisKnight]

When you can't crush your competition through weilding the club of monopoly, exercise your 'right' to stick innane clauses in your license agreement.

Next up, and likely to be in Windows TX (Total eXtortion):

- You may not use any fax package other than from microsoft to send faxes from Windows.

- You may not use any compiler other than c# to compile software for Windows.

- Tou may not use any internet tools that were compiled without .NET on Windows.

- You may not use any installer tools other than from Microsoft to package software for Windows.

- You may not read web sites with any software other than from Microsoft. (Oops, already did that one.)

- You may not read Slashdot from a Microsoft Browser.

I must say, I am starting to enjoy the sheer humor factor that Microsoft provides. While not yet having been punished for behaving in a monopolistic way, Microsoft goes out of their way to make sure everyone knows just how wide thei are willing to swing their axe.

-Chris

Both VNC server and client work perfectly well

[Vicegrip]

in XP Professional.

I have no tolerance for this kind of invasiveness on how I use my computer and I sincerely hope Microsoft chokes itself on these crappy EULA restrictions. Stunts like these make me so mad... next thing you know, the BSA is going to start suing people for NOT using Microsoft Word.

Mac, here I come. I'm saving for one starting today.

eh?

[Anonymous Coward]

I know this is often the problem, of reality conflicting with theory... but in theory, can MS even make such a claim? I mean, if it is a licensing issue, then fine. After all, I wouldn't support a product that the user used in a 'stupid' way myself, and while it is known that MS merely uses this to shut out competition because they don't have the technical ability to provide superior products and services, the question remains. Can they do this? If I get XP's and use any method to remote administer or directly control these devices, it should not matter to MS. It is like Purina telling you that you can't feed your dog food to your cat... or your kids... or yourself.

Re:This is for "Citrix like" applications.

[dimator]

It's VERY usefull for demos and presentations though.

Not to mention porn...

Re:ssh ?

[Wakko Warner]

What the hell good is SSH on a windows box? Ooh, I can run "cmd.exe".

- A.P.

So what i'm wondering

[Spit_Fire1]

If you use Back Orifice, or netbus or any of the other fake hacker tools like that, is it the attacker or the victim that has to pay for the extra license or be scared of the M$ SWAT team?

Some just noticed!

[1nt3lx]

The most amusing part is that XP has been available for some time now and someone finally noticed this clause.

It makes me wonder what else is floating around in there.

Re:Not necessarily anti-VNC...

[Negadecimal]

I think they're covering their own butts. With all these backdoor viruses floating around, I think MS is trying to prevent themselves from being taken to court if somebody is hacked.

For some reason, I read this and imagined a sign outside of a bank entrance: "By entering this bank, you agree not to steal our money."

No more MS web servers?

[bkocik]

...you may not use the Product to permit any Device to use, access, display, or run other executable software residing on the Workstation Computer...

Does this mean that companies that offer downloads of binaries can't use WinXP for their web servers? After all, that would allow unlicensed users to both "access" and "run" (via the "open the file from this location" option in download dialogs) "executable software residing on the Workstation Computer".

Sounds like MS doesn't want the web anymore.

Re:Finally, an end to the trojan problem!

[Alsee]

Microsoft finally figured out how to take care of the thousands of trojans out there

OMG! Microsoft is abusing their monopoly to expand into the trojan market! Pretty soon there's be no option except Microsoft brand trojans!

-

Re:What about PCAnywhere?

[Anonymous Coward]

The M$ guy quite deliberately danced all around but never answered my question.

Was that M$ guy Ballmer, by any chance?

Re:2-Borg Limit

[56ker]

*cue borg voice* This is Microsoft. You will write articles about us. Linux is futile. Prepare to use Windows. :o)

Re:Pay money to be controlled and tracked....

[screwtheNSA]

Here's a GREAT way to LEGALLY get by ANY EULA:

Send a REGISTERED letter to MS with YOUR statement disallowing ALL EULAs in their entirety, and enclose INSIDE that letter; the line about: *The opening, reading and transferring to another, this letter and its contents, you hereby DISOLVE FOREVER, all licenses, EULAs, CALs and ALL restrictive licensing practices of Microsoft, it's B.O.D, chairman, and C.O.O from forever attempting to force, by license, agreement, click-through, hidden or subjective or by any and all currently known efforts of control, either locally, remotely or by lawyer forever restrained from contact with myself, organization, business, partners or any person or persons even remotely associated with me. You hereby agree to hold harmless forever, any claims of loss of profits, damages or suits of tort against (insert your name here) from attempting to coerce any financial gain, whether by direct or indirect contact or contacts, for the life of the above named person, party or individual.

This agreement supercedes any and all contracts and previous licenses for the duration of the life of(insert your name here)and shall be legally binding upon you the moment this letter is opened and read. The contents of this letter is copyrighted and protected by federal law. Disclosure to any person or persons outside of Microsoft shall constitute a violation of the D.M.C.A and D.R.M as prescribed under federal statute/s for the protection of copyrighted material.

Re:VNC vs. Remote Desktop

[Mike Connell]

Besides, with VNC can you play a CD on the remote computer and listen to it at your local machine?

Yes, but you have to turn the volume way up ;-)

Xbox licenses along similar lines?

[boltar]

Perhaps MS will soon start charging licenses for xtra players on their xbox over and above the cost
of a new controller as its a way of more than one
person to use that cheap PC .. err Xbox at a time.

Re:Makes me laugh

[Rascalson]

Bingo!! Wish I was uber enough to have mod points :)

The Way I read it

[Anonymous Coward]

I may not use a keyboard with XP.