EULA? MELA!

IN Open Source

Reading through some EULAs (End User License Agreements) today (because that’s just how I roll) and noticed some very interesting things.

Did you know that you are legally allowed to create a backup copy of Windows 7?  According to the Windows 7 Ultimate EULA

10. BACKUP COPY.

a. Media. If you acquired the software on a disc or other media, you may make one backup copy of the media. You may use it only to reinstall the software on the licensed computer.

b. Electronic Download. If you purchased and downloaded the software online, you may make one copy of the software on a disc or other media in order to install the software on a computer. You may also use it to reinstall the software on the licensed computer.

As far as I had known, copying the Windows 7 DVD was punishable only by death, but here we are learning that we need not fear personal body harm should we choose to do so!

But was this the only EULA I read my friends? No! I also perused the iTunes EULA. In section 2 of the iTunes EULA we find the following gem:

THE APPLE SOFTWARE IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN THE OPERATION
OF NUCLEAR FACILITIES, AIRCRAFT NAVIGATION OR COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS, LIFE SUPPORT MACHINES OR OTHER EQUIPMENT IN WHICH THE FAILURE OF
THE APPLE SOFTWARE COULD LEAD TO DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR SEVERE PHYSICAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE.

I know others have mentioned this too (hear Richard Dreyfuss read some choice sections) but it’s still neat to see it for one’s self.