Academic versions of software
I'm currently attending college at night and thinking about switching over from PC to a Mac. The Educational Apple Instant Loan has great rates so I'm considering getting a G3 to use at home and a new 12inch Powerbook to take to class.
According to the Apple rep, the Academic versions of the software (like Office X or Virtual PC) are 'supposed' to be used on only one machine, which would mean I could install it either on the G3 or the Powerbook but not both. If I wanted it on both machines, I'd have to buy two copies. Having to do that seems rather rediculous. Does anyone with Academic version software know if the software has security codes or other other functions that would prevent me from installing it on both machines? I suppose I could buy the non-Academic software at the Apple store and then install it on both machines. The price would probably come out near the same either way.
According to the Apple rep, the Academic versions of the software (like Office X or Virtual PC) are 'supposed' to be used on only one machine, which would mean I could install it either on the G3 or the Powerbook but not both. If I wanted it on both machines, I'd have to buy two copies. Having to do that seems rather rediculous. Does anyone with Academic version software know if the software has security codes or other other functions that would prevent me from installing it on both machines? I suppose I could buy the non-Academic software at the Apple store and then install it on both machines. The price would probably come out near the same either way.
Comments
Congrats on the switch.
<strong>
Does anyone with Academic version software know if the software has security codes or other other functions that would prevent me from installing it on both machines?</strong><hr></blockquote>
Office X polls to see if another installation activated with the same code is present. If another copy is running on the same network, then the second copy will quit.
This happens if the two computers are on the same network, including a wireless network. Either copy will work fine when the computers are not connected.
There are ways to circumvent the copy protection on office... you'll have to find those on your own, though.
edit: Oh! You posted the same exact thread in 2 forums. Not cool. You confused the hell outta me. Maybe this one could be locked to prevent confusion (and considering it's in the wrong forum and would have to be moved anyway... I need to be a moderator
[ 02-23-2003: Message edited by: torifile ]</p>
Perhaps one of the moderators can move this whole thing to the software forum where it belongs.
[ 02-23-2003: Message edited by: EdinLA43 ]</p>
<strong>
Office X polls to see if another installation activated with the same code is present. If another copy is running on the same network, then the second copy will quit.
This happens if the two computers are on the same network, including a wireless network. Either copy will work fine when the computers are not connected.</strong><hr></blockquote>
That's the problem. I have a Linksys router with a network. I'd have my old Windows machine on it, and I'd have the new G3 and Powerbook on there too. I'd want to be able to send Office X files back and forth between the two. Both Macs would be turned on at the same time but I probably wouldn't have Office X open on both machines at the same time. I don't know if the Office X would know if there was another installation there if the computer was on but no Office X apps running. What a hassle.
[ 02-23-2003: Message edited by: EdinLA43 ]</p>
<strong>Stay away from AppleLoans, you could get a better deal from your friendly local mafia family.</strong><hr></blockquote>
What makes you say that? Doesn't MBNA(?) handle the financing? The interest rate is 9.99%, which isn't that bad. And with the educational loan, you only have to pay the interest for the first two years, even though I'd be paying it off much sooner, I'd still have the flexibility to only pay the minimum.
<strong>
That's the problem. I have a Linksys router with a network. I'd have my old Windows machine on it, and I'd have the new G3 and Powerbook on there too. I'd want to be able to send Office X files back and forth between the two. Both Macs would be turned on at the same time but I probably wouldn't have Office X open on both machines at the same time. I don't know if the Office X would know if there was another installation there if the computer was on but no Office X apps running. What a hassle.
[ 02-23-2003: Message edited by: EdinLA43 ]</strong><hr></blockquote>
There shouldn't be a problem as long as Office X isn't active on both machines. And file-sharing will still work regardless of Office X's status.
Anyway, I heard that this network check has be disabled with recent versions, though I may very well be wrong.
As for installing single-license software on multiple machines, you're not supposed to do it with commercial versions on any other platforms either.
good prices
Typically, academic licenses are also supposed to be used only for academic purposes too, but nobody does that...
<strong>
What makes you say that? Doesn't MBNA(?) handle the financing? The interest rate is 9.99%, which isn't that bad. And with the educational loan, you only have to pay the interest for the first two years, even though I'd be paying it off much sooner, I'd still have the flexibility to only pay the minimum.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Read the fine print dude,
<strong>
Read the fine print dude,</strong><hr></blockquote>
I agree, the fine print could be scary. Interest rate can be between 10-27% but that's the only scary thing I found. The nice thing for me is that the first two years you pay interest only and you can pay it off as fast as you want, so if I plan to pay it off within those two years, it's a great deal. I suppose you won't find out what your interest rate will be until you apply and if it's too high, you don't have to take out the loan. I guess the alternative is to open a credit card account. For a student like me, it's hard to come up with a big chunk of cash.
<strong>My campus has a site license for Office (for example). You can install it for free or buy the CD for $40. So ... unlimited installs. See if yours has the same thing.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Great suggestion Scott. I'll check it out next time I'm in the computer lab.
<strong>
Great suggestion Scott. I'll check it out next time I'm in the computer lab.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I'd look in the bookstore. Sometimes this program isn't advertized very well. My school's bookstore has a link on their website, and in the store itself, it just has a list taped to the wall right next to the academic priced versions. Many people don't notice the list and buy the boxed versions. There's a flyer with all the products, prices, and details, but it is at the customer service counter, which isn't very close to the computer/software section.
A@ron
<strong>In terms of codes and such that would block you from installing, I have never come across any.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I have - Sibelius, the Music notation software. I have the full version, - at a price similar to final cut pro! This generates a code based on the hardware/software makeup of the computer. You have to register your computer's code, and you have then to go through a process of typing codes between the computer and another that you want to transfer the license to. I don't know what I'd do if my HD wiped out - I think I'd shout at the company until they gave me another code.
Great piece of software, though - should use it more!
David