More ways to get Windows 2000 upgrade for free
 
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Just before Christmas (nwfusion.com/newsletters/nt/1220nt2.html), I pointed out that under some licensing contracts in force during 1998, you might be entitled to a free Windows 2000 upgrade. I was reminded by Microsoft's Kent Cook (who, as communications manager for the Volume Licensing Group, may be the only one who understands the various licensing schemes) that there are other ways you might be entitled to a free upgrade.
First, some hardware vendors that have been selling computers with Windows NT 4 installed are also including a coupon for a free upgrade to Windows 2000. Also, anyone buying Windows NT 4 from January 1 through the Windows launch date is entitled to a free upgrade to the new operating system.
Cook also reminded me that Microsoft has streamlined licensing for Windows 2000, especially compared to the myriad of schemes available at the launch of NT 4. Gone is server-based concurrent-connection licensing (although it's still around for Back Office applications); now, all users authenticating to a Windows 2000 network need a client license. Note the word "authenticated." At the launch of NT 4 workstation, there was considerable confusion about licensing and the use of NT 4 workstation as a Web server. That's been cleared up. Now, purchasing the add-on Internet Connector for Windows 2000 Professional allows unlimited unauthenticated connections (i.e., Web users).
Remember: Read your license documents. If it seems ambiguous, check with the vendor. Keep yourself legal, but get everything you pay for.
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Dave Kearns is a writer and consultant in Silicon Valley. His most recent book is "Peter Norton's Complete Guide to Networks" published by SAMS. Dave's company, Virtual Quill, provides content services to network vendors: books, manuals, white papers, lectures and seminars, marketing, technical marketing and support documents. Virtual Quill provides "words to sell by..." Find out more at Virtual Quill or by e-mail at info@vquill.com
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