More Software for Linux Than for Windows (surprise!)

[enderandrew]

I'm pretty sure that asking for anything illegal is going to get your post deleted.

The Windows CD doesn't explicitly allow distribution, but it really isn't hard to get your hands on one. Nor do I think there is much of a dilemma sending it to your folks if they have a Windows license. More than likely they purchased their computer with Windows preinstalled, and there should be a sticker with a serial on it.

Find out if that sticker is Home or Pro however.

I think the real solution is sending them an openSUSE DVD and walking them through the installer over the phone. The installer is pretty simple.

[BNG22908]

Actually, I built the computer myself, so there is no windows license or anything. I threw away all of my windows stuff, so I have no install key, no CD, nothing.

Sending them a Suse CD may be the best way to go. It may not be met with a lot of enthusiasm, though. On one hand I want to help my parents and I want them to be happy, but on the other hand I don't want to support Microsoft at all, or even use one of their products.

[enderandrew]

Explain to them that if you give them Windows, someone needs to be around all the time to clean off viruses and spyware, and all kinds of stuff. The computer is safer with openSUSE.

[BNG22908]

Ah, good idea! And I have a SuSE live cd and a Knoppix live cd in a bubble envelope all set to mail out tomorrow morning.