The Jaguar family

[kreesurgeon]

Some chap called Mossberg has been playing witha new iMac and writing his opinion on the MacCentral website

I quote:
"Oh, and one other thing: In stark contrast to Microsoft's practice with Windows, Apple is introducing family pricing for Jaguar. The company will sell for $199 a family version that can be legally installed on up to five computers," said Mossberg.

anyone know anything about this. I don't want to be wasting my money buying some thing that's going to be eer.... erm..... ah! 2/5ths of the price!:confused:

[King Cobra]

If you recall back to our very friendly Piracy and Mac OS X thread in the Macrumors News :rolleyes: many people were debating about how OS X was so expensive (supposibly the most expensive OS) that people would start to pirate it to save money (in other words, install it on multiple machines while paying for the price of one), which is illegal. What is [supposedly] going on here is that there will be a version of the software that costs only $40 per license, assuming you install this on 5 computers. This is an extention of the EULA, apparently, as, under normal circumstances, only one license per computer is allowed. Here, you can legally install OS X on up to 5 computers for a total of $200. This way, you can actually save money the legal way.

[kreesurgeon]

Do we have any idea when?

[HasanDaddy]

Similar to Windows XP, does JagWire stop working if installed on more than one computer? Does Apple keep tabs each time were on the internet?

Thanks!

[MacUser1]

I saw this too. I'm worried. Should I order a copy with the education discount, or should I wait for the "family" version. I'd hate to pay $200, but I want to install it on 2 or 3 computers.:confused:

[King Cobra]

Let's do the math:

Install one copy of Jaguar on two computers legally: $258

Install the family version of Jaguar (yes, that means Homer, Marge, Maggie, Bart and Lisa can pet the nice kitty at once :D): $199

Install one copy of Jaguar on two or three computers (illegally): $129...DANGER!!

I'm guessing this option would come out right when Jaguar is released.

[Gus]

Are you telling me that it is ILLEGAL for me to install 10.2 (or any Apple OS) on my 3 different computers that I own and operate? There is no way in hell that I am going to buy multiple copies for each machine, when I use them all. Please tell me that I am looking at this backwards or upside down or something. If Apple is meaning this, then I am going to be pissed (like they care ;) about lil' ol' me).

Gus

[King Cobra]

Gus, it is illegal to buy the 1-user license of OS X ($129) and use it simutaneously on your three computers, according to EULA rules. But, if you by the supposed 5-user license, it is considered legal.

This goes the same with Photoshop, Norton, Appleworks, FCP, GoLive, whatever. However, people try and get away with installing multiple copies. It is illegal, whether you cannot be found out about this or not; however, a large number of people (see other thread) seem to give a rat's rectum.

[drastik]

Originally posted by Gus
Are you telling me that it is ILLEGAL for me to install 10.2 (or any Apple OS) on my 3 different computers that I own and operate? There is no way in hell that I am going to buy multiple copies for each machine, when I use them all. Please tell me that I am looking at this backwards or upside down or something. If Apple is meaning this, then I am going to be pissed (like they care ;) about lil' ol' me).

Gus

Well, prepare to be pissed because it is definitely illegal. But don't be pissed at apple, its illegal to do this with any operating system that you have to pay for. Only exception would be a free linux OS.

Think about it, you're not aloud to install same programs on different computers either, that's what a liscence is.

[Nipsy]

Originally posted by King Cobra
Gus, it is illegal to buy the 1-user license of OS X ($129) and use it simutaneously on your three computers, according to EULA rules. But, if you by the supposed 5-user license, it is considered legal.


Isn't that just great, Gus (1 user), has to buy a 5 user licencse to be "legal".

Ahhh...lawyers...

[Gus]

I guess I should read more closely. From the Original OS X SLA:

"You may install one copy of this software onto one single Apple-branded computer"

Ok, sorry I flew off the handle earlier, but dang, that just seems wrong that I own three machines from Apple, with their software pre-installed, and then I have to shell out 3 times for an update. I know all of the financial and legal reasons for this, so please don't everyone flame me. It just seems very impractical for them to demand that the same person pay three times for machines that they own. Also, because I am worse than broke, and there is no way I can afford 3 copies of Jaguar. I'm still paying for one of the machines.:)

Gus

[drastik]

Since when is $129 the most expensive OS. XP pro is at least 200 to upgrade, I've never seen cheaper, and M$ definitely does not offer upgrade dsicounts anymore.

[Gus]

i am very much aware of the financial ramnifications of say a school or office abusing the SLA and installing multiple copies of the OS onto MANY machines for use, however, I can't see charging an INDIVIDUAL multiple times for the rights to use the OS on their own home machines. I know that this isn't going to happen as it is, and I know that it is illegal (now ;) ), but it still seems wrong, when I have already payed through the nose for the machines to begin with. Oh well, I guess that's just the way it is, and I will have to scrape up some money, but that sure is a kick in the teeth (and the wallet).

Gus

[Gus]

}J

[Gus]

If this is the case, (the whole OS X "Family" license) why isn't abailable now? Is Apple just trying to make as much money off of an initial release, and then tell us we have this option, or will you be able to upgrade to "Family" from a single-user license do you think? Like I said, I know Apple is a company, and companies need profits (especially nowadays), but to inform the users AFTER they already buy a single-user license (or multiple copies which I guess will be my case) is misleading and frankly (don't call me Frank) not something I expect from Apple. Obviously Walt knows about it, so how come we don't?

Just a thought.

Gus

[MacUser1]

Cnet says that they will formally release this with the Jaguar release.
Apple Gives Break to Multi-Mac Homes (http://news.com.com/2100-1040-949996.html?tag=fd_top)

[King Cobra]

>(drastik) Since when is $129 the most expensive OS. XP pro is at least 200 to upgrade, I've never seen cheaper, and M$ definitely does not offer upgrade dsicounts anymore.

Some are saying that Apple pulled an M$, that Apple allowed us to "beta-test" their OS (10.0, 10.1) so that we would have to pay full price AGAIN for 10.2.

[Rocketman]

Originally posted by kreesurgeon

Apple is introducing family pricing for Jaguar. The company will sell for $199 a family version that can be legally installed on up to five computers," said Mossberg.

Confirmed as fact.

What is really cool is Apple is offering this so "honest people can stay honest" and is STILL leaving copy protection off the OSX system.

This is tremendously great news.

Apple trusts us and Apple hears us AT THE SAME TIME.

Buy this product.

This means in a pinch you can borrow a friend's Jagwire disc, but when was the last time you has to reinstall a MacOS?

Rocketman.

[HasanDaddy]

From CNET:

"The family license program, to some degree, depends on the honor system. Although legally Mac owners are required to purchase a copy of the operating system for each Mac they own, Apple, unlike Microsoft, does not put technical barriers in place to prevent people from installing software on more than one machine.

"Our software has never had draconian activation," said Bereskin. However, he said that many Mac owners want their installations to be legal, but they're not willing to pay full price for each copy of the operating system.

"This is a great way to allow honest people to remain honest," Bereskin said."

APPLE ROCKS! They protect those of us who cheat, and those of us who are honest.......unlike WinDoZe, who manage to SCREW OVER everyone (cheaters and non cheaters!).

[dwishbone]

first off MacOS 10.2 is not the most expensive. XP Home is $99 but it is a crippled piece of rat terd next to XP Pro. Home doesnt even support NTFS (its NT based and doesnt support its OWN file system...bad MS).
Yes it is illegal to install almost any software on multiple computers when you buy it. most programs include 1 user license. At least Apple trusts its users and doesnt include spyware to let them know if it is on more than one computer. As you all know XP lets MS constantly know your computer configuration. I have had my copy of XP crap out many times on ONE computer saying i installed it illegally. it detected my hardware upgrades as a "different" computer.
It is a big honking pain in the keister everytime i change my home PC's configuration.

[hesdeadjim]

Honestly, this makes me feel a lot better about the update price not being there. I only use one computer, but I have a lot of friends who use macs. We could all combine our money and buy a "family" liscense and share. They don't have to konw. And if there are any lisences left, we could give it to other friends. I must admit, I don't have a lot of "legal" software mostly because of the pure cost of it. But this is great news, and hopefully it is successful so that other software companies follow suit. It would also be great for small businesses. I think this is probably the best thing that Apple's done in a while.

[bousozoku]

Okay, so the price is higher than expected.

Is the value not there? Did Apple include a lot of things?

Were there hundreds or thousands of Apple employees working on it?

Does Apple want to stay in business and do we want them to stay in business?

The family pricing sounds great since I have two machines here and then, my dad's machine as well.

Gus:

I understand what you're saying about buying the machines. You were given a licence to the operating system on each of those machines and you are welcome to run that version as long as you want, provided that you don't require support. It would be infeasable for any company to provide perpetual operating system licences unless they did very little enhancement.

I had a situation on a big machine where the cost of the upgrade was going to be $27,000. IBM would eventually drop support for the O.S. we were using, so it was imperative to do it even if it wasn't pleasant.

[Gus]

I'm resigned to the fact that I have been an idiot abouot this for a while, but I now see the error of my ways. Problem is, is that I ordered Jaguar in July, loooong before this "family" thing, and if I can't just upgrade to the family pack , then I am going to have to shell out more money for the other computers. Once again, not Apple's fault, except for the timing of the announcement.

As others have said:
"all my money belong to Apple" :D

Gus

[skunk]

If you go to the AppleStore US page, and click on "Apple Software", the second item on the list is 10.2 five-licence "Family Pack", at $199. On the main OS X pages it's still at $129 for a single-user. Strangely low-key: you wouldn't even know it was there if you clicked on the obvious Mac OS X banner. Sadly, they don't have this option at the UK AppleStore yet. I've just cancelled my existing order to replace it with one of these beauties!

[chmorley]

Originally posted by King Cobra
Some are saying that Apple pulled an M$, that Apple allowed us to "beta-test" their OS (10.0, 10.1) so that we would have to pay full price AGAIN for 10.2.
Stupid people are saying this. Why repeat it?

Chris

[chmorley]

Originally posted by Gus
I'm resigned to the fact that I have been an idiot abouot this for a while, but I now see the error of my ways. Problem is, is that I ordered Jaguar in July, loooong before this "family" thing, and if I can't just upgrade to the family pack , then I am going to have to shell out more money for the other computers. Once again, not Apple's fault, except for the timing of the announcement.
Three quick points, Gus:
1) If you bought XP for your three machines, you'd have had to buy three full-priced licenses for them even to work. As a matter of fact, one copy of Office v.X won't run on several Macs on a network--you have to purchase multiple licenses and Product IDs.

2) When you put gas in your cars, change their oil, or get better tires, you have to pay for each car separately. While software "feels" different (because breaking the law has been the norm), the principal is the same.

3) You can probably cancel your existing order, get the Home License, and still have your order by the same date. I wouldn't bet the ranch on it, but the shipping date is still a week off (even if some might/might not be getting it early--mine still hasn't shipped).

Anyway, it sounds like Apple will allow people to make their choice about whether or not to break the law, so you only have your conscience to answer to. I know what I would have done when I was in grad school. ;)

Chris

[kreesurgeon]

Here's a question

I've already purchased 10.1 separately for all my machines, I'm now about to pay full price for a family copy of 10.2, will I then have to pay full price for a family copy of 10.3? and so on

[irmongoose]

Originally posted by kreesurgeon
Here's a question

I've already purchased 10.1 separately for all my machines, I'm now about to pay full price for a family copy of 10.2, will I then have to pay full price for a family copy of 10.3? and so on

If Apple decides to charge for it, yes. It all depends on how big the upgrade is. (Actaully, on how Apple is feeling when they release 10.3...)



irmongoose

[skunk]

At some point, maybe in this lifetime, the OS will be bug-free and stable enough not to NEED upgrading any further for a while. There are those who think that point was reached with 7.5, 8.1 or 8.6. We are so used to the cycle of release-with-bugs, bug-fix-with-bugs, etc, that we seem to have forgotten the point of it all. Maybe 10.3 will be the definitive resting-point, when we can all sit back and think "OK, that'll do"? Obviously at the moment it's a work in progress. But what will Apple do with all those busloads of programmers who have been beavering away at X so far? I suppose they could direct their efforts to AppleWorks and other apps, but it's hard to see where their wages will come from if all their work is bundled free.

[Edge100]

Originally posted by hesdeadjim
Honestly, this makes me feel a lot better about the update price not being there. I only use one computer, but I have a lot of friends who use macs. We could all combine our money and buy a "family" liscense and share. They don't have to konw. And if there are any lisences left, we could give it to other friends. I must admit, I don't have a lot of "legal" software mostly because of the pure cost of it. But this is great news, and hopefully it is successful so that other software companies follow suit. It would also be great for small businesses. I think this is probably the best thing that Apple's done in a while.

This is just as illegal as buying one copy and using it on multiple machines.

Apple explicitly states that the 5-user licence applies only in one household.

If you are going to do this, why bother paying the extra $$$?

I personally will not be buying two copies for my two Macs, but if your're going to pirate, just get it over with.

[skunk]

Are you saying that if the children move out they have to leave their licences at home and buy new single-user ones. Come on, how silly is that?

[jaronimo]

someone have any idea wheter this family-pack will be availabel in europe too?

[skunk]

I am ordering mine from AppleStore US, as it's cheaper and available now.

[Edge100]

Originally posted by skunk
Are you saying that if the children move out they have to leave their licences at home and buy new single-user ones. Come on, how silly is that?

This is doubtful. So long as they lived in the household at the time the licence was purchased, the licence will (most likely) go with them.

But you cannot get together a bunch of friends and say, "Hey, we all want Jaguar. Lets buy a "family" pack and save money that way".

What I was saying is that if you want to be COMPLETELY legal about it, if the people dont live in the same household, then they each need their own licence. If you arent prepared to do this, then you might as well save $70 and buy the single-user licence and just burn 4 other copies. In the eyes of the law, its the same thing.

Now, as I said, I wont be doing this for my two macs;)

[funkywhat2]

its not right to steal anything with an apple logo on it, you really should save for it. however, if your looking for office, etc. thats a different story;)