Windows Insider Program: Changes to Terms of Use‏ Insider

davehc · 18 Jan 2015

There have been posts on the Technet forums, regarding the contents of the 2nd para quote:

"Download and install the preview only if you

Want to try out software that’s still in development and like sharing your opinion about it.
Don’t mind lots of updates or a UI design that might change significantly over time.
Really know your way around a PC and feel comfortable troubleshooting problems, backing up data, formatting a hard drive, installing an operating system from scratch or restoring your old one if necessary.
Know what an ISO file is and how to use it.
Aren't installing it on your everyday computer.

We're not joking about the expert thing. So if you think BIOS is a new plant-based fuel, Tech Preview may not be right for you"

The last line may be the significant one.

Item 2. There have been numerous posts regarding problems relating to the Update procedure.

Item 3. It is most obvious, from postings on forums, that many who are "testing" , are only using the beta from curiosity, but have no idea of the more sophisticated ins and outs of a computer.

Item 4 Believe it or not, I have been on forums where even the question has been What is an ISO and what do I do with it. I could quote one where the user copied the ISO to a DVD and could not understand why it would not boot up.

Item 5. We are all aware, even with posts on this forum, that users are installing and using this as there princial, albeit temporary, OS .

Possibly MS are planning to limit the ability to download, to , as yet unspecified, groups of users, to eliminate some of the uninformed feedback

CountMike · 18 Jan 2015

"So if you think BIOS is a new plant-based fuel, Tech Preview may not be right for you", I love it, best description for a lot of my customers (and most relatives).

groze · 18 Jan 2015

davehc said:

Possibly MS are planning to limit the ability to download, to , as yet unspecified, groups of users, to eliminate some of the uninformed feedback

Why would they do that, especially if Microsoft is planning on releasing a consumer preview soon? I see nothing wrong with general consumers using it without feedback, just using windows 10 reports issues to Microsoft. The more testers the better the operating system hopefully.

Could Microsoft (I might of said this in another thread)planning to have different versions of windows 10 to test?

Windows 10 home premium preview for home users to test.

Windows 10 pro preview for advanced computer users, Home business, Small Business, Small corporations, Smaller Non-profit

Windows 10 enterprise for big business, government, bigger non-profit

This way Microsoft gets a well rounded view and everyone gets to test it?

For example if I decided to test windows 10 again. I would choose the home premium preview to test, that the version I already have with windows 7. Even though I could do the windows 10 pro preview because I consider myself an advanced computer user to an extent.

gzt7d8 · 18 Jan 2015

davehc said:

Possibly MS are planning to limit the ability to download, to , as yet unspecified, groups of users, to eliminate some of the uninformed feedback

I can understand what your saying, I'm sure there is a lot of feedback that they sit back and say "What the heck are they talking about?".

I'm by far no expert but I know enough to be dangerous. This site has provided a lot of insight to me on issues whether they be mine or others. I learn a lot here, because I look for answers to my problems and learn from others, some people have a victim mentality and blame it on others; myself, I look in the mirror.

Someone suggested they might offer different versions of Win 10 to test. I suppose that is a possibility too, but would there be a good distribution of the testers to really work the product? I would think MS would still want those of us to work the mainstream products rather all the variations they offer.

What ever the new terms may be, I know I'll run through them and then go get the latest version.

Vladimir · 18 Jan 2015

Well I can't image it will be bad for the those participating in the program, probably just updating them for the new build coming out.

Who will test if they make it too difficult to comply with the terms??

Windows alphadicts

gzt7d8 · 21 Jan 2015

Ok so when do we hear about the updated Terms of Use?

Slartybart · 22 Jan 2015

gzt7d8 said:

Ok so when do we hear about the updated Terms of Use?

Right now.

Microsoft Windows Insider Program
Program Agreement
Posted: January 2015; Effective: January 2015
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1. Scope of Agreement; Changes; Minors

1.1 Agreement. The Agreement governs your use of the Program Services and consists of the notices and warnings above, these terms, terms incorporated by reference, and the Privacy Statements ( Privacy Statement - Windows Insider Program and for Office apps included with the software see Microsoft Privacy Statement ) (together, the “Agreement”). Additional terms may be applicable to software, supplements, updates, and other Microsoft web sites and services that you use and are necessary to use the Program Services, including the terms governing your Microsoft account, the Microsoft Services Agreement ( Microsoft Services Agreement - Microsoft Windows ). To the extent those additional terms conflict with this Agreement, this Agreement will control. You agree that you will read the terms before using the Program Services, including any linked terms. You understand that by using the Program Services, you ratify this Agreement and the linked terms.

1.2 Changes to Agreement. From time to time, Microsoft may change or amend these terms. If we do, we will notify you, either by posting a notice on the Program Website ( Home page - Windows Insider Program ), through the user interface of the Software, in an email notification, instant message, or through other reasonable means. You agree to visit the Program Website at least once every 30 days to check for potential notice of changes. Your use of the Program Services after the date the change becomes effective will be your consent to the changed terms. If you do not agree to the changes, you must stop using the Program Services and follow the termination instructions in section 10. Otherwise, the new terms will apply to you.

1.3 Minors. By using the Program Services, you represent you have either reached the age of “majority” where you live or have valid parent or legal guardian consent to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and participate in the Program. If you don't know whether you have reached the age of majority where you live, or don't understand this section, please don't use the Program Services before you have asked your parent or legal guardian. If you are the parent or legal guardian of a minor and you are setting up access to the Program Services for a minor, you accept this Agreement on the minor’s behalf and are responsible for all use of the Program Services. Some or all Program Services may not be available for minors.

2. Pre-Release Nature, Updates, and Support

...more

gzt7d8 · 22 Jan 2015

Whew, good things we have lawyers to figure this out.

Thanks for the post Slartybart.

DavidY · 22 Jan 2015

I think the bit about Office apps has appeared since the original one, although I don't know if it is in the most recent changes.

1.1 Agreement. The Agreement governs your use of the Program Services and consists of the notices and warnings above, these terms, terms incorporated by reference, and the Privacy Statements ( Privacy Statement - Windows Insider Program and for Office apps included with the software see http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=507380 )

... which leads to the question of whether there may be Office apps within the Windows 10 Preview? Or a separate Office Preview within the Insider program?

Slartybart · 22 Jan 2015

gzt7d8 said:

Whew, good things we have lawyers to figure this out.

Thanks for the post Slartybart.

You're welcome.
Not very many people read these things
By clicking the next button you agree to the terms as set forth in the document [next] [cancel]

Which is, by the way, stated somewhere on the insider pages.
By continuing in the Insider Program, you agree to the terms.

There isn't a [Cancel] button, I suppose you'd have to leave the program if you don't agree with the terms.

Bill
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