Microsoft and Apple have long been rivals in the PC world and one of the reasons why Microsoft appears to be lagging behind is due to the lack of a Family Pack License, or are they?

Currently the Microsoft Windows 7 allows “qualified family pack users” to “install one copy of the software marked as “Family Pack” on three computers in a household for use by people who reside there.” This was offered on Microsoft Windows 7 E, N, K and KN Home Premium Editions that were sold in Europe and elsewhere.

Back in 2007, Microsoft offered a family discount for Window’s Vista purchasers, but this was only temporary. Perhaps this Family Pack will make a more permanent comeback.

Speculators on the subject report that if Microsoft does put out a Family Pack edition for Windows 7, it will most likely retail at $189.00, $10 less than the Apple counterpart. Rumour also has it that the Windows 7 Family Pack will run in the same fashion as Apple’s Family Pack License. In other words, it will be restricted to users in a single household and not available for business use.

Currently Microsoft has something similar to the Family Pack with their Office 2007 Home and Student Edition, which allows installation of the application on up to three computers in a single household.

A Microsoft representative was quoted as saying, “we have nothing to announce at this time” regarding the Family Pack edition, but speculators insist the Family Pack is on its way.

[Source]