How to Copy an Operating System From One Computer to Another

Operating systems and computers

Copying an operating system from one computer to another in your house isn't a problem, if that's what you're talking about. On the other hand, if you're talking about copying an operating system to 40,000 computers in a foreign country, you may have an issue. The software vendor will certainly have an issue. Expect one angry individual. On the technical side, it may be even simpler than you expect.

Instructions

Legal Considerations

1. Obtain a license before you copy software for multiple users. Be aware that this is a matter of contract law, and that law varies from state to state.

2. Hire an intellectual property attorney if you're a big or small company. Hire an attorney if you want advice on federal regulations on the legality of copying software on the Internet.

3. Read the terms of your agreement before you buy. Make a backup copy for your own uses.

4. 

Technical Considerations

1. Use the same machine. Avoid mixing operating systems with machines for which they were not designed. Know that the programmer designs the operating system for a particular machine. Avoid problems caused by using an old operating system on a new machine. Avoid problems caused by using a new operating system on an old machine.

2. Insert the operating system from the old machine in the new machine for many modern Mac, Window and Linux machines. Expect an automatic start after you insert the CD into the drive.

3. Consider the alternative of avoiding copying it if doesn't load automatically because you save yourself problems down the road.

4. Take the technical approach for the best learning experience. Write your own Assembler program. Use Basic or any other high-level language for that. Either use the Assembler to download the operating system from the disk into your machine, or if you are transferring between machines that have compatibility issues, just write code for both machines.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid dropping your handheld. Buy two. Load, pass and load according to applicable rules and regulations. Take the best deal available. Follow the instructions. Avoid loading, either internationally or domestically, while driving.

• Think about entropy. Using a 2005 operating system on a 2010 machine is often not the best approach.

References

• GNU Operating System
• pointsec