What NTLite version do I need?

[IT NEWBB]

Hi, I am confused by the versions.

I read on the other forum post (https://www.ntlite.com/community/index.php?threads/ntlite-pro-vs-business-editions.3056/) you need business unless you keep the virtual machine the exact same all the time or use it on only the machine with a hardware profile it started on.

What I want to do:
1. Make an ISO for a complete new install on a blank ss-drive on my new laptop(building this on my other laptop).
2. Ideally I want to make custom installs for all of my windows machines (4 physical and a few virtual). I have official/legit MS license for each.
3. I may not keep the vm's the same. I may radically alter the entire set-up of each vm over and over.
4. I want access to all the options from a paid version.
5. I will want to try new custom builds from scratch on some or all of my physical and virtual machines.

What I don't want to do:
1. Make ISOs or custom installs for others.(these are for my own use on my own machines/virtual machines)
2. Pay 250 euros to have access to what I need.

Questions:
1. Which versions will work for me?

Thanks for replies!@

 

[garlin]

NTLite is intended to be licensed on any PC which exists to create new images, or any PC where a Host Refresh operation on the live system is required (to remove or restore components after Windows has already been installed).

No license is required to install a finished image, except that required by Windows itself. You can make an unlimited number of images from the licensed platforms you have. And install those images on unlimited PC's.

A VM may be licensed, and will stay licensed as long as you keep the original VM (it can be re-imaged, but you can't destroy the VM and make a new VM instance). The reason is because the license is locked to a HWID, and changing the VM's "hardware" changes the associated HWID.

For most non-IT professionals, you're eligible to purchase a Home license. A Pro license has the same features as Home, but you're licensing for a work environment for a business or organization. It's not for personal home use.

A Business license is for when you expect to exceed the 5 activations because you are frequently swapping out HW on the NTLite hosts, frequently tearing down and remaking VM's, or need to run Host Refresh on many installed PC's.

I've heard that some users have asked whether it's possible to purchase more than one concurrent license (essentially paying for another set of 5 activations) if you need more than the base 5, but not "unlimited" seats. You'd have to ask nuhi by e-mailing s[email protected]

Functionally, all NTLite versions (Home, Pro, Business) have the same features outside of product licensing.

 

[IT NEWBB]

That actually helps a lot, thank you!
I am going with a home version then and going to start with what I need to get my new machine going how I want and then plan the other 4 as I learn how I will want them since it has the 5 machine limit. This seems fair and understanding it better now, I can make it work.
Thank you garlin!

 

[garlin]

The worse thing that can happen is for a personal user to overpay for a license they don't need. If you're a business, pay the Pro surcharge to help support NTLite and it's considered a legitimate operating expense.

Renewal licenses are always discounted 50% off, and provide a fresh set of activations. You can choose to renew an existing system with an expired license, or pick an entirely new system for up to 5 activations. While some folks will always complain about the pricing (relative to their country's exchange rate), it's fairly reasonable if you're investing in making a large number of images.