Requesting the official stance on a small number of topics

[DarkFire82]

I would like to know the official stance on the following topics:

Virtualization:
The ability to create a virtual machine of the same archetecture of a different computer. This would allow people using Mac (Intel based) or Linux machines to run Final Fantasy XI. This would also allow a single user to install and run multiple instances of Final Fantasy XI on the same machine. As a user, I would believe this to be acceptable due to it being not much different from having a second machine next to you. But would like to know the official ruling on this.

Windower:
A Common program that was originally created to allow Final Fantasy XI to run in a Windowed mode (and thereby not crash the computer each time Final Fantasy XI lost focus). I believe I read at one time that this was indeed against TOS, but never found an official statement one way or another.

Macro Controllers:
Keyboards and Game Controllers such as the Logitech G15. These devices contain a number of extra programmable buttons that can be set. Does this count as a "Automation" specified in the TOS agreement?

Dual Boxing:
Controlling 2 or more characters at the same time. To do this, people would generally need to have 2 or more Accounts and potentially 2 or more systems capable of running Final Fantasy XI. Just like with Virtualization, I don't immediately see anything against TOS in it, but just want an official statement.

[Dragoy]

I would like to know the official stance on the following topics:
Obviously I'm no official, but I would spare some thoughts that I have read myself and/or been told by the officials in the past.
I do hope we are able to get an official response as well.


Virtualization:
The ability to create a virtual machine of the same archetecture of a different computer. This would allow people using Mac (Intel based) or Linux machines to run Final Fantasy XI. This would also allow a single user to install and run multiple instances of Final Fantasy XI on the same machine. As a user, I would believe this to be acceptable due to it being not much different from having a second machine next to you. But would like to know the official ruling on this.

They would basically need to punish everyone using *nix and such systems if this was not allowed. Obviously that would be simply foolish and quite ridiculous. Using a multi-user environment that a Linux OS for example is, indeed allows people to run more than one windoze environment at once, which allows the game to be run in more than one instances on the same machine. The big difference to 'cheats' here is that it can be done without altering the client itself: It is being run just as it is run under windoze, as if multiple PCs, or consoles, were used and as such I see no reason why it would be against the ToS.

Of this I have no memory of an official statement, however, and would be nice to have one to see if I'm right or wrong.


Windower:
A Common program that was originally created to allow Final Fantasy XI to run in a Windowed mode (and thereby not crash the computer each time Final Fantasy XI lost focus). I believe I read at one time that this was indeed against TOS, but never found an official statement one way or another.
This has been often stated: SqEX does not condone the use of third party applications, in other words, 'windower' is against the ToS.


Macro Controllers:

Keyboards and Game Controllers such as the Logitech G15. These devices contain a number of extra programmable buttons that can be set. Does this count as a "Automation" specified in the TOS agreement?
As I see it, it should be okay to bind A function to the extra keys, but if you use the extra abilities to bind more than one function behind one key, or/and use it to perform actions automagically for you, this would obviously be a violation of the ToS, just as any other macro/bot\etc. would be.


Dual Boxing:
Controlling 2 or more characters at the same time. To do this, people would generally need to have 2 or more Accounts and potentially 2 or more systems capable of running Final Fantasy XI. Just like with Virtualization, I don't immediately see anything against TOS in it, but just want an official statement.

Playing on more than one account at a time is allowed, as long as the program is not altered to enable more than one client to be run at once. So for example using 2 or more PCs or consoles is okay.


As I mentioned, these are just my thoughts and as such, might be more or less inaccurate so pardon.


Blubb.

[Kristal]

Kinda pointless to ask these questions, since they are either irrelevant or already answered.

Virtualization: irrelevant. If it plays the game, it plays the game. Run it on an iPad if you want.

Windower: bannable offense. IF you are stupid enough to shout it in Port Jeuno. More then 75% of PC users use the unofficial windower (some with bare bones non-crash-tabbable fullscreen support, others with more features), and SE knows it.

Macro controllers: bannable offense if you use it to control your character while afk, otherwise irrelevant.

Dual boxing: irrelevant.

On a related note, I'd like an official statement from SE on users eating cheesecake while playing the game.

[Twille]

I'd like an official statement from SE on users eating cheesecake while playing the game.

Let me know when you hear about this, i'm interested.