I went to purchase a perpetual license, and noticed it says 

"Includes 5 years of updates (when available), after that time updates will either be free or at nominal cost."

I was hoping to get a more clear definition for what the cost may be, as well as how that may work. Say I don't need the first few updates, but then I want to get the next one after. Will I have to buy a yearly license at that point again to download the updates?

Thanks

I also don't really understand the licencing system...

The perpetual licence gives 3 years of support and updates and but no updates after the first 3 years.

The 1 year one gives one year with updates.

This makes me think that annual licence is more interesting (from the updates point of view).

What about the support : is there a difference between "forum support" and "support" ? (On my side, I don't really need support...)

Also, what happens if the OS and softwares are reinstalled ?

Thanks for the quick answer. But it is still confusing... English is not my first langage.

I purchased and activated the 1 year 19$ hobbyist license. For my desktop + a Surface (later, when I reinstall Windows). I'm more interested in updates than in support.

I am wondering what will happen during the 12 months if :

- I update or reinstall Visual Studio
- I reinstall Windows (I will most likely do it when a new Visual Studio or some other heavy software update comes out... or if I mess up my system while playing with hardware and OS)
- the machine is replaced with a new one
- I switch from Intel RSTe to Intel RST or non RAID mode (needs an OS reinstall)
- etc.

Is the license tied to the mobo ? the OS ? the VS install ? Will the license be still valid for that computer after Windows + VS + VM is reinstalled, or is it a three shot gun, whatever the machine is : just a counter on the registration server ?

Now everything is clear. Thanks !