Sorry your browser is not supported!

You are using an outdated browser that does not support modern web technologies, in order to use this site please update to a new browser.

Browsers supported include Chrome, FireFox, Safari, Opera, Internet Explorer 10+ or Microsoft Edge.

Geek Culture / Free Windows Version?

Author
Message
MSon
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 13th Jul 2004
Location: Earth, (I Think).
Posted: 25th Jul 2008 14:26
Link
I heard a roomer a few weeks ago that to help in the fight against piracy Microsoft may be releasing a free version of windows which would be payed for through Adverts, (Like you get with many free programmes), has anyone heard anymore regarding this as the roomers went quiet.

I know a few people who 'may' be interested in a advert supported version of windows if its free.

Everyone Be Cool, You, Be Cool.
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
El Goorf
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 17th Sep 2006
Location: Uni: Manchester, Home: Dunstable
Posted: 25th Jul 2008 16:21
Link
i honestly doubt that'd ever happen, i would understand if it was EA, but i cant imagine m$ ever stooping that low... that said, advertising on the actual OS instead of in game would be in more demand and probably generate a fair amount more (attractive) revenue..

http://notmybase.com
All my base are not belong to anyone.
Back to top
Profile PM Website
David R
21
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th Sep 2003
Location: 3.14
Posted: 25th Jul 2008 16:28
Link
But if crackers/hackers can rid of activation, what stops the spread of "Anti-advertising" mods/cracks?

I honestly think this route would just a shot in the foot for M$.


09-f9-11-02-9d-74-e3-5b-d8-41-56-c5-63-56-88-c0
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Anonymous User
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 21st Feb 2008
Location:
Posted: 25th Jul 2008 16:30
Link
I would probably use it instead of a paid version, but it really depends on the amount of advertising. For example if the plastered adds all over explorer, the dekstop and the start menu I would just go back to my humble copy of windows XP. However if the adds were discreetly placed, like on the logon menu or even maybe the boot screen I would consider using it.

???
Back to top
Profile PM Email
Sid Sinister
19
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 10th Jul 2005
Location:
Posted: 25th Jul 2008 16:41
Link
They probably wouldn't put as much time into it as the rest of their OS's. The normal OS's are already buggy sometimes, I doubt this one would be any better.

"If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants" - Isaac Newton
-Computer Animation Major @Baker.edu-
Back to top
Profile PM Email
Raven
19
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 23rd Mar 2005
Location: Hertfordshire, England
Posted: 25th Jul 2008 17:16
Link
Didn't hear about that, what I did hear was they were releasing a version of Windows Vista specifically catered for the Asian market (where piracy is rife) where it's free to download and use offline, but you have to pay a monthly/quarterly/yearly subscription in order for it to allow you to connect online.

That said I heard about that a while ago, so might've just been something being shot in the breeze. I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't see that appear until "Blackwidow" and rather than disable networking support, it'll probably end up allowing you to use the more advanced features as well as their digital distribution service they have planned.

Who know, tbh I don't care so much. Although I do think people would be more willing to pay a subscription over a one-off ridiculous price.

It would also be better for them in the long-run. In any case, the next generation of Xbox and Windows will both be running the same Kernel; both running basically the same services. We might end up seeing very very similar things appearing on both platforms.

Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
bitJericho
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th Oct 2002
Location: United States
Posted: 25th Jul 2008 18:11
Link
Quote: "I know a few people who 'may' be interested in a advert supported version of windows if its free."


Who would be interested in that? Yuck! Just use ubuntu if you don't want to pay for Windows.


Hurray for teh logd!
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Mahoney
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 14th Apr 2008
Location: The Interwebs
Posted: 25th Jul 2008 18:59
Link
Seriously, Linux is the only one that will ever be free. Microsoft would never do this.

Windows Vista Home Premium Intel Pentium Dual-Core 1.6 Ghz 1GB DDR2 RAM GeForce 8600GT Twin Turbo
Back to top
Profile PM
David R
21
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th Sep 2003
Location: 3.14
Posted: 25th Jul 2008 19:11
Link
Quote: "Microsoft would never do this."


I believe they're already doing something similar with MS Works in the US. Presumably if it works, they'll extend it to more products


09-f9-11-02-9d-74-e3-5b-d8-41-56-c5-63-56-88-c0
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Mahoney
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 14th Apr 2008
Location: The Interwebs
Posted: 25th Jul 2008 19:28
Link
More, yes, but not their biggest product.

Windows Vista Home Premium Intel Pentium Dual-Core 1.6 Ghz 1GB DDR2 RAM GeForce 8600GT Twin Turbo
Back to top
Profile PM
mm0zct
21
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Nov 2003
Location: scotland-uk
Posted: 25th Jul 2008 22:36 Edited at: 25th Jul 2008 22:36
Link
If you want free windows you might find the ReactOS project interesting http://www.reactos.org/en/index.html
if it actually turns out well it could make things interesting, especially since microsoft seem intent on ditching xp

(it's a open source OS designed to be binary compatible with windows, based on NT, including drivers and applications, for those of you too lazy to click the link)

AMD AthlonX2 5000 black edition @2.8ghz, 2gb pc5400, AMD/ATi hd3850, creative xfi music, 24" hp widescreen 1920x1200, ECS KA3 MVP mobo
Back to top
Profile PM Email
JoelJ
21
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 8th Sep 2003
Location: UTAH
Posted: 25th Jul 2008 22:38
Link
eww then MS would put those stupid and annoying TRUE ads all over my computer and not just on MSN...
gross.

[center]
Back to top
Profile PM Website
tha_rami
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 25th Mar 2006
Location: Netherlands
Posted: 25th Jul 2008 23:53
Link
I wouldn't mind to have a small advert stretching across the bottom of each window, really. I think it would be a good move to have the Home edition available as ad-free and ad-filled. Plus, ads make big money as well.


A mod has been erased by your signature because it was larger than 600x120
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Aaron Miller
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 25th Feb 2006
Playing: osu!
Posted: 26th Jul 2008 00:13
Link
A free version of an OS that always seems to work just right for me? Count me in. HOWEVER, (though already mentioned) I would prefer ReactOS to such a thing. It's free and open source (So it can be improved upon easily, security flaws revealed, updates made, etc [unlike MS' which is monitored by just their company]). You can look through the source code if you're not sure EXACTLY how a function works. You can even distribute the OS on CD or DVD if you like (Charging a small fee for the packaging of it, but nothing more -- if I understand the license correctly [though I haven't looked at the license for a year or two]).

Anyways, ReactOS will be a while until it's finished, but it's still going to be a great OS. Hopefully they won't turn into a SkyOS deal, where they say it's going to be free and open source, then mid-development change their minds and charge you to even use it.

Cheers,

-naota

I'm not a dictator to those that do stuff for me by will. Only those who don't.
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Roxas
19
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 11th Nov 2005
Location: http://forum.thegamecreators.com
Posted: 26th Jul 2008 01:37
Link
Why not just get Linux that supports Wine? Even tough wine does not yet layer all windows programs perfectly.. i havent got any proplems with it so far expect Final Fantasy XI wich havent yet got work.. But i guess its fixed soon Because its first on top 10 list of WineappHQ database..

Thats propaply the only reason im gonna dual boot. I hate that even you have all security programs on windows its still gonna mess up on year or two. All i can say is that i love my Ubuntu

Back to top
Profile PM Email
tha_rami
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 25th Mar 2006
Location: Netherlands
Posted: 26th Jul 2008 03:33
Link
Ah, wow, the Linux fanboys got here. Amazing how any Windows topic always tends to end up about Ubuntu or similar operating systems. Can't people just leave the topic at Windows?


A mod has been erased by your signature because it was larger than 600x120
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Roxas
19
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 11th Nov 2005
Location: http://forum.thegamecreators.com
Posted: 26th Jul 2008 03:38
Link
Never

Back to top
Profile PM Email
Jeku
Moderator
21
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 4th Jul 2003
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Posted: 26th Jul 2008 06:35
Link
Quote: "i would understand if it was EA, but i cant imagine m$ ever stooping that low"


Wait, what? And I thought I'd heard it all. There are people who are against releasing a game for FREE and having ad revenue support it? Geez.

As long as you have the option to pay and turn off the ads, I think it's a viable thing to do.


Back to top
Profile PM Website
Mahoney
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 14th Apr 2008
Location: The Interwebs
Posted: 26th Jul 2008 07:56
Link
I'd pay the $100 for ad-free. I do all I can to make sure my PC runs at top-notch.

Also, that ReactOS looks pretty awesome.

Windows Vista Home Premium Intel Pentium Dual-Core 1.6 Ghz 1GB DDR2 RAM GeForce 8600GT Twin Turbo
Back to top
Profile PM
Dazzag
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 26th Aug 2002
Location: Cyprus
Posted: 26th Jul 2008 10:06
Link
Only thing I heard is they ran a trial with a load of XP loving, Vista haters on a new OS that they had developed. Apparently 90% loved it and wanted to know when it was coming out. Turned out was just a disguised Vista (which it what Windows 7 is rumoured to be).

Ah found the article:-
http://gizmodo.com/5028903/windows-xp-users-actually-love-vista-if-they-think-its-something-else

Cheers

I am 99% probably lying in bed right now... so don't blame me for crappy typing
Current fave quote : "She was like a candle in the wind.... unreliable...."
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Mahoney
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 14th Apr 2008
Location: The Interwebs
Posted: 26th Jul 2008 11:22
Link
Epic win on their part.

Windows Vista Home Premium Intel Pentium Dual-Core 1.6 Ghz 1GB DDR2 RAM GeForce 8600GT Twin Turbo
Back to top
Profile PM
David R
21
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th Sep 2003
Location: 3.14
Posted: 26th Jul 2008 12:22 Edited at: 26th Jul 2008 12:24
Link
Quote: "
As long as you have the option to pay and turn off the ads, I think it's a viable thing to do."


But there's no real incentive to pay. If the user already has a working version of Windows, the likelihood of them paying to remove the adverts versus illegally modifying the OS is slim.


09-f9-11-02-9d-74-e3-5b-d8-41-56-c5-63-56-88-c0
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Sid Sinister
19
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 10th Jul 2005
Location:
Posted: 26th Jul 2008 18:26
Link
I'll tell you right now I'd be the one to mod it. I dislike MS, and anything to stick it to them and their world domination (lol) I'd do.

And what about internet filters and normal ad blockers? I take it these ads will be updated through the internet right? Wouldn't regular ad blockers be able to take those out?

"If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants" - Isaac Newton
-Computer Animation Major @Baker.edu-
Back to top
Profile PM Email
Mahoney
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 14th Apr 2008
Location: The Interwebs
Posted: 26th Jul 2008 19:21
Link
They'd incorporate ad's into the shell. Regular adblockers block HTML and JScript in webpages.

Windows Vista Home Premium Intel Pentium Dual-Core 1.6 Ghz 1GB DDR2 RAM GeForce 8600GT Twin Turbo
Back to top
Profile PM
bitJericho
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th Oct 2002
Location: United States
Posted: 26th Jul 2008 19:25
Link
not necessarily. You can redirect the ads URLs via the HOSTS file to localhost and the ads would then not display.


Hurray for teh logd!
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Mahoney
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 14th Apr 2008
Location: The Interwebs
Posted: 26th Jul 2008 19:51
Link
I didn't mean they couldn't be blocked. I just meant that the web browser adblockers wouldn't do it.

Windows Vista Home Premium Intel Pentium Dual-Core 1.6 Ghz 1GB DDR2 RAM GeForce 8600GT Twin Turbo
Back to top
Profile PM
Mr Z
17
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 27th Oct 2007
Location:
Posted: 26th Jul 2008 21:05 Edited at: 26th Jul 2008 21:07
Link
Quote: "I heard a roomer a few weeks ago that to help in the fight against piracy Microsoft may be releasing a free version of windows which would be payed for through Adverts, (Like you get with many free programmes), has anyone heard anymore regarding this as the roomers went quiet.

I know a few people who 'may' be interested in a advert supported version of windows if its free."


Doubt it. And even if it did happen, I would not use it. MS would propobly not make it that good, or the ads would annoy me to the death.

Quote: "If you want free windows you might find the ReactOS project interesting http://www.reactos.org/en/index.html
if it actually turns out well it could make things interesting, especially since microsoft seem intent on ditching xp

(it's a open source OS designed to be binary compatible with windows, based on NT, including drivers and applications, for those of you too lazy to click the link)"


Funny thing, I was going to mention ReactOS, but you did beat me to it! Anyway, it is definatly a project worth looking into. A bit unstable and so at the moment, but it is still an alpha and it is an hard project, so it needs people supporting it .

Quote: "Ah, wow, the Linux fanboys got here. Amazing how any Windows topic always tends to end up about Ubuntu or similar operating systems. Can't people just leave the topic at Windows?"


You are right, I will keep my Ubuntu comment to myself!

There is no greater virtue, then the ability to face oneself.
Back to top
Profile PM Email
Back to top

Login to post a reply

Server time is: 2024-11-20 10:28:20
Your offset time is: 2024-11-20 10:28:20