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win 8.1 - pay vs free

B

bwanaaa

Senior member
so M$ is going to offer win 8.1 with bing free. How is this different from the paid version I just bought?
 
ViRGE said:
How would that help? It's still Win5.x, with all of its ancientness.
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I agree.

Windows 7 should have been where most XP diehards went.

MS has to kill XP to get out of support on things that can't even run flash today.
 
I was in the 'Windows 8 hater' group for over a year. But my company installed windows 8.1 in my computer, which I then set to start in desktop, then installed the free 'Classic shell' and to tell you the truth, it's just as using Windows 7 except that it boots faster and has some other improvements (I don't ever get to see the Metro interface). I wouldn't pay for it to replace my home's W7, but I would get it if it's free. I still need to know the details on that 'with Bing' offer though.
 
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I would love to see a free version of Win8.1. Even if it had ads, and forced usage of Bing in IE. (Don't see how they could force it in Firefox.)

Going even further, they could limit usable RAM to 4GB, and leave off DirectX (but allow DXwebinstaller to install 9.0c).

The reasons for those last two restrictions would be to mimic XP as much as possible, and ensure that professionals and gamers would still pony up for the paid version of the OS, while providing a way for those that are (financially) "stranded" on XP, to move up to a modern, supported OS.
 
VirtualLarry said:
Going even further, they could limit usable RAM to 4GB, and leave off DirectX (but allow DXwebinstaller to install 9.0c).
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Unfortunately I don't think MS could do that, even if they wanted to. The windows UI is pretty reliant on DX these days. Limiting the feature level allowed might be an option of course.

For an x64 based machine I think they should at least allow 8GB (Like Vista Home Basic). For future proofing, you can just begin to feel 4GB being a bit on the low side.
 
I rather pay for the OS, instead of being subsidized by content that would try to be directing my eyes and workspace to something that isn't relevant and always need to show (either by popups at in-opportune times, a constantly shown banner that permanently takes up screen space, or prefixing my searches with ad-sponsored ones that may not be relevant).

Also, as much as I DO submit my system information and software errors to aid in feedback for OS support, I need to be assured that there is a clear, concise presentation of any personal information (files or usage otherwise) that would be submitted for such an ad service. (I.E. the terms of service and end user license agreement needs not to be in paragraphs of lawyer language)

This is BAD enough on free apps on phones, where the banner would appear taking up screen space or the banner being always there taking up screen space.

I do however, support a VERY LIMITED featured free Windows OS (think how Microsoft have and is still doing now with things like Visual Studio which is VERY good for enticing users for programming while still offering enough for capability for learning and making effective small programs). Call it Windows (number) Express Edition, and limit it to a certain memory size (4GB) and 32bit workings. Also, Aero would still work with the base level DirectX versions (9/10).

Wasn't there a quote somewhere about if something is pirated, might as well as it is something pirated that is made by us? This would solve any security issues that may arise.
 
alkemyst said:
I agree.

Windows 7 should have been where most XP diehards went.

MS has to kill XP to get out of support on things that can't even run flash today.
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They will continue supporting it at least for their enterprise customers who will pay the fees (no doubt costly) so they can keep using this legacy OS no doubt so they can run their legacy apps.
 
postmortemIA said:
I have 2 laptops and 2 desktops... not exactly pocket change and no upgrade discounts.
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You've also got an i7 and a 7850 in at least one of those desktops. I don't think $40 for something that will last you at *least* 6 years is exactly breaking the bank.

Just sayin' :whiste:
 
Mushkins said:
You've also got an i7 and a 7850 in at least one of those desktops. I don't think $40 for something that will last you at *least* 6 years is exactly breaking the bank.

Just sayin' :whiste:
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The other 3 are not so fortunate... two core duo laptops and core 2 duo desktop. And 40 was the promo price but now best price is 100. 120 from ms.
 
postmortemIA said:
The other 3 are not so fortunate... two core duo laptops and core 2 duo desktop. And 40 was the promo price but now best price is 100. 120 from ms.
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NewEgg and TigerDirect usually have a sale on 8.1 OEM for $79.99 once a month.

If you know a student or are one, you can get a cheap copy of 8.1.

Also, check with local Mom and Pop shops what have a legit MS resellers license, they should sell a key sans media for cheaper than an OEM copy.
 
IMO, the only reason that MS might consider doing a free version of Windows is to test absolute lock-in to the Windows Store.
 
Have you even had the misfortune of using the Bing toolbar and desktop software?

Two hours with that intrusive shiznit will have you running to Best Buy for a paid Windows license 🙂
 
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