Dell offers downgrade to XP...MS says 'Not So Fast'...

[Jim_C]

http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/06/18/Microsoft_calls_shots_on_Windows_XP_downgrades_say s_Dell_1.html

...gamers only???

[Jim_C]

...who cares? You can install and run any operating system you want. .

Sure, after you reformat your hard drive to remove the OS you were forced to purchase.


and teh excuse that gamers are vested more so in XP than other users so their systems can have XP...? Well that's silly.
Gamers are one of the first to want Vista to get DX10.

ps.. considering I have to order a handful of Dells for work by the end of the year, I care... :)
The office uses all XP and will for a long while, and we're not real keen on paying for OS licenses twice for one machine.

[Jim_C]

Oh yea.. I get all that. Personally, I'll build from scratch if neccessary to get what I need, but the office likes and uses Dells, their reliability and support.

But imo, it is still a bunch of bs and hoops to jump thru. Just sell XP...
If I can quote GOB from Arrested Development... CA-MON!!!

[Matt]

I have a question, has anyone here who built their own PC bought the OEM version of Vista Ultimate?

When the time comes to "upgrade" I'd rather not have to fork out for the non-OEM version, would I have any issues registering it?

[Magnus81]

And just think, Windows 7 is slated to be released next year. Sigh.

[Titus]

I have a question, has anyone here who built their own PC bought the OEM version of Vista Ultimate?

When the time comes to "upgrade" I'd rather not have to fork out for the non-OEM version, would I have any issues registering it?

I don't know how this work in the UK. But here Microsoft wanted to prohibit OEM licenses to be sold to individuals, only with new systems so sellers started to sell Win OEM with the purchase of a HD. Now things are more loose and you can buy a OEM without problems.

Fortunately Microsoft gives you two ways to install your license, directly form the disc or making your own distribution with their OEM kit, you know, as you are expected to be an integrator (does this word exist?).

[Red_Oddity]

And just think, Windows 7 is slated to be released next year. Sigh.

Yeah, but judging by MS' track record of releasing software on time (Longhorn/Vista for example) i doubt we'll see it before 2010.

(but the presentation did make it look like a really new windows indeed, especially the small core and modular construction)

[Magnus81]

I heard that it also has been completely overhauled so that it doesn't hog resources like Vista. It's supposed to be very streamlined. Only time will tell.