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Does testing Windows 7 get you a free copy of the real thing?
Does testing Windows 7 get you a free copy of the real thing?
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If I'm using the Release Candidate, does it upgrate to the real thing, or do I get a free copy of Windows 7 when it comes out?
- Moved byChris.H - Support EngineerMSFT, ModeratorFriday, October 02, 2009 9:36 PM (From:Getting Ready for Windows 7)
1 person got this answerI do too
Answers
Sorry, but no. The Beta and RC are an opportunity for you to get an early look at the planned product, and share your feedback to make Windows 7 even better. The software will be avaialable for purchase separately or on a new computer when the final version is released.
- Marked As Answer bySteve Alter Monday, April 27, 2009 4:40 PM
All Replies
Sorry, but no. The Beta and RC are an opportunity for you to get an early look at the planned product, and share your feedback to make Windows 7 even better. The software will be avaialable for purchase separately or on a new computer when the final version is released.
- Marked As Answer bySteve Alter Monday, April 27, 2009 4:40 PM
- in one way, we help the microsoft to make a final version of windows 7 and help him to earn millions,and he cant do this for us,just pathetic...
in one way, we help the microsoft to make a final version of windows 7 and help him to earn millions,and he cant do this for us,just pathetic...
I would like to remind you that they are giving you a free operating system and you call Microsoft selfish? That's pathetic.- I would like to remind you that, while your point about us getting a free operating system is valid; it's not the only side to look at. Yes we are getting a free operating system and yes I have paid for 3 other operating systems in my house. Having said that, it is not pathetic that Microsoft doesn't give us a FREE version on the official release candidate but it is pathetic that we don't at least get a really good deal on it from a price standpoint. We are offering vital information to "the Microsoft" as you all like to put it for FREE. This information is crucial to the BIG M so they can receive input from all of us techies on their product. I spend my time helping Microsoft and I expect to be compensated for it.
- You miss one point that FREE OS (W7) is limited so when final version is out the RC is out
- i agree with that
My friend Steve Alter,
Free copy is very good thing to us under this ECON. I really hope Microsoft give us a discount couple to our window 7 RC tester (all countries).- personally I have enjoyed this beta and rc testing and appreciate the chance to use this software before it is released, the only thing that I think would be good would be a home multiple user license, as many homes have more than 1 pc now I think it is unfair to have to pay for a seperate license for eack unit. I have 5 pc's and laptops and I dont think I will be upgrading all of them to windows 7 at the single license cost
- Hi, I also did the testing of Vista and the only thing I received was a mail from Microsoft with a note when I buy the Vista bussines I would receive a second license for free.
I don't need a bussines license that would cost me more than all the Vista home editions I need at home, maybe if they would just give us a discount on the Windows 7 home edition than they show us they appreciate our input and I hope they don't wait six months to give us this like they did with Vista, in that time i already have purshased it. in hong kong, microsoft has started a promotion just last month, if you purchase the vista home premium retail box set, you can purchase the upgrade version of the windows 7 home premium for HKD77 when they release it, this does not refer to the home basic, business or the ultimate.
and recently, some retail shops has mention that if you purchase a PC (desktop/notebook) with windows vista business version, you can upgrade it to windows 7, but not sure which version, this I cannot prove if it's real or not, but the home premium is real, i've seen the flyer and it's advertised in many mags.
kms- Proposed As Answer byJaap Kroes Friday, May 15, 2009 2:34 PM
- Seems to me that when you beta test for a company there should be something in it for you. Years ago, in the good old DOS days, I beta tested for a company and received the upgrades for FREE. However, MS, is using a shotgun approach by letting everybody use RC1 and possibly RC number whatever. Therefore, it makes it a little difficult to reward all with a free copy. At that point, the operating might just as well be free.
That said, it must also be remembered that overall, the general computing public won't be downloading either a 'Beta' or a 'Release Candidate'. It is only those of us a little less technically challenged and a little more technically adventuresome that do those sorts of things.
Bottom line? Me thinks MS should at the very least offer a deeply discounted copy of the software to those of us helping them to make their product better. JMHO.
JK - No, I don't think so, but you will have the undying respect of your peers..............
- Well first you get the priviledge of using a Operating System before the public does. I gotta ask just how much testing are you doing? Please MS is a for profit and thats one of the products they sell.
- Proposed As Answer byMTC44MAG Sunday, May 17, 2009 8:59 AM
Well first you get the priviledge of using a Operating System before the public does. I gotta ask just how much testing are you doing? Please MS is a for profit and thats one of the products they sell.
I agree that the privilege of testing an OS is a generous notion but we are TESTING the darn thing for them... However I understand that MS needs to make money.. But R/C testers should be offered a discount off the final product... I mean Microsoft pockets don't exactly look nervous.. There going to be selling the final release ultimate version for what most likely $350???? So give the R/C testers a chance at half price, or $100 bucks off... This is not FREE... This is not a generous offer... In march of next year the program self destructs.. I mean they said it like shuts your PC off, makes your toaster oven shoot flames, and a small Asian midget pops out of your DVD player and kicks your dog while your not looking.. So they are not "giving" you anything except a good reminder of why you should regularly back up your data cause come next march your gonna have to go back to the land of Vista or pay full price for Windows 7 (or as I like to call it... Vista SP3).. Come on guys admit it, Vista SUCKED out loud... You know an OS is bad when the next service pack is a whole new OS.....
Anyway I think they owe the people who are testing this a little something for the trouble... When the final version of 7 comes out and this one shuts down, you are going to have to do a clean install thus losing all your data unless you back up regularly... I mean I have an external 1tb Western Digital, or as I like to call it the Microsoft Failsafe.. There are 3 options that I see...
#1.. Stick with windows vista (which really isn't an option cause I think windows 3.1 had more functionality)
#2.. Run with this then Pay Full Price for the Final version, Loose all your data thats not backed up and reinstall this yet again....
#3... Go the "dark" route and find websites with ways to bypass the time lock or make the R/C version a Full version....
Only one of those ways makes any "new" money for Microsquish.. why not offer people a discount... If out of 100 people 70 Pay full Price, 5 just go back to vista, and 25 use pirated copies... Take that demographic and multiply it over the masses of users you have a large amount of piracy which hurts everyone.. If you can take those initial 25 and cut that to 10 or less by offering people an incentive to buy the program legit you save the company money in the long run and the rest of the customers money because the cost of the program isn't jacked up in price. You can say that there are failsafes and what not and the threat of fines and such but lets face it day after day I see people on forums talking about hacks, or patches, keygens, etc... People don't care. they aren't afraid of the threats.. But the rest of us who either don't want to go to jail, or understand how much work goes into making this sort of thing spend our money to pay for the ones who would rather get something for nothing... Microsoft is no better the software piracy groups because Microsoft wants beta testing for nothing... They throw this out and say oh its a privilge to test it.. But really its just for their own benefit cause they don't have to pay anyone and they find out what works and what needs work.. So for that I think they SHOULD offer something to people who test it...- Proposed As Answer byberdbrain Saturday, October 31, 2009 6:11 PM
There are 3 options that I see...
Actually there are a few more options . . .
#1.. Stick with windows vista (which really isn't an option cause I think windows 3.1 had more functionality)
#2.. Run with this then Pay Full Price for the Final version, Loose all your data thats not backed up and reinstall this yet again....
#3... Go the "dark" route and find websites with ways to bypass the time lock or make the R/C version a Full version....
#4 Switch to Mac. That is what I did to avoid the 'Vista' fun. This option only comes with new hardware, but after a year of Mac use, this is the best investment in tech gear I've ever made. Unfortunately I'm stuck with a dozen wintel machines at my business so this option does have limitations.
#5 Linux. I replaced a few machines at work with Linux (including a win 98 PIII) and although it takes a little dedication to learn a new system and some basic programming skills to get things up and running. Once running, the transition from XP>Linux is pretty easy for the end user. The main drawback is that critical applications are not available - (I need adobe CS3 products and quickbooks on some machines).
The free 7 RC just gives me another option for a year. If I don't have a linux/adobe/quickbooks solution by then, I'll end up paying for a w7 license or will buy a new 7 machine.
My first impression - very pleasant appearance, nice improvements over XP (actually looks more like a combination linux/mac desktop then XP). With firefox and openoffice on all my machines - sometimes I forget which OS I'm using. (currently using ubuntu, kubuntu, fedora 11, linuxmint7, mac OSX 10.5, win7 32 and 64)
Actually there are a few more options . . .
#4 Switch to Mac. That is what I did to avoid the 'Vista' fun. This option only comes with new hardware, but after a year of Mac use, this is the best investment in tech gear I've ever made. Unfortunately I'm stuck with a dozen wintel machines at my business so this option does have limitations.
#5 Linux. I replaced a few machines at work with Linux (including a win 98 PIII) and although it takes a little dedication to learn a new system and some basic programming skills to get things up and running. Once running, the transition from XP>Linux is pretty easy for the end user. The main drawback is that critical applications are not available - (I need adobe CS3 products and quickbooks on some machines).
Yeah... Couple things I need to comment on...
#1... Under NO circumstances, ever, for any reason, at all, <-----Starting to get the point yet??? .... Is "SWITCH TO MAC" an option.. This shouldn't even be an OS let alone an option.. No offense but your on the WINDOWS forums... I really hope you already assumed that dropping the CRAPPLE BOMB here would get you flamed... THIS IS A WINDOWS FORUM!! Don't get me wrong I can't stand Microsoft sometimes cause most of the things they do suck too, but at least they suck at it while doing it better... For instance my mouse has 2 buttons... (actually it has nine..) But you know where I am going with this.. AND I KNOW MACS HAVE EXTERNAL MICE THAT HAVE 2 BUTTONS. SHUT UP... ITS A JOKE... If someone doesn't understand that it is a joke then most likely their an idiot... But really MAC SUCKS!!! If I didn't have the BSOD at least twice a day I would be lost.. Though with windows 7 I have yet to get one so I guess that they are working on this whole concept.... Don't tell me MACS don't get viruses cause I work nights and my days are free I will sit here with a friends power-book till I create one and release it just so I can kick MAC owners in the Virtual Bean Bag.....
#2.... LINUX....... aka Ubuntu or Xubuntu or Kubuntu . . . . . Now I will have to stop and say that if anything this could have been option 4..... Linux kicks ____.. I like Kubuntu for desktop and for my laptop I run straight Ubuntu.... The reason I do not use Linux on my gaming PC which is what I am on right now via Win-7 is because its a gaming PC and its all but impossible to play games like COD-4, COD-5, GRID, Fallout 3, Wheelman... On linux... If I could play those games proplerly with Wine or something similar we wouldn't be having this conversation since I think Linux rocks!! I set my Mom up with a P4 2.3ghz, 2gb of ram, and a 500gb HDD and installed Kubuntu. SHE LOVES IT!!! Surfs the net, does some graphics editing, scrap booking, scans her photos in and watches TV right on the computer.. If they made linux able to run those DirectX games I would drop MS like a bad habbit..
So, final thoughts... (for now) is that while I like the feel of Windows 7... I have had a few problems with things such as my HP Photo Printer didn't install right and it took me about 3 hours to get it to work at all... My sound was all jacked up... My ATI Crossfire wasn't working, but I got it now... I think Microsoft owes US somethhing for being Beta Testers.. I am not saying give ALL of us a free copy...
But why not make a contest.. Draw like 50 Random CD-Keys and they get the Ultimate Final Edition in there platform choice x86 or 64-bit for Free..
The Next 250 People get their choice again for 50% off the "retail" Price
Then the Rest of the people get $100 flat off the Final Edition in their choice of Platform....
Come on Microsoft even you guys have to admit thats a pretty cool deal....While I agree that it would be great to recieve a discount on the final release, we have to remember that Microsoft is not a public service, they are a buisiness & businesses are there to make money. One way to look at it is that while you are helping Mocrosoft by beta testing new products, you are also helping yourself & all other end users with quality assurance for this new OS. Thanks to your efforts & all those others that have opted to try out the RC a lot of bugs & glitches have been & are being ironed out, so that in the end when you have to purchase the final product, it is as productive & compatible as it can possible be.
By testing out this software, we are helping ourselves as much as helping Microsoft.Just my 2 cents
- Proposed As Answer byh4uNt3d Tuesday, June 16, 2009 11:53 AM
When will the final version of Windows 7 be avaialable in shops for purchase?Sorry, but no. The Beta and RC are an opportunity for you to get an early look at the planned product, and share your feedback to make Windows 7 even better. The software will be avaialable for purchase separately or on a new computer when the final version is released.
When will the final version of Windows 7 be avaialable in shops for purchase?
According to Acer's UK marketing director, October 23. FWIW. (some others say July - see below URL for more).
http://lifehacker.com/5234805/windows-7-release-date-october-23-according-to-acer
- And at the same time, MS could just not have a Beta version and skip having RC1 or letting us use the OS all together. Then can have us only use it when they feel fit to release the final. Then all everyone would do is complain about how W7 sucks and there is so many bugs. Yeah, a discount would be nice, but I don't see it ever happening.
- No. If you want to get windows 7, you will need to buy a copy.
- It's easy to fuss and fight when you're trying to shave a few dollars off. I think Microsoft does give us an opportunity to get to know Win 7 before we decide to purchase. Not many companies do that. The best I've seen is a 30 day trial. Now we do provide feedback to Microsoft and it's in our best interest so that they give us a better product. Sure they make money and obscene amounts at that and maybe our fuss and fight is more about us not having a piece of that pie. But hey I think it's a good world where if a man or woman can put out a good product and make good money on it then all's good.
Now there may be undefined or as yet undiscovered issues when a company does have the ability to reach a near total world market with a product and get free feedback. In the end, even though the end user gets to enjoy a trial version, the dollars go back to Microsoft and obscene amounts so therein lies some unchartered, jealoused fuss and fighting. So it's not so much the principle of making the money, but the scope that is in question. Which is why at one point, Bill Gates did have to go before congress because he was accused of monoplizing his OS with installed software.
So who sets the price for the OS and what is considered? What about supply and demand? At $350 per license, how many billions and billions does Microsoft stand to gain? So who sets the profit margin? And if they make 50 billion instead of 500 billion is that a loss? Well, how many billions upon billions of computers worldwide will eventually transition to Windows 7? How many computers are there in the world today using Windows?
Give me a piece of that pie anyday!- Proposed As Answer byfishma2 Tuesday, July 14, 2009 9:28 PM
- #6 Go back to good old Wndows XP. If you want the appearance of vista or windows 7 , Get the program "Window Blinds'.
XP should be supported for at least another 5 - 10 years . (they still support Windows 2000)
# 7 Google is coming out with a free operating system this year. If it's anything like their search engine
Microsoft will be out of business in 5 years. NO DISCOUNT FOR US BETAS TESTERS? I'M OUTA HERE .
And my final thoughts about Windows 7. WHAT A WAIST OF HARD DRIVE SPACE.
L.B.G. I don't see why people automatically assume that since they installed a copy of Windows 7 Release Candidate or Beta grants you a free copy of the final product. I don't think it's pathetic at all that Microsoft didn't include a special discount for people who installed Windows 7 Beta or R.C., atleast for now. Do you notice that before you download the beta build for this O.S., it says "Welcome to Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) testing. We're on our way to Windows 7, and if you like trying out pre-release software, now's your chance. You get to see what's coming, and we get to see if our changes and fixes from the Beta testing are working correctly." Previous statement doesn't guarantee that you will be rewarded for using Windows 7, and basically it's your chance to to try it out. So I don't see how testers conclude that they will get a free copy. When Microsoft started Windows 7 Beta testing, I'm assume that they wanted some feedback, and for the users to get a small preview. Remember that I said "wanted," not needed. Microsoft already has paid testers, who will spends hours of their time per day just to talk about user experience. They don't necessarily need your feedback, but they would appreciate it. So don't think by installing and testing Windows 7, you get something back in return except a free operating system for a limited time. Also a discount or free copies doesn't make sense because how much money that Microsoft will lose enough they gave out big discounts or free copies of Windows 7 to millions of testers. Microsoft will need that what seems like an unreasonable price for Windows 7 for wages, future products, and tax. Not to mention verifying that you installed and used Windows 7 would be bit complex and difficult. How are they going to make sure that you didn't just install Windows 7 on the last minute just for a discount? How will they somehow create a software or some kind of patch to find out that you actually used Windows 7? How will they distribute them and have that software not be modded or reengineered to send false positives to Microsoft? It was YOUR CHOICE, and it was an opportunity to test the product.
- PAID TESTERS ? Yes they have a few, but it needs to be tested in real life. There are millions of different computer configurations, they can't test them all, so they get suckers like us to poke holes in there new system so they can fix it before it's released to the public. They also know when you installed it. They should give free copies of there new system based on how much feedback or help you give them. I USED TO GIVE FEED BACK, BUT IF I'M GOING TO spend my time helping Microsoft I expect to be compensated for it. SO NO MORE FEEDBACK FROM ME. I'M JUST GOING TO USE THERE SO CALLED NEW SYSTEM TO TEST TRY OUT SOME BETA PROGRAMS OF MY OWN.
L.B.G.- Proposed As Answer byberdbrain Saturday, October 31, 2009 6:30 PM
- When the Beta came out , it was said if you test this system and give feed back on how to improve things, you would be eligible for a free system?
When the Beta came out , it was said if you test this system and give feed back on how to improve things, you would be eligible for a free system?
Please could you indicate where you seen/heard this from, I dont seem to remember seeing this anywhere.kmsWhen the Beta came out , it was said if you test this system and give feed back on how to improve things, you would be eligible for a free system?
The voices in your head , Don`t count !!- why can't microsoft give atleast windows 3.x,windows 98,windows me,windows xp operating system for free, like norton gave their 2003 version free,microsoft hates opensource and lives in closed environment in all ways, i am sure, i don't want to initialise a fight between mark shuttleworth vs bill gates or ubuntu,kubuntu,xubuntu vs windows i hope this will not get published forever in microsoft
- Proposed As Answer bygenuinethief Sunday, July 26, 2009 7:38 AM
- i am sorry to say that you will never get a free operating system from microsoft, if you want a free one use
www.shipit.ubuntu.com
you will get it it 1 month at the maximum . get accustomed to it
a note for you,microsoft has given a code under gpl license for enabling
virtualisation of windows server and shown it's
hand for supporting linux(not sure) or any hidden plans may lie there
i am using windows 7 rc and searching for 2 drivers
windows 7 drivers for via hd
ubuntu drivers for nvidia geforce 7 nforce610i
anyone listening- Proposed As Answer bygenuinethief Sunday, July 26, 2009 8:07 AM
- why the ____ would you order a CD with ubuntu on it? you can download it and burn it to a CD yourself. it's a free OS, all you would do when ordering a CD is pay for the physical CD and shiping. waste of money
although ubuntu takes time getting used to...i couldn't even get my wireless driver to work with it
and switching to Mac might be an option but many programs don't have Mac versions including games so think about that before switching to Mac...i heard there's a Mac program which lets you explore .exe files but i donno
going back to XP is a good idea...if you can still find it, you could try ebay or something
it would be nice if Microsoft did give testers a free copy of Windows 7 but think of it like this: a lot of people are trying the RC or the beta before, i know 4 people at my school (including myself) who are trying the RC and it's a pretty small campus....imagine how much money Microsoft would lose giving all of those people a free copy...Microsoft already did a sale, offering pre-orders for upgrades to the Home Premium and Professional for much cheaper than it'd be at launch (i don't think they're still doing the sale), it's not their fault if you didn't take advantage of the offer (although who knows why they didn't do the same deal for the ultimate version) Well what a great forum with everyone arguing about all the different operating systems.
Let’s face it, there just isn’t one system that is better than the rest.
I love Vista, it does exactly what I need, when I need it and without crashing.
But I also use NT4, 2000, XP, Vista (32 & 64), 2003, plus Linux – each does their own little thing just right.
Windows 7 may well be the next best thing since sliced bread for YOU, but that doesn’t mean it is great for every one.
I find most problems with a new operating system are down to the user not understanding what they want to achieve and how to make that particular OS achieve it.
As for making W7 free for testers – come on, let’s face, it that is never going to happen. So I install W7, run it for a day an wow, I get it free – no way!
A discount would be nice as some reward for finding bugs, but that is just too wide open for abuse and there are too many people testing it.
If a few techie geeks want to play with “the latest OS” before it’s out in the shops then their reward is getting it early whilst making a worthwhile contribution to the lesser mortals who still struggle with locating the power button.
Personally I think slashing the price of all operating systems is the way forward. It will encourage more people to take the upgrade path and also help reduce piracy.
If you could buy W7 for £10 would you really bother with the time, effort and risk of searching out dodgy cracks, key gens, etc?
But no matter which platform you are on with whichever web browser none have a built in spell checker / grammar checker for forum posts.
Without going in to the full dictionary definitions and adverb, pronoun, noun, adjective, etc, definitions here are some regular clangers that give the older generation all the ammunition they need to blame computers for falling educational standards:
There = As in "Over there” or “There will be"
Their = Belonging to them, as in “It was their turn”
They're = Abbreviation for "They are"- OHH....GRAMMAR POLICE ALERT!!!!
but really, you're absolutely right. one OS is not better than the other, despite what people say. it's all personal preference.
For example:
My first computer, which was a hand-me-down, had Windows 98 on it i think....i don't remember it well but i think i was satisfied....i was just a kid
My first laptop, which is a computer that was actually bought for me, has Windows Vista Home Premium 32 bit....now my opinion is that for the most part, i'm ok with it but the bugs and random crashes piss me off (although crashes don't happen often) but i'm used to Vista, so i'll use it if i need to
I've used Windows XP multiple times...mostly at school but the desktop i have at home has XP on it...i'm satisfied with XP
see a pattern here?
i installed the Windows 7 RC 32 bit on my laptop and i am more satisfied with this than Vista but i wouldn't rush to buy it when it comes out....i can wait
I tried installing Ubuntu (a version of Linux) on my laptop...i was confused as to how it works but that's because i'm not used to it
oh and Firefox DOES have a built in spell check
i cannot say i tried the MacOS yet...there are a few of them at my school but i haven't tried it yet
see the pattern? i'm used to Windows...i would probably not enjoy any other OS for a while because i don't understand it. that's just my personal preference....others might prefer a different OS if they understand it and/or if they're used to it - Honest to God people STOP!!!!!!!
Microsoft offered you all to TEST Windows 7 Beta / RC,
You had the choice not to participate, If you did, it does not given you some special right to have it for FREE or Cheaper, you were lucky enough to even get to test it, be grateful.
Time to grow up and join the real world.......
MCP, MCDST, MCSA- Proposed As Answer byKyle Denning Tuesday, July 28, 2009 2:52 AM
- Well, then how about this:
Why not offer to sell Windows 7 RC to (us, you know--the ones that give you what you need in order for you to have and provide good products) testers for say, $50.00?
That way we can continue using your product without the (negative) hassle of backing up and uninstalling—then going back to either Windows XP, Vista, etc? Sound fair?
- Besides, if we didn't chose to participate, how would you get feedback in order to know whether the product works or not, right?
Well, then how about this:
Why not offer to sell Windows 7 RC to (us, you know--the ones that give you what you need in order for you to have and provide good products) testers for say, $50.00?
That way we can continue using your product without the (negative) hassle of backing up and uninstalling—then going back to either Windows XP, Vista, etc? Sound fair?
isn't amazon and microsoft site selling them from $49.99 and up for a limited time.Because it is Human Nature to want to try the Latest and Greatest especially if its Free to try for a good period of time, If you get sucked in, that your problem and you need to deal with it, not by going around and crying about it. I see what you’re saying about the $50 for the RC, I hear you brother, I fell what you’re saying, but thats not how business works my friend. I wish it was like that too, but I have dealt with my issues by getting over it.
MCP, MCDST, MCSA
EDS an HP company
- Edited byKyle Denning Tuesday, July 28, 2009 3:48 AM
- Edited byKyle Denning Tuesday, July 28, 2009 3:48 AM
- Edited byKyle Denning Tuesday, July 28, 2009 3:49 AM
Well, then how about this:
Why not offer to sell Windows 7 RC to (us , you know--the ones that give you what you need in order for you to have and provide good products) testers for say, $50.00?
That way we can continue using your product without the (negative) hassle of backing up and uninstalling—then going back to either Windows XP, Vista, etc? Sound fair?
isn't amazon and microsoft site selling them from $49.99 and up for a limited time.
exactly...if no one took advantage of the sale, well that's their faults. as for me, i can wait until a while to buy 7, but that's my choice- i read about these ppl complaining about how they should get a free copy and that they dont want to pay and lose whatever they have not backed up. what other product or service in the world will let you test run it for a year for free?
If youre afraid of losing any infomration why do u keep such data on a windows BETA install? Most ppl blame M$ for a lot of things but must problems are with the End User
ask urself this:
who forced you to use windows 7?
have you single handed solve any issues that are equivalent to the price of windows 7?
and if ur data is not worth losing then you should have it backed up no matter what OS you are using
BTW with all the illegal mp3, movie and software everyone has downloaded , do we really deserve a free OS?- Proposed As Answer byEnkrypter_DJ Tuesday, July 28, 2009 4:39 AM
- nice reply Enkrypter. I was reading some of these replies and what most people tend to not understand you are given a beta version of the OS not only to help Microsoft improve the OS, which you are under no responsibility to send feedback, it is a great way to check your hardware and software for potential compatibility issues which is the biggest problem in updating an OS.
I could see compensation needing to be given if you were required to give feedback.... - I think one critical point has been left out of the conversation. Microsoft is a VERY large company with a large and diverse network. Generally speaking, they run through a series of test builds of their products internally, to progressively larger groups, throughout the development process. Although our feedback is definately helpful to a degree in ironing out issues unique to home users, most of their feedback is driven internally by employees assigned to run the beta software.
That being said, the greatest benefit to releasing the betas to the public, from Microsoft's perspective, is building hype in the product. We use it, we like it or hate it, but we TALK ABOUT IT. Especially with as ill-recieved a product as Vista, this is understandably important.
In my humble opinion, I feel it's a pretty fair trade off. We get a free year's use of the product, and Microsoft gets oodles of free advertising and positive word-of-mouth in an increasingly critical market. Of course, if they offer free or reduced copies of 7, I wouldn't complain either. - ok, i understand what everyone means. i am using the w7 RC atm. i had been running windows xp, had troubles with nvidia drivers for my nvidia gtx 260. i have now fallen in love with w7. its a perfect alternative for xp. i havent the money to buy vista atm ,and my games crash when i run xp. i thought i would give w7 RC a shot, and i like it. i dont mind if i dont get a dscount, i mean, yes, it would be nice. but how many people are using it as a free temp operating system? im going to buy windows 7 when it comes out. fair enough we did help them out, but in the long run, who is it that is supplying us with an operating system? microsoft. we could just go with linux, but drivers are not supported. we could go to mac, but its a pain in the ____. windows is the best option. and i love it. if you have a problem with paying 300$ for an operating system, go back to school, learn more, get a higher paying job. im still in school and i dont mind the money i will pay for it. but i agree with whoever it was that said, multiple licenses for a household. do it microsoft office style? make it work on more than one computer? or, if you buy one copy, pay another, 100$ or so, to get it upgraded to more than one key? its still giving people the option to have it on their computers at home, its like bulk buying. microsoft still gets profit from each computer, but its a good deal both ways. am i right or am i wrong?
- I have to agree that the 'use' of Win7 for no charge for nearly a year is one reason I tried it.. I use Autodesk products at work and test at home to see if what works together for drivers etc. Having the use of 7 for that long while using high end graphics cards to run the 3D modeling I do at work is very helpful in the long run for me. THAT is one way early adopter/testers of 7 ARE being compensated.
NOT being required to give feedback is another portion of the compensation for being a Win7RC tester.. however on a totally DIFFERENT note....
IF Microsoft would allow household licensing (likely limited to 3 machines like most are) I do think they would see a greater number of sales of 'boxed' software compared to the people that wait until they get a new machine to get the new OS. Windows 7 shows all the signs of being really good release of Windows and I am hoping to install it on at least 2 machines at home if not 3 or 4.. I don't mind paying for it twice.. One Ultimate for my big honking CAD machine..and once more for a 'Home Premium' version to install on my ASUS G1 gamer laptop and my wifes lightweight machine as well as my sons gaming computer, my son can upgrade the HP laptop he purchased against my advice on his own! LOL...
Household licensing is needed..not just desired.. - Microsoft announced on 7/21 that a family pack for Home Premium (good for 3 installs) will be made available in select markets.
The post is here, towards the bottom - http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/07/21/when-will-you-get-windows-7-rtm.aspx Once upon a time Microsoft did give out a free final release OS after I Beta tested.
When they were working on Windows 98, before the days of downloading ISO files and the inthernet was run on 56k modems.
I signed up to test the Beta and RC of Windows 98. After the testing period was over, they sent out a Full, final and best of all free version.
It was not expected, but instead was a nice suprise. I continue to test new OS's that come out, not for a free copy but to learn about the direction the industry I work in is heading. And if you think you should get an OS just beacuse you tested it you are not doing it for the right reasons.
Tichy- You have a good point of view Steven, however, MS did ignore the I.T community and bought out Vista and it failed miserably. With this in mind, having purchased Vista was a huge mistake on my part and having bought that OS, I too believe, that MS should replace my copy of Vista with a copy of Win7.
I would like to remind you that, while your point about us getting a free operating system is valid; it's not the only side to look at. Yes we are getting a free operating system and yes I have paid for 3 other operating systems in my house. Having said that, it is not pathetic that Microsoft doesn't give us a FREE version on the official release candidate but it is pathetic that we don't at least get a really good deal on it from a price standpoint. We are offering vital information to "the Microsoft" as you all like to put it for FREE. This information is crucial to the BIG M so they can receive input from all of us techies on their product. I spend my time helping Microsoft and I expect to be compensated for it.
Agreed, I don't really expect them to give us 7 for FREE.
But I would like to see a discount of sorts.
It isn't fair to us to give EVERYONE not just the Beta and RC testers a Steep Discount to $49 for a limited time, this same discount was on many different websites not just MSstore.
Then for those of us who help who didn't have the $$$$$ at the time couldn't snag it for $49 and had to wait a few weeks before they could get it.
Then when we go back to get it the Upgrade to 7 HP is now $119.
It just isn't FAIR at all...
I use to use the many Flavours of Linux. But now I'm a PC.....You miss one point that FREE OS (W7) is limited so when final version is out the RC is out
Again Agreed.....
I use to use the many Flavours of Linux. But now I'm a PC.....Well first you get the priviledge of using a Operating System before the public does. I gotta ask just how much testing are you doing? Please MS is a for profit and thats one of the products they sell.
I agree that the privilege of testing an OS is a generous notion but we are TESTING the darn thing for them... However I understand that MS needs to make money.. But R/C testers should be offered a discount off the final product... I mean Microsoft pockets don't exactly look nervous.. There going to be selling the final release ultimate version for what most likely $350???? So give the R/C testers a chance at half price, or $100 bucks off... This is not FREE... This is not a generous offer... In march of next year the program self destructs.. I mean they said it like shuts your PC off, makes your toaster oven shoot flames, and a small Asian midget pops out of your DVD player and kicks your dog while your not looking.. So they are not "giving" you anything except a good reminder of why you should regularly back up your data cause come next march your gonna have to go back to the land of Vista or pay full price for Windows 7 (or as I like to call it... Vista SP3).. Come on guys admit it, Vista SUCKED out loud... You know an OS is bad when the next service pack is a whole new OS.....
Anyway I think they owe the people who are testing this a little something for the trouble... When the final version of 7 comes out and this one shuts down, you are going to have to do a clean install thus losing all your data unless you back up regularly... I mean I have an external 1tb Western Digital, or as I like to call it the Microsoft Failsafe.. There are 3 options that I see...
#1.. Stick with windows vista (which really isn't an option cause I think windows 3.1 had more functionality)
#2.. Run with this then Pay Full Price for the Final version, Loose all your data thats not backed up and reinstall this yet again....
#3... Go the "dark" route and find websites with ways to bypass the time lock or make the R/C version a Full version....
Only one of those ways makes any "new" money for Microsquish.. why not offer people a discount... If out of 100 people 70 Pay full Price, 5 just go back to vista, and 25 use pirated copies... Take that demographic and multiply it over the masses of users you have a large amount of piracy which hurts everyone.. If you can take those initial 25 and cut that to 10 or less by offering people an incentive to buy the program legit you save the company money in the long run and the rest of the customers money because the cost of the program isn't jacked up in price. You can say that there are failsafes and what not and the threat of fines and such but lets face it day after day I see people on forums talking about hacks, or patches, keygens, etc... People don't care. they aren't afraid of the threats.. But the rest of us who either don't want to go to jail, or understand how much work goes into making this sort of thing spend our money to pay for the ones who would rather get something for nothing... Microsoft is no better the software piracy groups because Microsoft wants beta testing for nothing... They throw this out and say oh its a privilge to test it.. But really its just for their own benefit cause they don't have to pay anyone and they find out what works and what needs work.. So for that I think they SHOULD offer something to people who test it...
Again Agreed.....
Speaking of #3.
I've already seen a timer nuke on a site for the RC release....
I've bought a ligit Upgrade Copy of 7 HP from the MSstore.
But I agree with the above to the extent that the GENERAL Pop isn't going to waste their time and effort to find this Hack and learn how to use it.
I tried it just to see if it worked and it did.
But it was a pain to use, And to use it everytime you reinstall just wasn't worth it to me.
So I reinstall the evaluation copy and wait for the release of my ligit copy, The point here is the Techies who want to use it are, but I do think that these numbers would be cut in at least half if MS would give a discount of some sort.
Some people are going to figure if MS don't want to give us something for our work, then they'll make their own discount so to speak.
Is it fair? NO not to MS or Us that buy the ligit copies...
But MS needs to understand we should get somekind of Compensation at least.
Why not allow the ones who tested it at least be able to use it without shut down, just don't allow any updates, after all isn't that what WGA is for?
I might be going out on a limb here saying this but I'd bet Dollars to Donuts that 95% of those I would think of using updatedless RC copies, would SOON buy a Ligit Copy once they began running into some sort of Hardware problems, Or Anti Virus would soon would grow tired of the fight and install the real thing.
Granted some wouldn't but I do think most would. JMHO....
I use to use the many Flavours of Linux. But now I'm a PC.....Actually there are a few more options . . .
#4 Switch to Mac. That is what I did to avoid the 'Vista' fun. This option only comes with new hardware, but after a year of Mac use, this is the best investment in tech gear I've ever made. Unfortunately I'm stuck with a dozen wintel machines at my business so this option does have limitations.
#5 Linux. I replaced a few machines at work with Linux (including a win 98 PIII) and although it takes a little dedication to learn a new system and some basic programming skills to get things up and running. Once running, the transition from XP>Linux is pretty easy for the end user. The main drawback is that critical applications are not available - (I need adobe CS3 products and quickbooks on some machines).
Yeah... Couple things I need to comment on...
#1... Under NO circumstances, ever, for any reason, at all, <-----Starting to get the point yet??? .... Is "SWITCH TO MAC" an option.. This shouldn't even be an OS let alone an option.. No offense but your on the WINDOWS forums... I really hope you already assumed that dropping the CRAPPLE BOMB here would get you flamed... THIS IS A WINDOWS FORUM!! Don't get me wrong I can't stand Microsoft sometimes cause most of the things they do suck too, but at least they suck at it while doing it better... For instance my mouse has 2 buttons... (actually it has nine..) But you know where I am going with this.. AND I KNOW MACS HAVE EXTERNAL MICE THAT HAVE 2 BUTTONS. SHUT UP... ITS A JOKE... If someone doesn't understand that it is a joke then most likely their an idiot... But really MAC SUCKS!!! If I didn't have the BSOD at least twice a day I would be lost.. Though with windows 7 I have yet to get one so I guess that they are working on this whole concept.... Don't tell me MACS don't get viruses cause I work nights and my days are free I will sit here with a friends power-book till I create one and release it just so I can kick MAC owners in the Virtual Bean Bag.....
#2.... LINUX....... aka Ubuntu or Xubuntu or Kubuntu . . . . . Now I will have to stop and say that if anything this could have been option 4..... Linux kicks ____.. I like Kubuntu for desktop and for my laptop I run straight Ubuntu.... The reason I do not use Linux on my gaming PC which is what I am on right now via Win-7 is because its a gaming PC and its all but impossible to play games like COD-4, COD-5, GRID, Fallout 3, Wheelman... On linux... If I could play those games proplerly with Wine or something similar we wouldn't be having this conversation since I think Linux rocks!! I set my Mom up with a P4 2.3ghz, 2gb of ram, and a 500gb HDD and installed Kubuntu. SHE LOVES IT!!! Surfs the net, does some graphics editing, scrap booking, scans her photos in and watches TV right on the computer.. If they made linux able to run those DirectX games I would drop MS like a bad habbit..
So, final thoughts... (for now) is that while I like the feel of Windows 7... I have had a few problems with things such as my HP Photo Printer didn't install right and it took me about 3 hours to get it to work at all... My sound was all jacked up... My ATI Crossfire wasn't working, but I got it now... I think Microsoft owes US somethhing for being Beta Testers.. I am not saying give ALL of us a free copy...
But why not make a contest.. Draw like 50 Random CD-Keys and they get the Ultimate Final Edition in there platform choice x86 or 64-bit for Free..
The Next 250 People get their choice again for 50% off the "retail" Price
Then the Rest of the people get $100 flat off the Final Edition in their choice of Platform....
Come on Microsoft even you guys have to admit thats a pretty cool deal....
Best idea yet....... Sad part of it is they won't listen....
I use to use the many Flavours of Linux. But now I'm a PC.....First, if they gave everyone who had "beta-tested" Windows 7 the retail version for free, they'd make literally zero profit and therefore forfeit any and all effort and work into it. Who wouldn't beta test for a free brand new OS?
Second, nobody said "You must beta test this for us now." Instead it was "Hey check it out, we're show off our newest OS for you, it's not complete yet so it may have bugs just to let you know but we will take the crash information to make the product better. Feel free to download it and give feed back." No one forced you into it... it was your choice to download it and use it.
And from what i've seen (And i'll will admit that i haven't dived too far into win7) I'll stick with my Vista 64-bit...- Proposed As Answer byecoman Wednesday, August 05, 2009 12:58 PM
- That was a mistake on my part Proposed as a answer for warrioroc's comment I don't agree with it at all. I had to put it here cause I can't take it off there...anyway..
First of all bata tester "are" there profit if it were not for them they would be working for years to find all the bugs. And they should give bata testers a discount price for windows 7 even free for testers finding important issues. Not everyone bata test, even if it were free you would not see everyone doing it.
Say I build homes and come up with these ideas that I think would sell more of my homes but wanted to try them out to see how it would work. So I get me some "bata" people looking to buy homes to look at all my ideas and tell me what changes they would do. Then I take all that info from them and see a trend of what they all agree on and then I build the homes just like the majority wanted. They see there ideas and now they want to buy these homes along with lots of other people that heard about them as word spread arround, yea bata people talk too. But they think they should get a discount for helping me to come up with a home that will sell. But wait, no I shouldn't do this because I will lose money? Ah what about all the buyers from there word of month...? Yea I would discount these homes to them because without them I would never had made them homes sell and get more buyers all at the same time.
I agree we should pay something but not full price. I do know full price includes profit. The profit is from bata testing.
do the math MS... - hi, i know it's to late now but here in the UK we had the chance to pre order and save money on windows 7 home premium/professional so i got my copy of professional for £80.00GBP instead of the £150.00GBP.
Now i know it's not free but saving nearly half the price for being one of the first adopters and having faith in microsoft. Using the bete/RC version now helps me ensure that when the full product is delivered it should work with all of my hardware and software straight away without any need to wait for fixes, patches and service packs.
I think people shouldn't be so petty about receiving a free copy of the OS but should be grateful they have the opportunity to help make it work first time. - and the posibility of draw for 1000 copies for the users of RC and Beta?
- Business 101 "make money". I transfered from the education environment (math, physics and chemistry) to the "real world " last year. Follow the money. "Free" test? No. Cost vs product enhancement, yes.
We test after using a poor/defective product (Vista), they provide a carot (Windows 7), we drool, jump,; more money for them. Again, follow the money.
By the way; I am now in the oil industry in petrophysics and the price due to our current govt oversight will dramatically increase within the next 6 months. Buy a gas storage tank. It will be worth it. Computer systems (PC) are propegated with enhancements for the masses (bells and whistles vs. quality). Go with Apple and you don't have the problems and all the "new release stuff". Business hasn't gone apple because of comercial campaigns and government freebies. Actually think for yourself and research and you will see the results of Apple vs PC.
blave - Logging Geologist, Petrophysics Engineer, Pore Pressure Engineer
May you find that which you seek. Business 101 "make money". I transferred from the education environment (math, physics and chemistry) to the "real world” last year. Follow the money. "Free" test? No. Cost vs. product enhancement, yes.
We test after using a poor/defective product (Vista), they provide a carrot (Windows 7), we drool, jump, more money for them. Again, follow the money.
By the way; I am now in the oil industry in petro physics and the price due to our current govt oversight will dramatically increase within the next 6 months. Buy a gas storage tank. It will be worth it. Computer systems (PC) are propagated with enhancements for the masses (bells and whistles vs. quality). Go with Apple and you don't have the problems and all the "new release stuff". Business hasn't gone apple because of commercial campaigns and government freebies. Actually think for yourself and research and you will see the results of Apple vs. PC.
Blave - Logging Geologist, Petro physics Engineer, Pore Pressure Engineer
May you find that which you seek.- I'll be getting the full version for quite less than the retail version. $149 i think. Windows 7 Ultimate, it could be less. I'll have to wait and see.
i am sorry to say that you will never get a free operating system from microsoft, if you want a free one use
www.shipit.ubuntu.com
you will get it it 1 month at the maximum . get accustomed to it
a note for you,microsoft has given a code under gpl license for enabling
virtualisation of windows server and shown it's
hand for supporting linux(not sure) or any hidden plans may lie there
i am using windows 7 rc and searching for 2 drivers
windows 7 drivers for via hd
ubuntu drivers for nvidia geforce 7 nforce610i
anyone listening
http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/07/30/showing-our-thanks-to-windows-7-beta-testers.aspx INVITED Beta testers to get free windows 7- Those who hate or want to screw over Microsoft so much... Why are you here!?! To troll? Now that's pathetic! Go back to the Prepubescent-Nazi holes that you came from!
Going back to the original question/ topic, I think it would be nice if MS at least sent us a coupon for a percent (10%?) off of the full version.- Proposed As Answer byChris H W Tuesday, August 25, 2009 4:39 AM
- I gotta say I'm a little surprised by the negative reaction to MS's position that volunteer testers pay the price everyone else will:
1. They know most early testers, us, volunteer to download and evaluate advanced releases because we want to play with the latest and value the opportunity to weigh-in on its development. Not because there's a discount involved. MS pays in-house s/w validation engineers, outside validation firms, and partner OEMs lots of devp $$ to perform necessary testing. The purpose of any general early release program is largely marketing: gauge reaction from early adopters, start buzz and generate support from experts. Hey, don't download/try it and/or provide any feedback....the reason you did is because you wanted to do so.
2. Picking on Microsoft's financial success as something dishonorable seems a little shortsighted. Oil companies for example make *tons* more. However there's no bigger charity in the world than the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. Second I believe (I may be wrong, but close) is the Gordon and Betty Moore foundation (Intel). In the scheme of corporate greed I think MS/Intel are waaaaaay low. By the way, where's Steve Jobs here?
Now I bought one of this little Netbooks, with XPHome on it. I never liked XP, but what I purchased left me with the fact that could not even change the language. Neither Hardware manufacturer, nor MS, bothered to respond to a request to change/provide a English language version . I thought MS lived itself to the reality, creating WIN7 to be more in reliance to the majority of their clients, which are private consumer,- not companies. However it seems MS policies are still streamlined to create dependencies. Gov-contracts and cooperation via partners like modus operandi seems to be the real buzz to archive the real goals of Web3.0. The future will show if this policy is paying off.Sorry, but no. The Beta and RC are an opportunity for you to get an early look at the planned product, and share your feedback to make Windows 7 even better. The software will be avaialable for purchase separately or on a new computer when the final version is released.
all faces united- Proposed As Answer bytetsche Sunday, August 30, 2009 9:53 AM
When you purchase the netbook, it will state which language os it comes with, ms has the right not to change your os, for xp the pro version allows you to add language as for win 7 it's the ultimate version.
Now I bought one of this little Netbooks, with XPHome on it. I never liked XP, but what I purchased left me with the fact that could not even change the language. Neither Hardware manufacturer, nor MS, bothered to respond to a request to change/provide a English language version . I thought MS lived itself to the reality, creating WIN7 to be more in reliance to the majority of their clients, which are private consumer,- not companies. However it seems MS policies are still streamlined to create dependencies. Gov-contracts and cooperation via partners like modus operandi seems to be the real buzz to archive the real goals of Web3.0. The future will show if this policy is paying off.Sorry, but no. The Beta and RC are an opportunity for you to get an early look at the planned product, and share your feedback to make Windows 7 even better. The software will be avaialable for purchase separately or on a new computer when the final version is released.
all faces united
kms- I think we should at the verry least get to keep the rc, you all know the work "WE" did will show in Windows 7 retail version. ----- so come on let us keep it-----
They didn't give us a cd for xp when we bought . I have a Gateway mx6450 that came with media center 2005 and no os disk . what a bunch of - - - -!!! stop playing with us at least give us what we pay for .!. o buy the way THANKS FOR WIN 7 IT HELPS ME ALOT AND I LIKE THE BACK GROUNDS THEY MEAN ALOT TO ME -----HI ALL----- - Sighs,
So much for a beta or RC on the next version of Windows.
That or it will have an opening page that says NO- You don't get it free, are you sure you wish to proceed?
I agree that it would be nice to have a discount... and they did provide a pre-buy discount. I think with their next release they should basically limit it to the users who install a RC.
You purchase the upgrade or full version, and depending on how long you ran the RC client you can get a rebate discount.
This would inspire more people to install the RC client.
Someone make the ultimate Operating system: Lindomac, taking the best from Linux Windows and MAC.
- i have get the product key, but how to download windows 7, i can't found
- On the #5 option - yes you can run quickbooks and other win-only applications. Install (Sun's free) VirtualBox on the Linux machine and then run win-XP (or Vista) as a virtual machine within Linux - - install those legacy applications within the virtual XP machine - they will run fine.
- Now don't get me wrong, I do believe that they gave us a chance at the discount for a short while for a $49 dollar upgrade.
I blew it and waited to long so I ended up buying a Full Priced Pre-Order."MY FAULT".....
Now when I was using Linux Xandros "USE" to give a free copy to all of their beta testers when they were still working on Everyday users Desktop OS's, but now that they are pushing only their Pro version that's NO LONGER THE CASE!!!!
It's been a few years since they released a SO CALLED Desktop Linux OS.
And now that they bought out Linspire there's NO Competition.
So they aren't going to Worry about the Everyday Users, Hey there's Freespire after all, they support that RIGHT???
NO it was a while after Linspire started Freespire before they released 2.0, Now it's been a few years since they bought out Linspire Freespire has become Stagnant, WITH NO SIGNS of a "NEW" Release.....
Seems to me that if there's NO Competition there's No Reason to do Nothing Extravagant, such as give their Beta Testers a Free Copy.
Linux will NEVER be a Threat because they can't run Retail games well enough, And even though Mac is now starting to some extent work with Gamers to be able to Play some of the more Favorite Games.
They are still and probably always will be to Hardware Specific, And at least for me their PC's and Lappy's are to Expensive..........................
As well as them being resistant to Virus's "BULL" Look at Norton's and a few others are starting to Release Anti-Virus programs for Mac's and you don't make Anti Virus Programs unless you can become infected....
And these programs are almost twice that, what it cost for one running Windows.
It's Bull that it's invulnerable because I've read articles about MORE Virus's are hitting Mac PC's everyday, there just harder to write for Mac's , and even Linux can be hit why do you think there is CLAM AV, it's just that Linux is even harder to write a Virus program for.
It just seems to me unless You can get something else that can run MOST Games as well as other programs, MS will always be at the TOP period....
And one "FINAL" Thought, If you don't want to run the next Beta/RC of what maybe called Windows "8", Without expecting something in return, Other then the chance to see if it will work on your PC, Then either run another OS, OR wait to buy the Final Release and just HOLD your breath as to WILL it work for ME or NOT...
I use to use the many Flavours of Linux. But now I'm a PC.....
I agree. MAC OS is way too expensive. You you compare a Windows PC against a MAC of the same quality as far as hardware is concerned, you are looking to pay a lot more for the MAC.
They are still and probably always will be to Hardware Specific, And at least for me their PC's and Lappy's are to Expensive..........................
As well as them being resistant to Virus's "BULL" Look at Norton's and a few others are starting to Release Anti-Virus programs for Mac's and you don't make Anti Virus Programs unless you can become infected....
And these programs are almost twice that, what it cost for one running Windows.
It's Bull that it's invulnerable because I've read articles about MORE Virus's are hitting Mac PC's everyday, there just harder to write for Mac's , and even Linux can be hit why do you think there is CLAM AV, it's just that Linux is even harder to write a Virus program for.
It just seems to me unless You can get something else that can run MOST Games as well as other programs, MS will always be at the TOP period....
The only reason that there are more viruses for the Windows OS is because MAC holds less than 25% of the market (partially due to the epic failure of Windows Vista was less than 10% in 2007). Linux holds even less than that. If you are creating a virus, you want to impact the largest number of people...so of course you are going to target the Microsoft OS...
I have seen good times and bad times with Microsoft, Started with MS DOS 4 & 5, then Windows 3.1, 95, 98, 98SE, ME ("ManyErrors"), XP, Vista (YUK!!), and now the Windows 7 RC. To this date, none of them have surpassed the Stability of MS DOS 5. The functionality, and user friendliness has greatly improved since then. The addition of a GUI to the Microsoft lineup is where stability started going downhill. Windows 7, is a step in the right direction if you ask me. Even if it is really only fixing many of Vista's errors...but hey...we have seen this before...Remember ME? ME was a rushed operating system that came out partially because of the Y2K scare. XP is everything that ME was meant to be.
For those whining about the not getting a "Free" version after the Beta and RC tests are over. Get Over It. Just be glad you got a sneak peek of what you can expect from the new Windows OS before you had to buy it and then dislike it. Imagine all those poor souls that purchased Windows Vista, or ME execting something great only to be let down in the end. Think of it as a test drive of a vehicle. Would you honestly go out and spend a bunch of money on a car that you have never driven? Quit your crying. If you want FREE...join the Linux croud.
That's both correct and incorrect - it depends upon what the person want's to accomplish. If you want to steal passwords and credit card numbers you want to get the largest number of individual systems. If you want fame and glory, you want one big system.If you are creating a virus, you want to impact the largest number of people...so of course you are going to target the Microsoft OS...
Malware that steals your information is actually created by the lesser talented malware creators. These are the things that sweep the web and scoop up as many systems as they can find. As a result of the way they work, these things are what most home users think of when they think of someone hacking into a computer. And it is correct that the creators of such malware will go after whatever OS has the most users of systems that contain what they're looking for.
The actual hacking sub-culture, however, is relatively harmless and all those hackers want is fame and glory within that sub-culture. And these are the truly talented hackers. For the most part, they simply get into systems just to prove they can and don't usually do any real harm once they're there - they may deface a web page with a graffiti logo that identifies them within the sub-culture, or something along those lines. All they want is the fame and glory, and all they need to get it is proof that they were able to get into a system (like tagging it with graffiti).
There is really no disputing that it is harder to hack a linux or mac system. Even at legitimate security conferences designed and sponsored simply to allow the best known hackers in the world to try to hack systems, they readily enter Windows systems but usually totally fail to enter a linux system. Mac is more hit or miss, with some successful breaches here and there.
For a truly talented hacker seeking fame and glory, nothing could be better than getting into somewhere like Amazon or Google - but it just doesn't happen. Despite their efforts, they can't penetrate those systems - and those sites are not running Windows (Netcraft will tell you what OS a website uses). Microsoft, on the other hand, has even had their own site taken down, and, of course, it does run Windows.
Now, all that said, as long as the average home user clicks and installs anything that appears in front of them, there is no such thing as a secure OS no matter what name you put on it. In that regard, Microsoft gets an overly bad rap simply because they have the largest base of these "click anything" home users. But the real comparison can be seen when you look at those security conferences that have the best of the best attempt to breach default installs of Windows, Mac and Linux. Without fail, the results always show the first is easy, the next is hard, and the last is almost impossible.- It seems to me that those that have helped Microsoft want some sort of "free or discounted" version for their troubles... and there were some troubles...From my understanding Microsoft is giving testers a chance at a free copy... The New Efficiency Event...I would think though that with Google on the rise allowing many people to test their stuff FREE, Mac focusing on more games and slowly drawing more of a crowd, and Linux based systems making some progress, along with certain instant on OSs that come with complete web and file browsing, Open Office, etc. that Microsoft would want to be more competitive in the market... more people buying a cheaper OS could turn out more profit then less people buying a more expensive OS...In these (economic) times it would seem generous of MS to lower prices and help repair their misfortunes of vista (which was not entirely MS's fault)...This decision, if made out of greed, will open the a door for Google, Apple, and Linux, and most certainly would prove MS as just any other company...but if MS chooses to help people out, apologize for the problems with vista, and be kind instead of greedy, then the response (i believe) would give MS a good public rep. and prove MS as one of the few (ethically) good companies out there. When the people are put first, they generally return the favor...
- #6 Go back to good old Wndows XP. If you want the appearance of vista or windows 7 , Get the program "Window Blinds'.
Way to go Ronsin!
I have run XP fer years WITHOUT any major problems. A couple of SMALL things only.
I just spent A COUPLE OF DAYS trying ta "SET RIGHT" my Mom's machine. IT'S RUNNING VISTA.
I almost took it out & shot it! I wouldn't even think of trying anything else.
There is an old saying...IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT!
Stay with XP & spend yer time ENJOYING your computer experience instead of constantly tryin ta fix evrything.
'NUFF SAID! If I'm using the Release Candidate, does it upgrate to the real thing, or do I get a free copy of Windows 7 when it comes out?
In all the chatter I have noticed that no one put the free enterprise system down, Just the guys that have been able to use it properly to create a product and make a good living for themselves. Most of the comments here seem to use the argument that if you test drive something to find out if it is suitable for you or (heaven forbid) your business and/or customers (who will pay you for your reccomendations and the software) to make you or your customers more competitive you should be compensated. Give your head a shake! have your piece of the pie and Microsoft's as well. I bet 95 % of you will still use microsoft and will buy it and pay full price or hack it and still pay full price in grief. When you test drive a new Ford do they give you a free car? When you test drive a new boat do you get it for free? when you try a new gasoline do they not expect you to pay for it? It is in your best interest to try and test a car, new gas, or any other product before you buy. Get Real People. it is just jelousy that you haven't the drive and forsight to do what B. Gates did. Give the man his due and pay the piper.I think we should at the verry least get to keep the rc, you all know the work "WE" did will show in Windows 7 retail version. ----- so come on let us keep it-----
They didn't give us a cd for xp when we bought . I have a Gateway mx6450 that came with media center 2005 and no os disk . what a bunch of - - - -!!! stop playing with us at least give us what we pay for .!. o buy the way THANKS FOR WIN 7 IT HELPS ME ALOT AND I LIKE THE BACK GROUNDS THEY MEAN ALOT TO ME -----HI ALL-----
If you know anything about operating systems and how they are marketed it is not microsoft that profits from you not ordering the free or minimal cost cd from Gateway. all they are required to do is provide you with the os and a way to install it and reinstall it. that is all on the hard drive that you get with the system. in their documentation that you get with the system you will find instructions to get the cd. This is typical of those that heap the "sins" of others onto microsoft to make them look worse. For Shame!- Proposed As Answer byROSS C REYNOLDS Monday, October 19, 2009 1:33 PM
- It's about time someone spoke up for um.. *looks around innocently* those people. ;) Thanks Darren.The collective mentality of joe windows user is upsetting. especially in this thread. I've seen people putting down whatever anyone else says, yet they're unable to spell simple words, or use anything near proper grammar. No, I'm not trying to be perfect, I'm far from it, but to see the hypocrisy here is sickening.If anyone didn't know, I'm receiving Windows 7 Ultimate Signature Edition for hosting a launch party, and there's thousands of people who aren't even following through with their agreement and hosting the party... but they're getting it free. So yes, Microsoft DOES give their OS away free, you just needed to do a little work (oops, I said a bad word for all these morons, didn't I?) to get it. Sorry that you're so selfish and set in the "gimme gimme" mindset of the wonderful US of A these days, that you can't make a small effort to get what you want, even for free.I'm sure I'll get a gazillion morons posting replies to me, chastising me, trolling the ____ out of my comment, but idgaf. I won't be here reading them. ;)
I looked you up in the system, you have the client installed and are actively sending data. I also see that you are part of the program that offered Windows 7 as a gift for your participation. I am unaware of any change in that offering. You should receive your Windows 7 gift within 3 months of its general availability date.
Also, what forums are you referring to? Could you send me a pointer to the post you are talking about? I would like to investigate this issue.
Windows Feedback Panel
- Proposed As Answer bySpottedEagle Wednesday, October 21, 2009 2:52 AM
- How about me? How do you know I am reporting or not?
I did reporting to MS. I was installed beta and report whatever I got message.
After that I did clean installed to RC. I was always did clean installed it.
I saw full windows 7 ultimate and professiconal in some forums.
I thought you will knew that.
But I didn't use it. I already buy Windows 7 Ultimate from Fry's, for other PC.
So, I am beta and RC tester and I bought Windows 7 Ultimate.
My question is what is my benefit?
Many peoples use copy windows and I used real thing.
What is different? I don't see any different.
I have two laptop and three PCs. Should I buy windows 7 for all?
I would like to get chance for that.
I was testing windows 7 also I already buy W7 Ultimate.
I would like to use windows 7 in all my PCs. Do I have a chance?
I hope, you got my point.- Proposed As Answer bycheeseball Thursday, October 29, 2009 11:20 AM
Steve,
Actually you can now (after September 15, 2009) download a fully functional copy of Windows 7 Enterprise 32 or 64 bit.
I have used it for the past 33 days.
Just yesterday my copy of Windows 7 Home Premium came via UPS.
I bought that copy for $49 back in July.All in all this will be the least expensive up grade since Windows 2000.
Thank you Microsoft,
Rick Johnson
Rick J- All I can say is....With the junk microsoft Vista is, us poor folks who had to live with it and wish we had never heard of it, there seems to reason enough for MS to offer us releif through a discounted price on Win.7! Will this happen...I doubt it....the rich just get richer and us suckers who trusted them, just die trying to tread water!
- Where can I find this FREE Download?
Thank you - No, you don't. You chose to test it on your own acord.
However if you are a FE/HE Student you can get Home Premium or Professional versions (either 32bit or 64bit) for just £30 - without doing any testing! =D - I had the good fortune to attend one of the "New Efficiency" Launch events and so recieved a free copy of the ultimate edition there, I also signed up to host one of the launch parties through House Party and received a copy for that. The point here is that there have been several opportunities for people to "earn" free copies of this operating system. All you had to do is keep your ears and eyes open and take the opportunity when it comes. The first opportunity was a matter of keeping my eyes out for Windows Technet events. (you do know it is free to join Technet, Right?) The second was just a matter signing up when the call went out for hosts. Microsoft has made it fairly easy to "earn" a copy, all you had to do is be alert and willing to take some time out of your busy schedule to kick back and have some fun.
Seems to me that when you beta test for a company there should be something in it for you. Years ago, in the good old DOS days, I beta tested for a company and received the upgrades for FREE. However, MS, is using a shotgun approach by letting everybody use RC1 and possibly RC number whatever. Therefore, it makes it a little difficult to reward all with a free copy. At that point, the operating might just as well be free.
That said, it must also be remembered that overall, the general computing public won't be downloading either a 'Beta' or a 'Release Candidate'. It is only those of us a little less technically challenged and a little more technically adventuresome that do those sorts of things.
Bottom line? Me thinks MS should at the very least offer a deeply discounted copy of the software to those of us helping them to make their product better. JMHO.
JK
Many Years ago when AOL was charging us an astronomical amount by the hour, I beta tested for them. THEY "compensated" us with free hours. It seems the least Microsoft could do is give a Free license. It is my understanding that within a few months Microsoft will be coming out with a copy that has THREE licenses for around $130 instead of the $119.+ for one copy. I would be willing to bet that most testers have more than one computer in their home. Good way to lose future testers Microsoft!
Many Years ago when AOL was charging us an astronomical amount by the hour, I beta tested for them. THEY "compensated" us with free hours. It seems the least Microsoft could do is give a Free license. It is my understanding that within a few months Microsoft will be coming out with a copy that has THREE licenses for around $130 instead of the $119.+ for one copy. I would be willing to bet that most testers have more than one computer in their home. Good way to lose future testers Microsoft!
I agree with you. I don't know why I was installed Beta and RC. I gave up my time for Beta and RC, not even one day and month. I knew, some peoples enjoy with copy windows.
I hope, Microsoft will give up something special for testers.- You We should get a free or a big discount, or a free copy of a UPGRADE!!!!!!!!!!
We are the reason the Windws 7, IS WORKING CORRECTLY, We helped Microsoft OVER COME THAT BIG MESS UP, AND HELPED THEM REGAIN THERE IMAGE, Also PUT MONEY INTO THERE BANK ACCOUNTSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
J. Kiel Wells You We should get a free or a big discount, or a free copy of a UPGRADE!!!!!!!!!!
We are the reason the Windws 7, IS WORKING CORRECTLY, We helped Microsoft OVER COME THAT BIG MESS UP, AND HELPED THEM REGAIN THERE IMAGE, Also PUT MONEY INTO THERE BANK ACCOUNTSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
J. Kiel Wells
Why doesn't microsoft Just give free windows to everybody and be done with it. then they could just go bankrupt, create a mini recession on their own and we can get it over with and go on to linux or mac. Even Unix at $700 per system or something even worse. then you could all stop flooding my inbox with your crying because you weren't paying enough attention to get your free cop. I got mine and so did all my customers! GET OVER IT! The more you cry about your own inattention or lazinness the more foolish you look. Think about it You are showing your true colors in the most public forum in the world. Also once it is said you cannot take it back. Good luck with that.
Satisfied Using my free Copies because I fulfilled my obligations.
TekkiefirstMy Friend Steve Alter,
Chubby cheeks, dimpled chin.Rosy lips, teeth within.Curly hair, very fair.Eyes are blue, lovely too.Teachers pet, is that you?Yes! Yes! Yes!
Business is what defined by microsoft. Release an OS which is a dirty(Vista) and immediately Release an Excellent OS(Windows 7). So that every users upgrades to Windows 7 at any cost until a good competitor comes in.
Poor Google, doesnot know how to market a solution or trick of converting revenue but ok Google has a freeflow money which microsoft doesnot have. but they should perceive microsofts internal logic of defining business.
We have done an Excellent Testing free of cost and i was sent an voucher, which is not valid by currys in UK. Statistics says microsoft spent huge money, but on invalid vouchers.
Regards
Ram- My thoughts are as beta testers there should be an extended benefit provided to us for the simple fact that if we like the product, we will encourage others to upgrade. I'm sure most of us are considered the techie's of our social circles and they would follow our recommendations. We were offered an upgrade before September prior to the final pricing of the product. Why would we take advantage of that when we have until June 2010? The special should run toward the beginning of next year maybe more of us would take advantage...On another note since we are testing the full blown ultimate version why not just release 1 stable OS that will completely dominate the competition instead of offering the watered down versions? While the 3 pack of the home edition sounds tempting I will have to stay away from it because with less experienced users in the house they will cripple it in a matter of months.Regards,CatchingEyesMedia.com
- Proposed As Answer bybibo92 Friday, October 30, 2009 5:09 PM
- hi,,any chance I would beable to get on list to try new windows when they need someone to try it out,,
- Why is it everytime They make a change we all suffer by having to upgrade at a expensive cost out of our pocket and the software manufactures make a fortune because their programs wont work on the new windows upgrades. I think this is a shame to bilk the public out of money. Shame on microsoft all the money in the world and taking more. I dont think ill ever test or help them again. Microsoft please fix your mistakes dont make new ones.
Why is it everytime They make a change we all suffer by having to upgrade at a expensive cost out of our pocket and the software manufactures make a fortune because their programs wont work on the new windows upgrades. I think this is a shame to bilk the public out of money. Shame on microsoft all the money in the world and taking more. I dont think ill ever test or help them again. Microsoft please fix your mistakes dont make new ones.
If Us consumers would stop asking for more the hardware and software manufacturers would stop producing more. It is not bilking the public giving the consumer ( or the largest majority of them) what they want. It is a business and if you want more you need to pay for it. Just suck up and deal with it or find something else.- Microsoft is a business. The more money they make, the more they want. Unfortunately they can't see past that.
- Why should any one with a new bad car that dies all the time have to pay for upgrades? Is xp still available for vista users for free.It is actually stable.
Well first you get the priviledge of using a Operating System before the public does. I gotta ask just how much testing are you doing? Please MS is a for profit and thats one of the products they sell.
I agree that the privilege of testing an OS is a generous notion but we are TESTING the darn thing for them... However I understand that MS needs to make money.. But R/C testers should be offered a discount off the final product... I mean Microsoft pockets don't exactly look nervous.. There going to be selling the final release ultimate version for what most likely $350???? So give the R/C testers a chance at half price, or $100 bucks off... This is not FREE... This is not a generous offer... In march of next year the program self destructs.. I mean they said it like shuts your PC off, makes your toaster oven shoot flames, and a small Asian midget pops out of your DVD player and kicks your dog while your not looking.. So they are not "giving" you anything except a good reminder of why you should regularly back up your data cause come next march your gonna have to go back to the land of Vista or pay full price for Windows 7 (or as I like to call it... Vista SP3).. Come on guys admit it, Vista SUCKED out loud... You know an OS is bad when the next service pack is a whole new OS.....
Anyway I think they owe the people who are testing this a little something for the trouble... When the final version of 7 comes out and this one shuts down, you are going to have to do a clean install thus losing all your data unless you back up regularly... I mean I have an external 1tb Western Digital, or as I like to call it the Microsoft Failsafe.. There are 3 options that I see...
#1.. Stick with windows vista (which really isn't an option cause I think windows 3.1 had more functionality)
#2.. Run with this then Pay Full Price for the Final version, Loose all your data thats not backed up and reinstall this yet again....
#3... Go the "dark" route and find websites with ways to bypass the time lock or make the R/C version a Full version....
Only one of those ways makes any "new" money for Microsquish.. why not offer people a discount... If out of 100 people 70 Pay full Price, 5 just go back to vista, and 25 use pirated copies... Take that demographic and multiply it over the masses of users you have a large amount of piracy which hurts everyone.. If you can take those initial 25 and cut that to 10 or less by offering people an incentive to buy the program legit you save the company money in the long run and the rest of the customers money because the cost of the program isn't jacked up in price. You can say that there are failsafes and what not and the threat of fines and such but lets face it day after day I see people on forums talking about hacks, or patches, keygens, etc... People don't care. they aren't afraid of the threats.. But the rest of us who either don't want to go to jail, or understand how much work goes into making this sort of thing spend our money to pay for the ones who would rather get something for nothing... Microsoft is no better the software piracy groups because Microsoft wants beta testing for nothing... They throw this out and say oh its a privilge to test it.. But really its just for their own benefit cause they don't have to pay anyone and they find out what works and what needs work.. So for that I think they SHOULD offer something to people who test it...
this is the first intelligent rant on MS RC policies. There are many ways companies solicit user testing. Many corp high-tech instrument/etc. give a copy of the version away. Others offer a pre-sale (reduced) price for the ultimate vers. The point is that most of them are a discount from the final released ver. I understand the concern that many of these are just an excuse to delay the purchase for a year or more, but that is part of the price to pay to get good field tested information. There are too many issue that can't be covered here, but MS is for most of us, a Monopoly on OS, and a very poorly managed one. We wanted to upgrade PC's on Vista and XP Pro with fresh drive re-formats, using the Upgrade versions, but MS can not assure us the process will work, even though we have the original OS CD's (which have serial no's that could be traced to an initial registration) since MS can not get their act together with regard to piracy. Sell us a key or registration#, whatever. I'm not paying full price for every upgrade on the same PC. Where is the competition.- Proposed As Answer byberdbrain Saturday, October 31, 2009 6:20 PM
- I couldn't agree more. Hey after all, we're not expecting a totally free version, and everyone does regiester. THere are so many ways they could change this and generate a lot more positive thoughts about MS. Too many Hackers with big egos that prevent such consideration by MS. It's a good thing for those with knowledge and time, to feed back info. So that's why it's still free for MS. Given the past years however, where this has prevailed, it has NOT generated a reliable OS until XP, which was then eliminated with Vista. I too would not give MS any help without something in return. THey have bundles of cash.
I couldn't agree more. Hey after all, we're not expecting a totally free version, and everyone does regiester. THere are so many ways they could change this and generate a lot more positive thoughts about MS. Too many Hackers with big egos that prevent such consideration by MS. It's a good thing for those with knowledge and time, to feed back info. So that's why it's still free for MS. Given the past years however, where this has prevailed, it has NOT generated a reliable OS until XP, which was then eliminated with Vista. I too would not give MS any help without something in return. THey have bundles of cash.
people face facts microsoft are a money grabbing company you rarely get out free from them all they wana do is bleed ya dry ov ur hard earned pennies
surely they could give the testers maybe a cut down version ov windows 7 specially made as a thankyou for there time or maybe some vouchers too spend on
various software ov use too them but nope u get the pleasure ov trying windows 7 for them helping them sorting the probs out by giving feedback and then its cya it all seems 2 be working fine for now pay for it like those who havent gone out ov there way and given feedback pffffffffffffffffff
microsoft you should call your next os windows dick turpin COZ YOUR PRICES ARE HIGHWAY ROBBERY
so i would like to offer something free to microsoft a huge FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRRRRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
