Anyone know if you can install non-MS OS with this version? Because Win 10 can be configured that only Windows is allowed to be started.
Still running Win7 so Im wondering how likely it is to brick your box with TPM2.0. You know, disallowing old hardware so you have to update or your PC won't start.
It shows what PvP games are really all about, and no, it's not about more realism and immersion. It's about cowards hiding behind a screen to they can bully other defenseless players without any risk of direct retaliation like there would be if they acted like asshats in "real life". -Jean-Luc_Picard
Life itself is a game. So why shouldn't your game be ruined? - justmemyselfandi
Even the article is confusing in itself. The title says that Microsoft backed away. But at the bottom of the article it says that it is still a free and fully functioning version of Windows 10, it is just an unofficial version, a distinction they claim only "corporations" should care about.
So the title is saying "Windows backed away from free Windows 10 promise".
1. They should say this is not in reference to Windows 7 or Windows 8 users. Because people will now misinterpret this.
2. The body of the article actually says that this is still a viable way for Vista and XP users to get Windows 10 for free.
"This doesn't really matter to hobbyists and other home users who just want a free Windows for their self-built PC; that few million users will be able to sneakily get a free copy of Windows 10."
So this is now the (un) official sneaky way to get Windows 10 for system builders and XP or Vista users (who aren't corporations), so hush hush.
Officially Microsoft has no idea what you're talking about (but congratz on your free Windows copy *wink wink*).
MS having a horrendous communication problem is not news. This is why people like Mary Joel Foley and Paul Thurrott have jobs. I am waiting for either of them to clarify this cause what a dogs breakfast.
It shows what PvP games are really all about, and no, it's not about more realism and immersion. It's about cowards hiding behind a screen to they can bully other defenseless players without any risk of direct retaliation like there would be if they acted like asshats in "real life". -Jean-Luc_Picard
Life itself is a game. So why shouldn't your game be ruined? - justmemyselfandi
Windows 10 is a free upgrade for the first 12 months; if you want to upgrade later then as it stands you may have to pay.
There is no subscription. Not for year 1; not for year 2; not for year 3; not ....
There must be a catch; why would MS do this? Good question. Glad you stopped to ask it.
First: sales of Windows upgrades have plummeted. Most of the money MS now makes from Windows is from new computer sales. This situation will only continue however if Windows remains "desirable" and "in the public eye"..
Second. Tablet sales have soared. And - initially at least - tablets shipped with Android not Windows. There are now some tablets being sold essentially at the same price but they are way behind. And tablets are growing in size; they can't yet replace PCs with large monitors in the home but laptops are vulnerable. The business PC market is also vulnerable but it smore complicated; suffice to say it is. If Windows falls out of the public conscience then new "hardware" will start to ship without Windows.
Third: support costs. By upgrading "everything" MS are greatly simplifying their support costs. And by saying that they will charge after the first year is a move designed to move people away from older versions. It will make it easier for MS to stop supporting them as well.
Fourth: Development. The current upgrade cycle simply hasn't been able to keep up with tech and market changes. By moving to "continual" upgrades Ms are reducing their risk. They won't spend big $$$ and find their expenditure was wasted. Working to a 3-6 month cycle will keep their at risk investment down.
Fivth. Office and all the other add-ons that MS would like you to subscribe to are designed to work on Windows. As above if Windows is no longer installed ..... that could spell serious problems for these parts of their business.
Bottom line: this is a free upgrade which MS are "giving away" for very sound business reasons. No need to upgrade right away if you are dubious. Those who opt not to upgrade will - in the future - have to be prepared to 1) run an unsupported version b) pay for an upgrade c) move to a different OS.
Windows 10 is a free upgrade for the first 12 months; if you want to upgrade later then as it stands you may have to pay.
There is no subscription. Not for year 1; not for year 2; not for year 3; not ....
There must be a catch; why would MS do this? Good question. Glad you stopped to ask it.
First: sales of Windows upgrades have plummeted. Most of the money MS now makes from Windows is from new computer sales. This situation will only continue however if Windows remains "desirable" and "in the public eye"..
Second. Tablet sales have soared. And - initially at least - tablets shipped with Android not Windows. There are now some tablets being sold essentially at the same price but they are way behind. And tablets are growing in size; they can't yet replace PCs with large monitors in the home but laptops are vulnerable. The business PC market is also vulnerable but it smore complicated; suffice to say it is. If Windows falls out of the public conscience then new "hardware" will start to ship without Windows.
Third: support costs. By upgrading "everything" MS are greatly simplifying their support costs. And by saying that they will charge after the first year is a move designed to move people away from older versions. It will make it easier for MS to stop supporting them as well.
Fourth: Development. The current upgrade cycle simply hasn't been able to keep up with tech and market changes. By moving to "continual" upgrades Ms are reducing their risk. They won't spend big $$$ and find their expenditure was wasted. Working to a 3-6 month cycle will keep their at risk investment down.
Fivth. Office and all the other add-ons that MS would like you to subscribe to are designed to work on Windows. As above if Windows is no longer installed ..... that could spell serious problems for these parts of their business.
Bottom line: this is a free upgrade which MS are "giving away" for very sound business reasons. No need to upgrade right away if you are dubious. Those who opt not to upgrade will - in the future - have to be prepared to 1) run an unsupported version b) pay for an upgrade c) move to a different OS.
You mentioned the business PC market.
This is just FYI, as OSs will still be needed for the following.
Eventually, desktops are going to be replaced by VDI and thin client devices. The only thing holding this up is that this is not yet cost effective for smaller businesses (or less than 300 employees) to migrate to. Even renting server space.
But when costs do come down. Desktops in the business environment are gone and so are the desktop support jobs.
Why? Well, VDI replaces the need for a PC. If a thin client goes out, it's cheaper to just throw it away and hook up a new one, than to pay someone to fix or maintain it. Each enduser that logs in, the server creates a new image for that session. That troublesome, old lady clicking on settings and getting error messages just has to log out and back in.
Most on-site infrastructure will have to be upgraded for this. They will require little configurations, most will be default.
So, no desktops. No servers (on-site). No configs on infrastructure. I'm sure there will be exceptions. I have no idea why anyone would get into IT at this point. I just need to finish the next 10 years strong. Hopefully by then, I can still sell my business. Oh, and there is NO way I'll start doing residential.
If you install the "Preview" as a stepping stone to release are you you still subjected to the data harvesting contract which must be accepted in order to install windows 10 preview?
Microsoft has announced that the insider program (which you must participate in to get a copy) will continue for people after the RTM and release builds of windows 10 into the near future..
So i wonder if your still considered an "insider" even after "release"?
TSW - AoC - Aion - WOW - EVE - Fallen Earth - Co - Rift - || XNA C# Java Development
If you install the "Preview" as a stepping stone to release are you you still subjected to the data harvesting contract which must be accepted in order to install windows 10 preview?
Microsoft has announced that the insider program (which you must participate in to get a copy) will continue for people after the RTM and release builds of windows 10 into the near future..
So i wonder if your still considered an "insider" even after "release"?
I think I should hold off until the first service package or until I see what the "catch" is, if not both.
Good job OP, you managed to figure out what's been known for half a year.
Where in those articles does it say windows xp and vista uses can upgrade for free?
To quote OP "All windows Vista / XP or non-Windows users have to do is install Windows 10 preview. Once it launches, it will become a genuine Windows 10 copy."
The tech preview has been open to the public for a long time, anyone can install it, MS confirmed preview users get the full version as a free update. Exactly what the OP said, nothing has changed.
How much do you think this advanced operating environment is worth? Wait just one minute before you answer.
Watch as Windows integrates Lotus 1-2-3 with Miami Vice. Now we can take this Ferrarri and paste it into Windows White. Now how much do you think Microsoft Windows is worth? Don't answer.
Wait until you see Windows White and Windows Paint and listen to what else you get at no extra charge. The MS-DOS executive, an appointment calender, a card filer, a notepad, a clock, a control panel, a terminal, a print spooler, a RAM driver, and can you believe it Reversi. That's right all these features and Reversi, all for just...
How much did you guess $500, a thousand, even more!? No it's just $0. That's right it's $0. It's an incredible value but it's true. It's Windows from Microsoft. Order today.
P.O. Box 286-DOS Redmond, Wash. (206) 882-8442 Except in Nebraska.
Good job OP, you managed to figure out what's been known for half a year.
Both your article links are about Windows 7 and 8. Not Vista and XP.
The articles you linked, revolve around a Microsoft employee communication on Twitter.
However, this same Microsoft employee, later clarified that this is in reference to Windows 7 or 8.x.
What people are discussing now, is the possibility of migrating to a full release, on custom builds, Windows Vista builds or Windows XP builds, which is something different from your links.
Good job OP, you managed to figure out what's been known for half a year.
Both your article links are about Windows 7 and 8. Not Vista and XP.
The articles you linked, revolve around a Microsoft employee communication on Twitter.
However, this same Microsoft employee, later clarified that this is in reference to Windows 7 or 8.x.
What people are discussing now, is the possibility of migrating to a full release, on custom builds, Windows Vista builds or Windows XP builds, which is something different from your links.
Anyone, including Win 95, 98, ME, XP, Vista, 3.1, Linux users, have been able to install the tech preview for a looooooong time, it's been known for a long time that the tech preview will update to RTM for free. This is the way it's been for months. This is no different.
Yes but you won't be able to update to a legit retail version of win10 without it being tied to a legit win 7/8 key. Pretty much everyone can install it but without that key it's a non legit version with a watermark and minimal updates when it comes time for retail.
If I remember correctly I could install the preview for win 7 on anything I wanted as long as I did it correctly. I still had to buy the official version when it came out. This is all academic to me as my computers run Win 7. So if I'm wrong please provide a link which officially states XP and Vista are included. Even the article below noted it's possible but have gotten no confirmations from Microsoft.
But Microsoft has made it clear that its generosity stretches only so far, and that being a beta tester is an honour in itself.
Windows 10 will be offered as a free upgrade to Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users when it launches later this year.
Windows 8 has reached end of life, and customers will need to take the free upgrade to Windows 8.1 first, which is still subject to holdouts totalling 5.88 percent of the OS market, according to this month's Netmarketshare figures.
Meanwhile, those who have helped to shape the operating system will be expected to prove that they have a valid Windows 7 or 8 licence key in order to upgrade. This means that anyone who upgraded from XP or Vista is automatically screwed.
Anyone who hasn't made a note of their licence key is also screwed if it has rubbed off the bottom of their machine (like the one on the most expensive laptop in the INQ office).
Answering a question on Twitter, Gabriel Aul, general manager of the Microsoft Operating System Group data and fundamentals team, and developer evangelist for the Windows Insider programme, confirmed that Insiders will get a free update to the RTM version. But when further quizzed, he clarified:
@DirtyWindows_@tao_huan You'll have to be upgrading from a system with a valid license for 7 or 8.x
This is, in effect "no" to the original question, as the update is free to Windows 7 and 8 users regardless of their participation in the Insider programme.
In fact, anyone who joined, wiped their machine and didn't note their licence number will actually be significantly worse off for helping Microsoft.
Reuters reported comments from Terry Myerson, EVP of operating systems at Microsoft, that pirated copies of XP and Vista will be upgraded to Windows 10 in an attempt to squish piracy (and derail the 'dewindowsification' process). If true, this is a major slap in the face for the early adopter community.
We've asked Microsoft for comment.
"We all do the best we can based on life experience, point of view, and our ability to believe in ourselves." - Naropa "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." SR Covey
Good job OP, you managed to figure out what's been known for half a year.
Both your article links are about Windows 7 and 8. Not Vista and XP.
The articles you linked, revolve around a Microsoft employee communication on Twitter.
However, this same Microsoft employee, later clarified that this is in reference to Windows 7 or 8.x.
What people are discussing now, is the possibility of migrating to a full release, on custom builds, Windows Vista builds or Windows XP builds, which is something different from your links.
it's been known for a long time that the tech preview will update to RTM for free. This is the way it's been for months. This is no different.
No it hasn't, your link was exclusively in reference to Windows 7 and 8, at least acknowledge that, it's there in black and white from a Microsoft employee's twitter response, and that twitter exchange was the source of the articles you linked.
Now then...back to the present, June 2015.
Second point, it is currently not entirely clear if people will be able to freely upgrade to RTM for free from a preview version.
Please click the link below for further information.
I have no interest in WIndows 10, I will stick with Windows 7 since I have never had any issues with it. I am not one to jump into the next OS the moment is comes out. I tried Windows 8.x and for me it was terrible, I had too many problems trying to get my programs to run and the fact that it looked like my tablet was the biggest reason I removed it.
Windows 10 looks pretty and seems pretty slick, but Windows 7 on my machine works and until I start having issues with it upgrading to Windows 10 won't happen for me. I already reserved a copy but won't install it when it actually gets released. I will wait to see just how Microsoft is going to handle it since I refuse to believe anything Microsoft does will be for free.
If I could I would still be running WIndows XP, which I still think was the best Windows OS's Microsoft ever created.
Their plan to make money is simple. First, they have new things they want to sell, but since these are all reliant on the new operating systems, all the curmudgeons running the old stuff aren't even possible customers. So allowing everyone to upgrade to Windows 10 without trying to scrape their wallets now, means a LOT more potential customers and less people going over to the competitors at the same time.
So in short, they are giving this away now, to sell you other stuff for many years to come.
I also suspect there's a marketing buzz coup in the works because they'll be able to quote freaking HUGE adoption numbers.
I would much rather Microsoft charge for their operating system then making it "free". There are connotations with "free". Microsoft invests a Billion in developing a new version of Windows. How would they recoup that development cost with a completely free model?
They would go one of three ways. 1. Subscription model. $10/month and subscribed to Microsoft Windows, OneDrive, and Office. 2. They expect to recoup costs through the Windows Store. 3. They data mine the hell out of you and sell the information to outside marketing companies.
They will probably never go 3 since it reeks of Google, but the other 2 are possible alternative pricing models compared to buy the key.
It's only free for a year so after that back to the pay model. I think it's a good move on their part as most people don't like to upgrade if they have no problems with their current OS. Plus it can take years to work out the bugs of Win 10. Some of your games may not work well, if at all and features like tiles are of no interest to most of us, especially if you don't have a touch screen. Not to mention increased spyware.
"We all do the best we can based on life experience, point of view, and our ability to believe in ourselves." - Naropa "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." SR Covey
Comments
Anyone know if you can install non-MS OS with this version? Because Win 10 can be configured that only Windows is allowed to be started.
Still running Win7 so Im wondering how likely it is to brick your box with TPM2.0. You know, disallowing old hardware so you have to update or your PC won't start.
Latest. MS is terrible in communication.
It shows what PvP games are really all about, and no, it's not about more realism and immersion. It's about cowards hiding behind a screen to they can bully other defenseless players without any risk of direct retaliation like there would be if they acted like asshats in "real life". -Jean-Luc_Picard
Life itself is a game. So why shouldn't your game be ruined? - justmemyselfandi
Even the article is confusing in itself. The title says that Microsoft backed away. But at the bottom of the article it says that it is still a free and fully functioning version of Windows 10, it is just an unofficial version, a distinction they claim only "corporations" should care about.
So the title is saying "Windows backed away from free Windows 10 promise".
1. They should say this is not in reference to Windows 7 or Windows 8 users. Because people will now misinterpret this.
2. The body of the article actually says that this is still a viable way for Vista and XP users to get Windows 10 for free.
"This doesn't really matter to hobbyists and other home users who just want a free Windows for their self-built PC; that few million users will be able to sneakily get a free copy of Windows 10."
So this is now the (un) official sneaky way to get Windows 10 for system builders and XP or Vista users (who aren't corporations), so hush hush.
Officially Microsoft has no idea what you're talking about (but congratz on your free Windows copy *wink wink*).
I am waiting for either of them to clarify this cause what a dogs breakfast.
It shows what PvP games are really all about, and no, it's not about more realism and immersion. It's about cowards hiding behind a screen to they can bully other defenseless players without any risk of direct retaliation like there would be if they acted like asshats in "real life". -Jean-Luc_Picard
Life itself is a game. So why shouldn't your game be ruined? - justmemyselfandi
Windows 10 is a free upgrade for the first 12 months; if you want to upgrade later then as it stands you may have to pay.
There is no subscription. Not for year 1; not for year 2; not for year 3; not ....
There must be a catch; why would MS do this? Good question. Glad you stopped to ask it.
First: sales of Windows upgrades have plummeted. Most of the money MS now makes from Windows is from new computer sales. This situation will only continue however if Windows remains "desirable" and "in the public eye"..
Second. Tablet sales have soared. And - initially at least - tablets shipped with Android not Windows. There are now some tablets being sold essentially at the same price but they are way behind. And tablets are growing in size; they can't yet replace PCs with large monitors in the home but laptops are vulnerable. The business PC market is also vulnerable but it smore complicated; suffice to say it is. If Windows falls out of the public conscience then new "hardware" will start to ship without Windows.
Third: support costs. By upgrading "everything" MS are greatly simplifying their support costs. And by saying that they will charge after the first year is a move designed to move people away from older versions. It will make it easier for MS to stop supporting them as well.
Fourth: Development. The current upgrade cycle simply hasn't been able to keep up with tech and market changes. By moving to "continual" upgrades Ms are reducing their risk. They won't spend big $$$ and find their expenditure was wasted. Working to a 3-6 month cycle will keep their at risk investment down.
Fivth. Office and all the other add-ons that MS would like you to subscribe to are designed to work on Windows. As above if Windows is no longer installed ..... that could spell serious problems for these parts of their business.
Bottom line: this is a free upgrade which MS are "giving away" for very sound business reasons. No need to upgrade right away if you are dubious. Those who opt not to upgrade will - in the future - have to be prepared to 1) run an unsupported version b) pay for an upgrade c) move to a different OS.
You mentioned the business PC market.
This is just FYI, as OSs will still be needed for the following.
Eventually, desktops are going to be replaced by VDI and thin client devices. The only thing holding this up is that this is not yet cost effective for smaller businesses (or less than 300 employees) to migrate to. Even renting server space.
But when costs do come down. Desktops in the business environment are gone and so are the desktop support jobs.
Why? Well, VDI replaces the need for a PC. If a thin client goes out, it's cheaper to just throw it away and hook up a new one, than to pay someone to fix or maintain it. Each enduser that logs in, the server creates a new image for that session. That troublesome, old lady clicking on settings and getting error messages just has to log out and back in.
Most on-site infrastructure will have to be upgraded for this. They will require little configurations, most will be default.
So, no desktops. No servers (on-site). No configs on infrastructure. I'm sure there will be exceptions. I have no idea why anyone would get into IT at this point. I just need to finish the next 10 years strong. Hopefully by then, I can still sell my business. Oh, and there is NO way I'll start doing residential.
Now, the interesting thing is:
If you install the "Preview" as a stepping stone to release are you you still subjected to the data harvesting contract which must be accepted in order to install windows 10 preview?
Microsoft has announced that the insider program (which you must participate in to get a copy) will continue for people after the RTM and release builds of windows 10 into the near future..
So i wonder if your still considered an "insider" even after "release"?
TSW - AoC - Aion - WOW - EVE - Fallen Earth - Co - Rift - || XNA C# Java Development
I think I should hold off until the first service package or until I see what the "catch" is, if not both.
Knowing the bissness model of other company's the last few years.
It will bee free and full of spyware that tells microsoft where you go witch sites u see and what you do on your pc.
Still use windows 7 here. i got 8.0 and 8.1 and they are both crap, i own a PC not some touchscreen pc.
I would still be using XP if not for the DirectX stuff.
http://winsupersite.com/windows-10/windows-technical-preview-users-should-be-able-upgrade-rtm-version-windows-10
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2921034/windows-10-preview-testers-will-get-a-free-upgrade-to-final-rtm-version.html
Good job OP, you managed to figure out what's been known for half a year.
Where in those articles does it say windows xp and vista uses can upgrade for free?
TSW - AoC - Aion - WOW - EVE - Fallen Earth - Co - Rift - || XNA C# Java Development
To quote OP "All windows Vista / XP or non-Windows users have to do is install Windows 10 preview. Once it launches, it will become a genuine Windows 10 copy."
The tech preview has been open to the public for a long time, anyone can install it, MS confirmed preview users get the full version as a free update. Exactly what the OP said, nothing has changed.
How much do you think this advanced operating environment is worth? Wait just one minute before you answer.
Watch as Windows integrates Lotus 1-2-3 with Miami Vice. Now we can take this Ferrarri and paste it into Windows White. Now how much do you think Microsoft Windows is worth? Don't answer.
Wait until you see Windows White and Windows Paint and listen to what else you get at no extra charge. The MS-DOS executive, an appointment calender, a card filer, a notepad, a clock, a control panel, a terminal, a print spooler, a RAM driver, and can you believe it Reversi. That's right all these features and Reversi, all for just...
How much did you guess $500, a thousand, even more!? No it's just $0. That's right it's $0. It's an incredible value but it's true. It's Windows from Microsoft. Order today.
P.O. Box 286-DOS Redmond, Wash. (206) 882-8442 Except in Nebraska.
Both your article links are about Windows 7 and 8. Not Vista and XP.
The articles you linked, revolve around a Microsoft employee communication on Twitter.
However, this same Microsoft employee, later clarified that this is in reference to Windows 7 or 8.x.
What people are discussing now, is the possibility of migrating to a full release, on custom builds, Windows Vista builds or Windows XP builds, which is something different from your links.
If they do that there are always other ways to copy with that.
"going into arguments with idiots is a lost cause, it requires you to stoop down to their level and you can't win"
Anyone, including Win 95, 98, ME, XP, Vista, 3.1, Linux users, have been able to install the tech preview for a looooooong time, it's been known for a long time that the tech preview will update to RTM for free. This is the way it's been for months. This is no different.
If I remember correctly I could install the preview for win 7 on anything I wanted as long as I did it correctly. I still had to buy the official version when it came out. This is all academic to me as my computers run Win 7. So if I'm wrong please provide a link which officially states XP and Vista are included. Even the article below noted it's possible but have gotten no confirmations from Microsoft.
http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2408175/microsoft-insiders-running-windows-xp-or-vista-wont-get-free-windows-10-upgrade
Microsoft: Insiders using Windows XP or Vista won't get free Windows 10 upgrade
The company is using the Windows Insider programme as its biggest ever beta test for what is being billed as the final or definitive version of Windows, or Windows-as-a-service.
But Microsoft has made it clear that its generosity stretches only so far, and that being a beta tester is an honour in itself.
Windows 10 will be offered as a free upgrade to Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users when it launches later this year.
Windows 8 has reached end of life, and customers will need to take the free upgrade to Windows 8.1 first, which is still subject to holdouts totalling 5.88 percent of the OS market, according to this month's Netmarketshare figures.
Meanwhile, those who have helped to shape the operating system will be expected to prove that they have a valid Windows 7 or 8 licence key in order to upgrade. This means that anyone who upgraded from XP or Vista is automatically screwed.
Anyone who hasn't made a note of their licence key is also screwed if it has rubbed off the bottom of their machine (like the one on the most expensive laptop in the INQ office).
Answering a question on Twitter, Gabriel Aul, general manager of the Microsoft Operating System Group data and fundamentals team, and developer evangelist for the Windows Insider programme, confirmed that Insiders will get a free update to the RTM version. But when further quizzed, he clarified:
This is, in effect "no" to the original question, as the update is free to Windows 7 and 8 users regardless of their participation in the Insider programme.
In fact, anyone who joined, wiped their machine and didn't note their licence number will actually be significantly worse off for helping Microsoft.
Reuters reported comments from Terry Myerson, EVP of operating systems at Microsoft, that pirated copies of XP and Vista will be upgraded to Windows 10 in an attempt to squish piracy (and derail the 'dewindowsification' process). If true, this is a major slap in the face for the early adopter community.
We've asked Microsoft for comment.
"We all do the best we can based on life experience, point of view, and our ability to believe in ourselves." - Naropa "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." SR Covey
No it hasn't, your link was exclusively in reference to Windows 7 and 8, at least acknowledge that, it's there in black and white from a Microsoft employee's twitter response, and that twitter exchange was the source of the articles you linked.
Now then...back to the present, June 2015.
Second point, it is currently not entirely clear if people will be able to freely upgrade to RTM for free from a preview version.
Please click the link below for further information.
http://gizmodo.com/microsoft-cant-decide-if-its-giving-away-windows-10-for-1712992762
I have no interest in WIndows 10, I will stick with Windows 7 since I have never had any issues with it. I am not one to jump into the next OS the moment is comes out. I tried Windows 8.x and for me it was terrible, I had too many problems trying to get my programs to run and the fact that it looked like my tablet was the biggest reason I removed it.
Windows 10 looks pretty and seems pretty slick, but Windows 7 on my machine works and until I start having issues with it upgrading to Windows 10 won't happen for me. I already reserved a copy but won't install it when it actually gets released. I will wait to see just how Microsoft is going to handle it since I refuse to believe anything Microsoft does will be for free.
If I could I would still be running WIndows XP, which I still think was the best Windows OS's Microsoft ever created.
Their plan to make money is simple. First, they have new things they want to sell, but since these are all reliant on the new operating systems, all the curmudgeons running the old stuff aren't even possible customers. So allowing everyone to upgrade to Windows 10 without trying to scrape their wallets now, means a LOT more potential customers and less people going over to the competitors at the same time.
So in short, they are giving this away now, to sell you other stuff for many years to come.
I also suspect there's a marketing buzz coup in the works because they'll be able to quote freaking HUGE adoption numbers.
Lost my mind, now trying to lose yours...
I would much rather Microsoft charge for their operating system then making it "free". There are connotations with "free". Microsoft invests a Billion in developing a new version of Windows. How would they recoup that development cost with a completely free model?
They would go one of three ways. 1. Subscription model. $10/month and subscribed to Microsoft Windows, OneDrive, and Office. 2. They expect to recoup costs through the Windows Store. 3. They data mine the hell out of you and sell the information to outside marketing companies.
They will probably never go 3 since it reeks of Google, but the other 2 are possible alternative pricing models compared to buy the key.
"We all do the best we can based on life experience, point of view, and our ability to believe in ourselves." - Naropa "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." SR Covey