Gartner says "No more new Windows" - bit-tech.net Forums

Da Dego · 14th Dec 2006, 18:19

http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2006/12...e_new_windows/

sinizterguy · 14th Dec 2006, 18:21

A subscription based windows with all its limtations on number of PCs and reinstalls .... When that comes, I am off to get a Mac or linux OS.

LoneArchon · 14th Dec 2006, 18:37

They could start charging for service packs and version updates. I do not like the idea of a subscription based operating system. It would work but not very well IMHO. They could also focus on additional software like word, power point, excel, etc. make it their primary focus for money making

M4RTIN · 14th Dec 2006, 18:43

technically apple make you pay £100 for a service pack as the "new" os's are just updates to the core os10.. they do offer a lot more than the windows service packs do, but thats essentialy what they are

Emon · 14th Dec 2006, 19:07

Once again, Gartner states the obvious...

Lazarus Dark · 14th Dec 2006, 19:13

I've suspected for a while this may be the last. Linux has nearly caught up with windows in terms of ease of use on the ready to use distros. And I think 400 bucks for ultimate will leave a bad taste in peoples mouth. Actually, a subscription os sounds like a possibility for windows. It seems to work for mac as the guy above posted they basically charge 100 or so a year for service packs. But for the general surf/word process/email crowd a basic linux is more than enough, most home users dont need a half grand os.

Techno-Dann · 14th Dec 2006, 19:18

Isn't this what they said about IE6?

Tyinsar · 14th Dec 2006, 20:59

Subscriptions seem to work for online games and when you add up the yearly cost for one game it isn't too far out of line. The problem I see is that it pretty much requires everyone to have broadband and not everyone can get it (at least not at a reasonable price).

Spaceraver · 14th Dec 2006, 21:03

heh. as long as XP still works for gaming, im sticking with it... when Linux takes over im more than happy to even buy a linux OS that works right out of the box... Just because i can tweak it more to get more out of it...

AClark · 14th Dec 2006, 21:45

Think I'll stick with XP for a while. As for a subscription based OS, no thanks. World of Warcraft subscription was bad enough :P

Ramble · 14th Dec 2006, 22:14

I doubt it. 95%+ of people get their OS with their box. To them they can't tell the difference, the OS and computer are one thing. An incremental update system (if they sold it in shops like the OS X system) would just confuse people and they probably wouldn't buy it.

Although, if they made updates really cheap (£10-30-free) I think it'd be a great idea.

Tulatin · 14th Dec 2006, 22:28

Yeah, i don't know about you, but asking me to pay for something, THEN ask me to pay for something that is REQUIRED to keep it safe and secure, that we have a right to be provided for free seems a wee bit on the side of unreasonable.

Cthippo · 14th Dec 2006, 22:33

Agreed with Ramble. The "What's an operating system?) crowd is too big of a market. THey buy a computer and expect it to work and keep working for two or three years at which point they buy a new one. Fundamentally, MS makes too much on each new windows release to ever think of giving them up. Sadly, I think we'll be seeing new retail versions for a long time to come.

Further thought...

Has anyone ever taken a complete computer noob, someone's grandmother say, and plunked them down in front of a fresh install of linux? Is the learning curve from zero for common applications really any steeper? Seems like it would be more secure for people who don't understand the concept of "this is not a safe website". Just free thinking before caffiene here, but...

aggies11 · 14th Dec 2006, 22:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cthippo

Agreed with Ramble. The "What's an operating system?) crowd is too big of a market. THey buy a computer and expect it to work and keep working for two or three years at which point they buy a new one.

Aha, but M$ will keep making money off those folks regardless of whether it's XP, Vista or another OS.

I'd agree with the analysists, not in the "it doesn't make sense" camp, but rather the "What else can they possibly add?". The jump from 3.1 to 95, and 9x-XP were pretty big (although increasingly smaller), eventually we have to get to a point where the OS gives us most if not everything we require from it.

Aggies

Charles1 · 14th Dec 2006, 23:14

All good valid points. But from my side I say I hope they dont stop windows at all I dont care if it goes the subscription route. As long as windows stays I will be happy. I ave been spoiled and love windows to heart I tried Mac and linux and they seem to poor in the way they look and to advanced. I need something simple and fun not somethign crazy. SO yeah I am an M$ fan and will support them until I die. Even with all there bugs.

Almightyrastus · 15th Dec 2006, 00:06

On the subscription OS thing, I would wait until i saw the pricing until i decided on whether to stay or go. Unfortunatly until a simple and reliable alternative with all the games and program support comes along, there really is not a lot of alternatives

zoot2boot · 15th Dec 2006, 00:07

rest assured Microsoft will continue to make a profit. the world will turn, operating system debates will remain uninteresting.

[1N0V471V] · 15th Dec 2006, 00:49

I call BS on this one. There'd be no money in it for Microsoft

Firehed · 15th Dec 2006, 02:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by M4RTIN

technically apple make you pay £100 for a service pack as the "new" os's are just updates to the core os10.. they do offer a lot more than the windows service packs do, but thats essentialy what they are

Technically, nobody actually pays for it

But if you're so inclined, Mac addicts can buy a family-pack of five OS licenses for $200, or $40 a machine, which I think is pretty reasonable.

Cheap Mod Wannabe · 15th Dec 2006, 02:15

I kinda agree and disagree.

I really think that MS will still have box sales for many years ahead, however the company will probably try to focus more on internet based distribution. The easiest way to think about it is to look at it as Valve's Steam only for Operating Systems.

It is a bit unusual, however this nontraditional way of distribution would have many advantages.

Okay here's my vision. Through an update or a download MS OS user gets an application which would be like an "Upgrade Catalog." The user then can select the upgrade options and features he/she desires. Example: - Windows Fiji Framework + Media Center + Office Suite + enchanted GUI + Remote Desktop.

Microsoft has been slowly moving towards this with the updates to XP, and now with Vista upgrade capabilities.

But imagine a total customization. Windows Framework + gaming services... download, restart, and go crazy, later just download MCE addition. Cheaper for MS, and for users. Microsoft could contain much of pirating, update and develop OS on the go. And how evil would it be to sell cheaper subscriptions for beta versions. Just release stable OS framework, and then go crazy developing and rolling out features and application + getting fast feedback from beta testers.

However due to crappy network infrastructure in US and certain other parts of the world, MS would still have to have DVD/CD sales. So how about having blazing fast DVD/CD/mem card sales of applications/features for those without fast internet connections.

I believe Microsoft is really heading towards similar distribution method. And I personally think it would be great, since separate divisions within Microsoft/Windows development could roll out new features and updates not having to wait years and years since the new official release.

I say bring it on.

14th Dec 2006, 18:19	#1
Da Dego Brett Thomas Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Cleveland, OH USA Posts: 3,906	Gartner says "No more new Windows" http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2006/12...e_new_windows/ __________________ "Frankly that seems overkill. iluvtrees2 arguing with spec is the intellectual equivalent of a bunny rabbit taking on a pissed-off lion." - Nexxo

14th Dec 2006, 18:21	#2
sinizterguy Dark & Sinizter Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: London, UK Posts: 5,462	A subscription based windows with all its limtations on number of PCs and reinstalls .... When that comes, I am off to get a Mac or linux OS. __________________ Nothing here. Go away and dont bother me.

14th Dec 2006, 18:37	#3
LoneArchon Supermodder Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Waldorf,MD Posts: 422	They could start charging for service packs and version updates. I do not like the idea of a subscription based operating system. It would work but not very well IMHO. They could also focus on additional software like word, power point, excel, etc. make it their primary focus for money making __________________ .:NEED MORE ENERGY:. A64 x2 4800+/eVGA Geforce 8800gtx with dangerden Water Block/2GB Corsair 3200/250gb Western Digital/Asus A8N32-Sli Deluxe/24" Acer LCD

14th Dec 2006, 19:13	#6
Lazarus Dark Supermodder Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: US Memphis, TN Posts: 291	I've suspected for a while this may be the last. Linux has nearly caught up with windows in terms of ease of use on the ready to use distros. And I think 400 bucks for ultimate will leave a bad taste in peoples mouth. Actually, a subscription os sounds like a possibility for windows. It seems to work for mac as the guy above posted they basically charge 100 or so a year for service packs. But for the general surf/word process/email crowd a basic linux is more than enough, most home users dont need a half grand os. __________________ My gun kata is greater than your kung fu.

14th Dec 2006, 19:18	#7
Techno-Dann Disgruntled kumquat Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Pullman WA, USA Posts: 1,571	Isn't this what they said about IE6? __________________ The intellitxt demon fell dead, Sir Tim's lance embedded in its heart. The fair land of Bit-Tech was free from its influence once more. And there was much rejoicing.

14th Dec 2006, 18:43	#4
M4RTIN Ultramodder Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Birmingham, UK Posts: 1,257	technically apple make you pay £100 for a service pack as the "new" os's are just updates to the core os10.. they do offer a lot more than the windows service packs do, but thats essentialy what they are

14th Dec 2006, 19:07	#5
Emon Hypermodder Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 672	Once again, Gartner states the obvious...

14th Dec 2006, 20:59	#8
Tyinsar 6 screens / 1 card Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: AB.CA Posts: 2,005	Subscriptions seem to work for online games and when you add up the yearly cost for one game it isn't too far out of line. The problem I see is that it pretty much requires everyone to have broadband and not everyone can get it (at least not at a reasonable price). __________________ It's not about how life treats you, it's about how you treat life.

14th Dec 2006, 21:03	#9
Spaceraver Weekend Junkie Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kolding, Denmark Posts: 1,305	heh. as long as XP still works for gaming, im sticking with it... when Linux takes over im more than happy to even buy a linux OS that works right out of the box... Just because i can tweak it more to get more out of it... __________________ "Faith: not wanting to know what is true." - Friedrich Nietzsche. "Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful." - Seneca Last thing I remember, I was drinking this glowing green sht out of a test tube and dancing like a bstard.

14th Dec 2006, 21:45	#10
AClark What's a Dremel? Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Guisborough, UK Posts: 18	Think I'll stick with XP for a while. As for a subscription based OS, no thanks. World of Warcraft subscription was bad enough :P

14th Dec 2006, 22:14	#11
Ramble Ginger Nut Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Exeter, Devon/Wantage, Oxfordshire Posts: 5,234	I doubt it. 95%+ of people get their OS with their box. To them they can't tell the difference, the OS and computer are one thing. An incremental update system (if they sold it in shops like the OS X system) would just confuse people and they probably wouldn't buy it. Although, if they made updates really cheap (£10-30-free) I think it'd be a great idea. __________________ Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and Ensign Ricky are beaming down to the planet. Guess who's not coming back.

14th Dec 2006, 22:28	#12
Tulatin The Froggy Poster Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 2,941	Yeah, i don't know about you, but asking me to pay for something, THEN ask me to pay for something that is REQUIRED to keep it safe and secure, that we have a right to be provided for free seems a wee bit on the side of unreasonable. __________________ Desky E8400 @ 4.0 1.42v; P5K-E WiFi; 4x1 Kingmax Mars 1066 @ 1129 CAS 5; 2x [TOO CHEAP TO SPONSOR] 4850 @ 675/1050; Enermax Liberty; WCing in a CM690

14th Dec 2006, 22:33	#13
Cthippo Can't mod my way out of a paper bag Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bellingham, WA Posts: 4,459	Agreed with Ramble. The "What's an operating system?) crowd is too big of a market. THey buy a computer and expect it to work and keep working for two or three years at which point they buy a new one. Fundamentally, MS makes too much on each new windows release to ever think of giving them up. Sadly, I think we'll be seeing new retail versions for a long time to come. Further thought... Has anyone ever taken a complete computer noob, someone's grandmother say, and plunked them down in front of a fresh install of linux? Is the learning curve from zero for common applications really any steeper? Seems like it would be more secure for people who don't understand the concept of "this is not a safe website". Just free thinking before caffiene here, but... __________________ Notice: If we see you flaming we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate measures - The Bit-Tech Fire Brigade.

14th Dec 2006, 23:14	#15
Charles1 Minimodder Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 36	All good valid points. But from my side I say I hope they dont stop windows at all I dont care if it goes the subscription route. As long as windows stays I will be happy. I ave been spoiled and love windows to heart I tried Mac and linux and they seem to poor in the way they look and to advanced. I need something simple and fun not somethign crazy. SO yeah I am an M$ fan and will support them until I die. Even with all there bugs.

15th Dec 2006, 00:06	#16
Almightyrastus Heathen Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Nottingham, England Posts: 442	On the subscription OS thing, I would wait until i saw the pricing until i decided on whether to stay or go. Unfortunatly until a simple and reliable alternative with all the games and program support comes along, there really is not a lot of alternatives __________________ Lo there do I see my Father. Lo there do I see my Mother, and my Sisters and my Brothers. Lo there do I see the line of my people, back to the beginning. Lo they do call to me. They bid me take my place among them, in the halls of Valhalla where the brave may live forever.

15th Dec 2006, 00:07	#17
zoot2boot Multimodder Join Date: May 2006 Location: aus Posts: 75	rest assured Microsoft will continue to make a profit. the world will turn, operating system debates will remain uninteresting.

15th Dec 2006, 00:49	#18
[1N0V471V] Multimodder Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 82	I call BS on this one. There'd be no money in it for Microsoft __________________ Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 @ 3.6GHz - Abit AW9D-Max 2x1GB Muskin Redline XP2 PC8000 - EVGA 8800GTS 640MB Corsair HX-620 - Lian Li V1100 - 250GB Seagate Barracuda SATA Dell 2007WFP - Danger Den TDX Universal Top - Windows XP Professional Dell E1505 - 2GHz Core 2 Duo T7200 - 1GB DDR533 ATI Radeon X1400 - 15.4" WSXGA+ with TrueLife 60GB Samsung SATA 5400RM HDD - DVD+/-RW

15th Dec 2006, 02:15	#20
Cheap Mod Wannabe Ultramodder Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Glen Cove, NY Posts: 1,215	I kinda agree and disagree. I really think that MS will still have box sales for many years ahead, however the company will probably try to focus more on internet based distribution. The easiest way to think about it is to look at it as Valve's Steam only for Operating Systems. It is a bit unusual, however this nontraditional way of distribution would have many advantages. Okay here's my vision. Through an update or a download MS OS user gets an application which would be like an "Upgrade Catalog." The user then can select the upgrade options and features he/she desires. Example: - Windows Fiji Framework + Media Center + Office Suite + enchanted GUI + Remote Desktop. Microsoft has been slowly moving towards this with the updates to XP, and now with Vista upgrade capabilities. But imagine a total customization. Windows Framework + gaming services... download, restart, and go crazy, later just download MCE addition. Cheaper for MS, and for users. Microsoft could contain much of pirating, update and develop OS on the go. And how evil would it be to sell cheaper subscriptions for beta versions. Just release stable OS framework, and then go crazy developing and rolling out features and application + getting fast feedback from beta testers. However due to crappy network infrastructure in US and certain other parts of the world, MS would still have to have DVD/CD sales. So how about having blazing fast DVD/CD/mem card sales of applications/features for those without fast internet connections. I believe Microsoft is really heading towards similar distribution method. And I personally think it would be great, since separate divisions within Microsoft/Windows development could roll out new features and updates not having to wait years and years since the new official release. I say bring it on.