So I'm building a new system and I'm buying an OEM copy of windows, but which windows to get? It's going to be a gaming rig, nothing more nothing less. I might even install a web browser... What are the advantages of going for Pro over Home? Or Ultimate over the both? Answers on a post card
Just for your information, so that you don't say you were not informed: Windows 8 is coming end of the year. It will have 2 editions only: Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. Comparison table: http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/.../04/16/announcing-the-windows-8-editions.aspx Windows 8 Pro Consumer Preview (that means BETA) is available now (free), if you want to try it out: (release Candidate OR Beta 2, is expected to be release in June): http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/consumer-preview Note that this is a beta version, and will expire at some point in time (usually, based on previous version of Windows in Beta, the last Beta/Release Candidate release expires 3 to 6 month after the final version is out). All features are in the beta version. _________________________________________ Windows 7 You definitely want to get the 64-bit version of Windows, no question asks, else you won't be able to use anything about 4GB MINUS your video card memory (so in your case, about 3GB will be addressable, with the computer in your signature), also you'll lock down your 64-bit CPU into a 32-bit CPU, and lose all added security feature of your 64-bit processor, and loss all benefits of running your OS, codecs, and programs in 64-bits. Here is a comparison table of Windows 7 editions: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions#Comparison_chart NOTE: - Starter Edition is essentially free (or very low cost) Windows 7, that ONLY trusted OEMs are given, and ONLY for netbooks with max specs limits - Home Basic edition is sold for emerging markets. - Enterprise edition is for Volume License. In other words, companies that buys 1000+ licenses of Windows, and such. (The features are always been the same as the highest edition). So the only editions that you have access and concerns you are: Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate. Most people Home Premium edition is more than enough. Professional edition is for people wanting Windows Remote Desktop, Domain joining, data encryption, XP Mode, and/or advance backup features. Ultimate edition is for those who want the Enterprise features, but only buying 1 license (so: advance domain features), and bit drive encryption (you need a motherboard with a TPM chip built-in, to use this encryption system).
Get the Home upgrade, You can still do a fresh install with it and it wont be tied to the one rig as the upgrade has the full retail rights. There's 3 methods of installing it I use the double install method. which is a perfectly legal method according to M$ I would do your research and not listen to some of the advice you will get on this subject everyone thinks they know best
Please don't recommend illegal activity, this is against Windows License agreement, which can make his license void, and because it's against a license agreement, it is also against forum rules. Doesn't mater if it works. You don't know if it will work with a new Service Pack, or Windows update, if MS chooses to fix this by-pass.
So basically Home is the only one that applies to me as I don't actually need/want any of the extra features that Pro or Ultimate would give me. I knew windows 8 was coming but I intended to have this build finished and playing by next month or early June depending on bookings I get at work (post school term break the schools are always slow to book me again) if it comes out before then I'll get it and if not I'll upgrade later. There shouldn't be a big rush to get into windows 8 and I'm sure games and such will stay compatible for a long while yet. Thanks for all that info tho, I certainly learned a few more things I didn't know previously. (The Witcher is still downloading by the way. 7 hours and it's just over half of the 8.4GB download, my Internet SUCKS)
Pretty much. WAIT, you said you are student. Did you check for Student offers? If your college or university is part of MSNDAA, you have at least one Windows 7 license waiting for you to download and enjoy for free.
Not a student, teacher. With a twist. When I say I work in schools what I'm actually doing is dressing as a first century Roman legionnaire and teaching roman history in various schools around the UK. Or taking shook classes on tours of Chester (largest roman fort in Britain) if they come on a field trip to our city instead. I'll link a picture tomorrow. I'm on my phone (damn technology) when im supposed to be sleeping as I have three classes to teach tomorrow morning. Hahah
That sounds really cool. I love teachers that TEACH, instead of being in the front of class and reading a book, or passing through PowerPoint slides which has no idea what PowerPoint slide is, and uses the tool because he is too lazy to write on the board. Like trying to screw a a screw with a hammer. No wonder people say that PowerPoint should be banned (the problem is that before, it was the same crap, but with overhead projectors). If I was a teacher (in computers field), I would so make my powerPoint slide properly. Simple, few to no words, and to show WORKING and if possible INTERACTIVE diagrams for students to understand and simplify things. Explain stuff, be active, lively, even if I am over the top in class, and look silly. At least I have everyone attention, and everyone is learning. I HATE teachers that goes "Open you textbook at page.." COME ON! Teach or leave.. I can read the book myself, thanks! Anyway, I am ranting now. All I have to say is that have now my full respect! +rep
Thanks for the rep! I now have two green blocks! Go me! Haha. As for interactivity, you can't get much more interactive than a guy stood in 25kg of iron in full authentic roman military attire. I even turn orange when it rains, it seriously almost insta-rusts.
Oh man, that sounds like an amazing job. I'm starting to regret not studying Archaeology for my degree, my heart really isn't in what I'm doing now.
IMO there's no better job. As for not studying archeology I wouldnt regret it too much, the majority of people who have an archeology degree aren't employed in the field anyway, there are very few jobs to be had as the majority of the government don't want to pay to dig up the history around them. At least you have work!
It isn't illegal and Microsoft would have no way to prove how you installed Windows. Besides all Windows 7 discs are the same so they'd have to change every single Windows 7 disc in the world to stop it. I don't see how it can be against forum rules when Microsoft make the Upgrade edition do a clean install automatically if no previous version is detected or the previous version can'tbe upgraded.
it is technically illegal, if microsoft could be bothered, they could prosecute for using an unlicensed operating system, are they likely to, no probably not. the reason they make it possible to do a straight install, is because you can't do a straight upgrade of some versions of windows. its the same thing with oem windows, as a home builder, you aren't supposed to buy oem, you're supposed to buy retail. buying a legitimate license, doesn't mean you are correctly licensed, if you don't follow the license terms you agreed to by opening the packaging.
I couldn't care less if people exploited this loophole because Microsoft do everything corporately possible to avoid paying tax on that software. Why do you think their software licensing branch is based in Reno, Nevada? It's so they can avoid paying taxes because software licensing isn't taxed in that state, but in Washington state it is, so by artificially recording it in Reno they have avoided approx $770 million in taxes over 13 years (the software is developed in Redmond, Washington). This is just one very small example of how they avoid paying taxes, but it extends to the rest of their business. Furthermore, if you knew anything about Microsoft's tax policies you would know they are one of the worst offenders globally, with multiple violations of tax evasion across various countries (in India they were found guilty of tax evasion and fraud). Does this mean it's ok to pirate their software? No. But it's ironic that some people are so quick to denounce someone for simply playing inside the rules (not officially illegal), but are completely silent when Microsoft avoids billions of tax globally each year on the very (overpriced) software you are so keen for them to make profits on. So do we really have to pick on the pirate when the emperor hardly plays fair game too, and does so to a far far greater extent.
microsoft are playing by rules that governments have allowed, rightly or wrongly. if the rules allow them to avoid taxs they will do it, i bet apple also do the same thing, you will find many a switched on business doing the same.
Playing Robin Hood or a-like, is no excuse. If you don't like Microsoft policies (not paying tax) then do not buy and DO NOT use their product. They follow the law, and nothing stops other companies (btw, they ALL do, even the small mom and pop shop... how many people buy stuff for home, and deduct them for their store, including cars, to reduce or not pay taxes), to exploits the system. Is it wrong, morally, yes. But the law wording, doesn't say you can't do this. Law maker won't correct them, because who hires people? and who politically support them? Businesses. I don't go "Adobe software are too expensive, it cost them 1/4 of the price to make... so now I'll pirate their software!". This is wrong. The reason why the price is high, is because people have no problem paying that much for the produce.
I can't really say much on the matter as I know damn all about the situation with Microsoft and tax evasion (my accountant does it for me) but the way I see it, as long as the grey areas and loopholes exist people will exploit them, I know I would, wether its morally quesionable won't factor in when you can save x pounds dollars or whatever on doing it one grey but legal way rather than the shiny white version. It's kinda like when I filter my motorcycle down between the lanes in traffic, not technically illegal as there's enough room for me to "overtake" however if I were to try it in high speed traffic I'd be jumped on by every police officer who saw me. I suppose what I'm saying is its a matter of severity. You can dance in the shady areas of law as long as you don't go too crazy. Personally I'm a cynic to some degree and won't trust anything that isn't 100% authentic. So though I could pirate a copy of win7 I'd rather pay my £70 for it and have the backup and support there as well as buyers rights and whatever else to fall back on should it all go belly up.
