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Malaysian Police Not Roping Longhorn Rustlers

Posted by simoniker on from the mechanical-bull dept.

Artifex writes "CNN/Reuters reports that an early release of Microsoft's next operating system, 'Longhorn,' is already being sold openly in markets in Malaysia, with local police doing little to stop it. Microsoft's response, of course, is that consumers should steer clear. I'm sure this chaps their hides, as crashing copies of this as-yet-unreleased product are sure to cause dilution of branding."

10 of 365 comments (clear)

  1. It has to be said by RobertB-DC · · Score: 5, Funny

    "It's not a ready product," [Microsoft attorney Jonathan Selvasegaram] said from Malaysia. "Even if it works for a while, I think it's very risky," to install on a home computer, he said.

    So how does that make the pre-release "Longhorn" version any different from, say, Windows XP?

    Longhorn promises new methods of storing files, tighter links to the Internet, greater security and fewer annoying reboots, Microsoft has said.

    Now that's truth in adversising: New, improved Windows! Almost secure! Less annoying than ever! Wow, whoever came up with that marketing line should get a promotion... to the mail room.

    (Hey, someone's going to get modded-up for taking cheap shots at Microsoft. May as well be me!)

    --
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  2. Malaysian Police by JahToasted · · Score: 5, Funny

    are, however, cracking down on the use of bad puns.

  3. Crashing? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm sure this chaps their hides, as crashing copies of this as-yet-unreleased product are sure to cause dilution of branding.

    Yeah, I expect to pay for an official branded crashing product. Being able to get one for free seriously undermines their market position.

  4. Windows is too stable for me... by Realistic_Dragon · · Score: 5, Funny

    So I'm going to run a knocked off version of a pre-pre-alpha with a hacked about XP core and an experimental interface from the company with the worst QA record in the entire universe.

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    Beep beep.
  5. Longhorn by nizo · · Score: 5, Funny
    No. 1 software firm says operating system, not due until 2005, now selling in Malaysia for $1.58.

    Hey, now there is a price I might pay for Longhorn. Actually the reason M$ picked that name is to deter software pirates here in the U.S. If you steal Longhorn(s) in Texas that is still a hanging offence.

    --
    I Am My Own Worst Enemy
    1. Re:Longhorn by grub · · Score: 5, Funny


      ...says operating system, not due until 2005, now selling in Malaysia for $1.58.

      Hey, that's $697.42 cheaper than Linux! I proclaim this the death of Linux.

      --
      Trolling is a art,
  6. finally ... by nicodaemos · · Score: 5, Funny

    Microsoft advises Malaysians to stear clear of the Windows operating system .... finally some good advice from Redmond.

  7. Okay by iamdrscience · · Score: 5, Funny

    PUN CONTEST!

    Rustlers, Chaps their hide, branding and steer clear.

    Are there anymore? Anybody who can think of another pun gets a "Talking about computer hardware made my mother board" t-shirt!

    1. Re:Okay by Valdrax · · Score: 5, Funny

      You missed the "from-the-mechanical-bull-department" tagline, which I have a small beef with. I'll chip in with the observation that sales of Gateway computers have inexplicably climbed.

      So, do I get the shirt?
      Could I get it as a jersey instead?

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      If it's for-profit but free, you're not the customer -- you're the product (e.g., the Slashdot Beta's "audience").
  8. Re:Buggy Leaks by the+web · · Score: 5, Funny

    They do NOT include WinFS, WinFX, and are extremely buggy. The release versions WILL include WinFS, WinFX, and be extremely buggy, however.

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    Thou hast besquirted me, O leotarded one.