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Microsoft Developing Windows for Low-End Machines

Jeff writes "According to the Washington Post, Microsoft is developing a version of Windows to run on old machines that currently run 95 or 98. It would be very similar to XP, but run faster on the older hardware. The move is to appease businesses and universities that don't want to scrap the old hardware. This is likely aimed at preventing Linux from gaining market share where MS is currently alienating their customers."

10 of 610 comments (clear)

  1. Great News! by k96822 · · Score: 5, Funny

    The best thing about this is that they will be forced to make their code more efficient to work on slower PC's. They'll integrate that code into future versions of the OS and we'll feel that efficiency and increased quality. This will also force the competition to do the same thing, building a culture that leads to more efficient OS's. Best news I've read all day.

  2. Microsoft is not safe by jaymzter · · Score: 5, Funny


    Folks, this Microsoft thing just isn't taking off. So many versions of Windows and code forks. For business reliability and maximum TCO, take a look at Linux!

    --
    If thou see a fair woman pay court to her, for thus thou wilt obtain love
    1. Re:Microsoft is not safe by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Wow. That joke almost hit you. You ducked just in time!

  3. What will it come bundled with? by Virtual+Karma · · Score: 3, Funny

    What will it come bundled with? I hope it comes bundled with atleast IE so that as soon as people install it they can get on the web and download FireFox ;)

  4. Re:Oh geez, thin clients again. by RealProgrammer · · Score: 5, Funny
    the Internet Explorer browser, Windows Media Center, a firewall and antivirus software.

    If they didn't include the first two, they wouldn't need the last two.

    Buhdum-PISH. Thanks, I'll be here all week - and tip the waitress, they pay her less than me.
    --
    sigs, as if you care.
  5. Great for gamers by zr-rifle · · Score: 3, Funny

    Will this version of Windows be the hardcore gamers OS of choice?

    A stripped down, bare bones version of Windows XP is what the gamer masses have been claiming for since years. As long as there is the latest DirectX, this means more horsepower for resource intensive games without the hassle of tweaking Windows till it bleeds in order to acheive the maximum horsepower for resource intensive games.

    Hell yea, bring it on! Since I do all my work on other operative systems, I'd be willing to part with some dough to add it to my multi-boot as the gaming OS of my rig, at least for those games that don't run well under the latest Cedega.

    If Microsoft really cared about it users, this version would be available free of charge for registered Windows XP Home and Pro users.

    --
    Hack your mind out of its sandbox.
  6. Re:Oh geez, thin clients again. by operagost · · Score: 4, Funny

    I, for one, embrace our new thin-client-wielding overlords.

    --

    Gamingmuseum.com: Give your 3D accelerator a rest.
  7. Re:Oh geez, thin clients again. by Rick.C · · Score: 4, Funny
    So they're going to include the worst of the MS product line, IE and MP, throw in a firewall and antivirus (because IE and MP are security risks) and leave everything else to an application server.

    That's like Ford re-introduing the Pinto, but just a stripped-down version featuring only a rusty rear bumper and a gas tank.

    You'll have to tow it behind a Ford pickup truck fitted with a special firewall/blast shield.
    --
    You were 80% angel, 10% demon. The rest was hard to explain. - Over The Rhine
    "Math in a song is good."-Linford
  8. Re:Oh geez, thin clients again. by conteXXt · · Score: 4, Funny

    You, my friend, have missed your calling.

    Someone gets paid to write political attacks. I bet it's a lot.

    I am sure you could wrestle 7 figures (but only 5 or 6 for tax purposes) for that skill.

    Keep up the good work.

    (No really, great analogy)

    (in case you may still think I am joking, I am not)

    --
    The truth about Led Zep should never be told on /. (Karma suicide ensues)
  9. Re:Crap. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny
    And Microsoft's never been known for "thin".

    Even their filesystem is fat!