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Vista to be Downloadable (Legally)
ubermiester writes "InfoWorld reports that Windows Vista will be available for legal download as of January 30th — the same day it will be available in retail stores. MS-NBC Online notes that, 'a relatively low number of computer users are likely to get Vista by downloading it from the Internet, but the mere availability indicates that Microsoft is fiddling with distribution methods for the extremely profitable franchise at the core of its business.' It will be available via the MS Marketplace site in conjunction with a Circuit City offering. Additionally, users who decide to 'upgrade' to a more expensive version of the OS can simply activate the features they want by unlocking them via online activation."
Next you'll be telling me you can buy car stereos from a shop, in a box and everything!
Http://www.mininova.org
Http://www.packetnews.com
A relatively low number of computer users are likely to get Vista by downloading it from the Internet.
They're obviously unfamiliar with the concept of Bittorrent.
Too late to be known as Bush the First, he's sure to be known as Bush the Worst.
you could just activate the individual features you are interested in, rather than have to buy say vista ultimate just to get one feature you need that happens only to be in ultimate.
As much as some can hate Microsoft, this is good and others should follow. At least good for the environment, less hardware, less energy used for shipping. Of course, the ability to burn an Install and Crash/Recover DVD is essential. It even allows reaching the customers faster. I guess it would also be appropriate to continue shipping physical copies for those with limited Internet access and/or want the user manual. (I don't think this will significantly impact piracy. Piracy will occur anyway.)
Animoog.org
I can just see the windows update icon popping up every few days on my windows XP machine.
The following updates are available:
[ ] Windows Vista
Please click the upgrade button to download and have your credit card ready.
I got nothin'
Linux, take that!
Comment removed based on user account deletion
Otherwise, I assume this is just an MS attempt to cut down the (minimal) costs they spend on the useless mini-manual and DVD in an envelope packaging.
You buy SuSE, you get 4 manuals that describe, in detail, every function of the system, from installing to CD burning to firewall configuration to scanning/printing.
You buy Windows? You get a 12 page manual that decsribed the on button, and how to use a Mouse. Enjoy!
WhiteWolf666 an exBush supporter. All you new-school,compassionate,save the children Republicans can rot in hell
Give this a read before buying Fista:
http://seclists.org/isn/2006/Dec/0107.html
"... windoze ..."
Could this get any older?
Regardless, it's where I stop reading.
I am Homer of Borg. Resistance is Fut.. Mmmmmmmm, Donuts!
Through MSDN. You download the ISO and they give you a product key. Will the new download service work the same way?
The bigger news is that Microsoft is also selling Office this way. I know I can't download Word/PowerPoint/Excel through MSDNAA, and I also believe that you can't download it from regular MSDN.
That's probably for the best. He said some really nasty things about your mother after that word.
Microsoft has been doing download distribution of VISTA along with license keys throughout the beta program, I would imagine that the system they will be similar. The activation key is created by a server at Microsoft and it's basically the same thing you'd get on the outside of shrink wrapped box. If I forgot the key I can go back to my Microsoft account and retrieve it, or I can keep a copy on a burned CD or whatever.
As for corrupted downloads, in the process of the Vista beta I downloaded probably 10-15 different copies of the DVD ISO as I progressed through various builds and never had a single corrupted ISO, so I don't see that being a problem. If it had been corrupt I would simply have gone back and re-downloaded. I don't see any reason why the new system would not work the same way since there is no danger from a user downloading multiple copies of the ISO.
It'll be available for illegal download on January 29, 2007.
http://outcampaign.org/
> It's a great gaming OS
Windows Vista Ultimate +3 games(well you get hearts, minesweeper and solitaire..) $450
(above does not include any hardware, add $1500 for semi-decent gaming system)
Microsoft Xbox 360 core ($299) + 3 games of your choice (~$150) $450
Nintendo Wii ($250) + 3 games of your choice ($150) $400
Sony playstation 3 basic ($499)+ 3 games of your choice ($150) $650
(add $1000 for semi-decent tv for consoles)
Truly great gaming platform, no doubt..
You could buy x360, wii and decent tv and still have some money to spare, where your vista rig doesn't even have any games yet.
There are no atheists when recovering from tape backup.