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Free (Gratis) Version of Windows Could Be a Reality Soon

Posted by timothy on from the insert-coin-to-continue dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Microsoft is exploring whether to release a free version of Windows to increase the number of computers using the latest operating system. Currently the company seems to be testing a new version of the OS called 'Windows 8.1 with Bing', which will include Microsoft's key modern apps and services."

10 of 392 comments (clear)

  1. Kinda funny by Runaway1956 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I remember when Bill Gates said that if software were being pirated, he would prefer that it was HIS software being pirated. He wanted to hook them now, so that he could charge them later.

    I guess there aren't enough pirates being hooked, so now they have to give it away gratis.

    --
    "Windows is like the faint smell of piss in a subway: it's there, and there's nothing you can do about it." - Charlie Br
    1. Re:Kinda funny by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

      he would prefer that it was HIS software being pirated

      It's not gratis - you have to use Bing. This is about "just fucking killing Google", not about replacing pirated versions.

      This thread will be full of Microsofties telling you to use Windows Bing version for all your porn surfing needs. It's their one remaining niche, aparently.

    2. Re:Kinda funny by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      I use Bing for most of my searches -- I work for Microsoft.

      But I use Google for porn. Just in case they're tracking me.

    3. Re:Kinda funny by davester666 · · Score: 5, Informative

      It's the sound that occurs when you hit a cheap aluminum frying pan with a wood spoon.

      --
      Sleep your way to a whiter smile...date a dentist!
    4. Re:Kinda funny by invictusvoyd · · Score: 5, Funny

      Spoon boy: Do not try and bing the spoon. That's impossible. Instead... only try to realize the truth.
      Neo: What truth?
      Spoon boy: There is no spoon.
      Neo: There is no spoon?
      Spoon boy: Then you'll see, that it is not the spoon that bings, it is only yourself.

  2. Is Win 8.1 that bad? by Advocatus+Diaboli · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Given the history of MS trying to squeeze every last cent out of their captive audience, a free version of Win 8.1 (even one bundled with bing') sounds like desperation.

  3. Re:Free as in... by PNutts · · Score: 5, Funny

    beer?

    No, free as in bend over.

  4. Bing it on! by Thraxy · · Score: 5, Funny

    Man it's like a dream come true. Windows 8 interface AND Bing! Maybe they can bundle it onto free software downloads, like they do with the Conduit/Bingbar browser hijack. Then we won't even have to download it ourselves. Man that's top notch service!

  5. It might work... by Virtucon · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Clearly a strategy to erode the Chrome book. With Google clamping down now within Chrome, it won't be too long before they have a hefty market share and lock in with their Chrome Web Store. Recent releases of chrome now deactivate extensions from third parties that don't come from their Web Store, so they're corralling ISVs into their BS Walled Garden strategy which is bad for Chrome but great for Google. I can see Microsoft wanting to play in that arena as well, Bing based browser with the Microsoft Store that still doesn't allow you delete your apps though.

    --
    Harrison's Postulate - "For every action there is an equal and opposite criticism"
  6. Re:I could use it by Air-conditioned+cowh · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I need MS VS, MS expressions web, ventrillo, star wars the old republic, and yes sadly office as my resume won't be formatted correctly with any other package.

    Office works very well with under Wine. I use it myself on Linux. Also, why would you send a resume in an editable format? Do you want them to see your editing history? PDF would be better. The page format doesn't slide around and it's universal.