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Microsoft Ends Mainstream Support For Windows 7
jones_supa writes The mainstream support of Microsoft Windows 7 [ended Monday]. The operating system leaving mainstream support means no more platform updates, no new features, and end of free support. Windows 7 will now enter extended support, which means that security updates will keep coming, and support will be offered for charge. The final end of support for Windows 7 will be reached January 14, 2020.
Is anyone nostalgic for Windows 7?
I'm not nostalgic for Windows 7.... I still run it! On all of our networked computers.
Life has many choices. Eternity has two. What's yours?
I plan to switch to it real soon now.
Some people are even now upgrading to Win 7
I wouldn't touch 8.x with a 3 metre resident of Warsaw
I just hope customers will flock to Windows 10 like they did to Windows 7 when upgrading from XP.
Some companies are still moving out of XP, and into Win7. Changing the entire digital infrastructure of a company is a costly affair (lots of non-productive hours by people, as well as purchasing new software, but lost time is far more important), and companies are not willing to do this quickly.
Microsoft will not be making themselves popular if they keep forcing enterprises to update their systems by dropping support and security updates (yes, 2020 sounds like it is far away, but it is only 5 years away, which is pretty soon in terms of investments).
The suitable replacement (supposedly) is Windows 10, which hasn't been released yet.
I feel like windows makes one-bad, one-good alternating OSs because they need to make the monster and then the savior. So like many others, I hope windows 10 does everyone a solid.
I'm an admin at a University and we STILL are finding XP machines out in the wild. I don't forsee us (or most businesses) moving up to 10 when it launches because everyone just moved to 7 after XP ended its extended life support. When 7 reaches the end of extended support, then we'll see if people flock to 11 or 12 or whatever's out by then.
which is why we just finished out our Vista roll-out last week!
The preceding post was not a Slashvertisement.
... Win7 = WinXP in corporate world now
Nostalgic for the most pirated operating system? Most people I know still use it!
captcha: gangster
Which is about 5 years longer than any version of Android older than 5.0 will get them.
Best Slashdot Co
IMHO, the best versions of Windows are (in order): 7, XP, and 95 OSR2. Note that each of these was a significant performance enhancement over both their respective predecessor and successor. Microsoft just can't let good enough be good enough; they always gotta screw up a winning formula. I do give them props for the longevity of XP; I coasted through Vista without ever touching it once.
While XP had some performance advantages, Windows 7 resolved the vast majority of the Vista era missteps. Its improved, robust disk imaging model made deployment across multiple hardware platforms much easier, and it finally got 32/64-bit adoption as close to right as the Windows platform is capable of. In many ways Windows 10 will hearken back to Windows 7 after the UI failures of Windows 8 (and its confusingly named multiple updates.)
Or California, Ohio, Virginia, ......?
My employer just converted from WinXP to Win7 last year and it was a somewhat difficult and forced task.
"... no new features..."
Well, thank god for that!
Well Six years is not a long time for an operating system to exist considering how long XP was officially supported. We've already seen Microsoft quickly drop support for Windows 8 in liu of Windows 8.1 and I guess it will be end of life when Windows 10 is released. I'm already getting e-mails about the "new windows" which means invariably, incompatibilities, lack of hardware support including the fact that my printer won't work until I've gone through some convoluted setup and bodging on my own. Of course they'll have another great new version of Visual Studio that I'll have to fork out $$$ for as well as upgrade my Office suite for shits and giggles as well. I've liked 8/8.1, not initially sure, but I don't spend time in the Metro world that much and it's faster than 7 in a lot of areas.
Windows 7, we hardly knew you but I'm sure you'll be around for a long time at least with Newegg deals pushing new licenses for it.
Harrison's Postulate - "For every action there is an equal and opposite criticism"
So while I'm still hearing people complaining about Windows 8, and how Windows 8.1 has barely added a start button, and at work we're preparing for the EOL of Windows 2003 ... is this the shortest MS has supported an OS yet?
It's, what, not even five years old?
When is Windows 10 due out now? Because I need to buy a new machine, and the OS better last as long as I expect the hardware to.
Lost at C:>. Found at C.
Windows 7 like XP does what we need, with a familiar UI.
As an office we are going to skip 8/8.X - its not a bad OS, my parents adapted once I installed Start8 (yes I know there are free apps out there).
It is better to be the hammer than the anvil.
I am still nostalgic for Windows XP , i've just started using Windows 7.
Can't have sessions freezing up every single time..
Mainstream support ended a while ago, when they refused to update DirectX for it. Microsoft stops supporting their old OS as soon as the new is out, regardless of adoption rate.
There's still an absurd amount of misplaced hate for Windows 8 right now and I think people need to focus on what's important about the OS: Windows 8 minus most the Windows 8 features is just an improved version of Windows 7. That's something we can all get behind.
Windows 8.1 is Windows 7, but better in every way.
With classic shell of course :)
...actually do work with our computers, and don't want to deal with useless 16-color crapps that are actually webpages pretending to be real programs.
We're still replacing XP boxes with Windows 7 where I work. I honestly can't see what lay beyond Windows 7 for this large an environment, other than that it's only going to get more complex, less streamlined, and more inefficient. There might be a glimmer of hope with what they're doing here overall and in the long run, but it's a very hard prospect to bring to fruition. Most of what's going on is just keeping things running, band-aiding, while expanding with minimal resources. Bit frustrating really....
Oh yea. I work in healthcare!
I thought they fired Balmer. Why is Microsoft still doing stupid stuff?
Win 3.1, DOS 3.3
Are you still shilling for Microsoft? That story yesterday was debunked when it was revealed that Google gave Microsoft 90 days, and Microsoft had originally asked for another month beyond that.
Android allows upgrades from old devices without loss of functionality (unlike Windows, which deletes features, and adds intentional incompatibility), so the analogy is incorrect here. If you want to complain that the carriers aren't pushing these updates - well, they aren't pushing any security patches either, so it's entirely their fault regardless.
I must be the only one who dislikes Windows 7.
I find everything about it ugly.
The main reason I shut down my Linux instance to boot up Windows 7, every month or two, is to apply security patches and maybe update my Linux based GPS and backup my cell phone. Most of the time is spent on the security patches, then I shut it down and get back to reality. I doubt if I will be installing a new instance unless someone pays me to.
Does that basically confirm no DirectX 12 for Windows 7, it will only be available for 8 and newer ?
Our workplace made a decision a while back to stay on Windows 7 Professional as the "standard" for our Windows users. (We also support a number of Macs.)
In general, I think many corporate I.T. departments have a policy of upgrading every OTHER release of Windows. (For example, they stayed on XP and skipped Vista. Upgraded to 7 and will now wait for Windows 10.)
Even if you go back as far as Windows '98, it turned out to be wise to stay put on '98 (upgrading it to second edition where possible) and skipping Windows ME.
IMO, there's just no benefit to a Windows 8 migration. The arguments like "no new Direct X support for 7" is meaningless when the users just use 2D apps like MS Office and a bunch of web based apps. The new "tile" interface means more training is required, which is a real problem for us, with so many mobile workers scattered all over the country.
Meanwhile, Windows 10 is the one really bringing the "added value" we're after, with such things as an upgraded Windows "PowerShell" that will finally support software upgrades from packages (similar to Linux distros) from the command line.
I'm still on XP, mainly because the box it's running on is almost 10 years old and running a single-core processor. I have other priorities for my money than building a new box just so I can run a newer OS. Not that I wouldn't like a faster, multi-core processor, mind you, but I just can't justify the expense when I have other things I'd rather spend the money on before that. Have to build it myself, too, no pre-built computers, and nothing non-upgradable like a NUC, either. I suppose Win 7 would run on this box OK, but I also don't want to have to go through all the hassle of upgrading and then having to re-install everything I've got installed right now. It works fine the way it is, it does everything I need it to do, and frankly I spend more time outside the house doing active things than I used to spend inside staring at a monitor and have benefitted thereby.
Are YOU using the TOOL, or is the TOOL using YOU? Think about it!
I was just considering upgrading my laptop to W7, and support already ended????
We had free support?
The day Windows 10 was announced in place of 8.2, meaningful support for 8.1 seemed to die.
This is ridiculous. Win7 is all I sell on new PCs at my shop. Nobody wants 8.1. No business with a brain rolled it out. They damn well better extend support past 2020 as well because our business just got rid of XP needlessly on single purpose desktops.
Is anyone nostalgic for Windows 7?
You mean the current version of Windows?
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Does Microsoft sell anything else?
Political correctness is really just herd psychology pushed by insecure people who desperately seek social conformity.
"... no new features..."
Well, thank god for that!
Agreed. Sounds like Windows 7 is finally mature and ready to use.
I would abandon windows 7 as well if someone ported systemd to it.
Finally
Only Security patches from here on out.. not Mucky Muck.. "Feature Enhancements" or "Rubble" updates or "Video Card drivers"
Golden Edition
We should all be good for the next Thirteen years or so
Why? Because we are mainly on Windows XP and are going through hell to get to Windows 7. Which is now not generally supported. And that explains most of how this company works. But I won't mention the company, even though I have already been informed that this is my last year here because they are eliminating the platform that I support to go "all Windows, all the time".
I'd rather eat my gun than run Windows 8.x or 10. Win7 works well, is reliable, and doesn't get too much in the way.
I'm not nostalgic for any version of Windows. Each new release is packed with features I neither need nor want. If they had focused on updating one of the earlier versions, they might have something of value to me. The way it's going, I forsee a day when they no longer have a functionl version of any value to me, and I migrate everything to a different operating system. Glitzy and complex is not better.
will be the year of Linux desktop?
You know your new OS is awful when people "upgrade" to the previous version.
In Soviet Russia, dot slashes YOU!
It's really not a joke that everyone runs Windows 7. I don't know anyone- not one single person in my actual circle of friends- who uses the genital rash of an OS that is Windows 8. Everyone is 7, OSX, or some set of consonants in front of "-ubuntu", and most of that is 7.
Also fun fact: many large corporations don't touch Windows 8 either.
Still, "mainstream support" doesn't mean much unless you call them for their free tech support, and no one does that either.
It's still crazy though- it's like they think Window 8 was a real OS or something.
I don't plan on upgrading Windows. There are games and applications for other operating systems now, Android, Linux, ChromeOS, etc. My main Window 7 box has a few more years of life in it yet, and by then I anticipate that I won't need to buy windows at all. Likely most of anything I want to run is going to run in wine on one of the many fine Linux distros, or be re-released for Android.
“Common sense is not so common.” — Voltaire
All laptops that got Win8 also came in Win7 editions for serious users.
They call it the "Business Edition" or the "Non-Gamers" version.. as "if" Windows 8 actually could run Games .. lol.. sob!
We just started preliminary testing of 8.1, which I foresee having many problems. Rollout and compatibility aside (which will be huge issues no doubt), there is the fact that a great deal of "normal" users can barely function in a Windows 7 environment. Windows 8.1 will be like giving an iPhone to a caveman in many cases. Help desk is going to love that transition I am thinking...
Oh wait, that was the day Microsoft Vista's mainstream support ended. Never-mind, carry on.
Knowledge is how to play a game, intelligence is how to win, wisdom is knowing what game to play.
"Good luck with pushing 8 to the corporate world... it's about as adoptable as an angry badger with syphilis."
Don't you just hate it when people are excessively positive about Microsoft?
is that my company will finally be leaving Windows entirely, and can now make a firm deadline to complete that exodus.
Windows 8 was such a fiasco, and Microsoft's pathetic response to that fiasco was such such as to erase all doubt but that Microsoft is the weak link in our IT.
now i am getting fcuking error "The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect"
Windows 8 was an unmitigated disaster and drove many customers to competing platforms like tablets and OS X. Whoever at Microsoft that decided to force Metro down peoples' throats must be sitting in a straightjacket somewhere mumbling to his padded walls.
what about "you need libc.blabla version 3.2.1 blablabla?"
I have noticed a trend. There are several engineering software packages that I use that simply will not run under Windows 8. The vendors have basically said use Windows 7 (or even XP) or move to Linux. This obviously does not affect most users, but it is interesting.
I have used the UI for Windows 8 for a couple of years now. It works, but I do not like it. I think it is rather poorly designed.
So other than the fact that it will not run the programs I need and I do not like the UI, I guess it is a pretty good operating system.
If Microsoft do not WANT to make money, they cannot both hold the copyright AND withhold all work requiring copyright ownership.
Release the code, let everyone else work to become a developer making security patches for it. No loss: Microsoft do not WANT to make money off it.
NT
This is a good thing, if only it will force people who are still windows xp to upgrade to windows 7 at least. As a web developer windows xp, to me, only means ones thing IE 8. The sooner that dies the better.
He's referring to this bit of news:
http://arstechnica.com/securit...
There is a war going on for your mind.
I run mostly OS X these days, and do work with native OS X apps or inside Linux VMs, but I have a Windows 7 installation for games. However, over the past few years an interesting thing has happened: I can't be bothered to reboot any more. If a game has a Mac version or runs in Wine, I'll play it. The rest of my Steam collection of 200+ titles is gathering virtual dust.
So not only I'm still on 7, but I don't use that at all any more.
What's that Windows 8 thing that everyone is talking about?
I apologize for the lack of a signature.
Intuit drops schedules C, D and E from TurboTax Deluxe (also removes support for partnerships and K1 handling)... just about as good of news as Microsoft getting rid of Windows 7. I guess I'm a poor business manager..... I don't think I would have made those decisions.
Should be, at the very least. But only because I'm against killing people.
Though this sure got me close to changing my mind.
We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
Software that requires constant updates should not be considered a finished product.
The fact that a system receives constant updates is more a symptom that Q.A. needs to be improved and more work needs to be done before the release of commercial software.
Not needing constant updates should be considered a requirement. Not to be confused with needing updates and not receiving them.
Let's all stop using beta software and paying for it. Apparently windows 7 is now finished.
No, in fact, the guy that forced Metro on the Windows world owns the LA Clippers now.
The world's burning. Moped Jesus spotted on I50. Details at 11.
I just realized that my OEM license won't transfer to my new computer and I couldn't easily find a copy of Windows 7, so for the first time I just decided to go without. I have Windows 8 on a laptop and there's no way I'd ever buy a copy of that, if it didn't come preloaded. It's just awful.
This marks the end of the dual-boot era for me. It's Linux all the way now. Great job Microsoft!
Windows 8.1 is just ridiculous. It hardly meets the needs of business at all, too many problems. That silly touch interface is just insane.
Microsoft is trying hard to jam Windows 8.1 and soon Windows 10 down our throats, but XP was clearly the most powerful OS that MS has made, and Windows 7 is a barely usable but certainly much less convenient OS than XP.
Which completely explains why there are so many computers in the world still running and being used productively with XP.
Hundreds of millions of them.
.
I like the windows-7 interface, as well as the XP interface. My big problem however is backwards compatibility.I think we should be able to run programs from 50 years ago. I find it a real shame that it's often hard to get old programs/dev-tools/games/etc to work on a newer operating system. Sure, they have their reasons, but other operating systems have managed to handle this (especially ones that give you the source that you can recompile on a newer machine). Even when using "XP mode" I can run some old dev tools, but I can't run any 3D graphics because my nvidia graphics card only had drivers for windows-7 (on a 3 year old graphics card).
I'm friends with an FAE for a good embedded compiler company that was pretty frustrated trying to make their compiler work that was working fine under windows 7 work under windows 8. It took a long time for their developers to make the transition. I'm not sure what in the development process seems to be making development harder. I have developed for windows professionally, but not in some time. I'd love to hear from a developer perspective. I am currently working in the embedded linux/FPGA world.
Does the whole .NET framework lend itself to future compatibility as the code is compiled at run-time?
(a) Our company just moved to Windows 7 from XP a few months ago.
(b) I'm still in the process of migrating friends and family off XP to windows 7. (One of them got ahead of me, installed Windows 8, hated it, had to backrev to 7.)
(c) Realistically, I know that there are some militant 8 affectionado out there, as there have been for every screwball release Microsoft has ever shat out, including ME and Vista, but again, realistically, Microsoft doesn't have a replacement for Windows 7 at this time. 10 might be viable, but it's not out yet. So it seems counterproductive to cut 7 loose now.
I predict Microsoft will retreat from this position.
Oliver's law of assumed responsibility: If you're seen fixing it, you will be blamed for breaking it.
A marvelous piece of software to use Windows 7 on tablets that was discarded in the tablet-oriented Win 8.x.
Per Windows Secrets, http://windowssecrets.com/newsletter/win7-reaches-milestone-prepare-for-its-demise//?u=k9qf2tf4fxrz&r=44367-00956 , Jan 13 is last day, and indeed, I just finished downloading/applying 220 MB of 48 updates to the one PC I own with Win7. The rest are old XP units that autoboot to Linux partitions, or Win 8.1 if I could not defeat the UEFI/locked bootloader (I did with an Asus laptop, but not several tablets from Lenovo, Acer, Toshiba). The only reason I bothered with that Win7 unit is "just in case" I actually found a need to run it with that OS again - most of the time my wife uses Linux on it.
Keep in mind that security updates will continue until 2020 - so DON'T PANIC!
FWIW
...Microsoft's hold in business is beginning to show cracks, and I suspect in about 5 years, there will be a bit of a crisis in Redmond...
I was thinking about this the other day when helping my wife find a program she just installed on her Win8 laptop. Microsoft may get one more round with Windows 10, But this will mostly be with the larger, established organizations that are slower to move (i.e. Finance, Insurance, Government, etc.). But for most younger (both company and employee base) the OS is irrelevant as so much is moving to a transparent cloud infrastructure. As the cloud continues to evolve the OS that wins is the one that doesn't get in the away, and Windows 8, my friend, does not even qualify. Further than that, the winning OS will be minimalistic, effectivley just a KVM into the real world. If MS wants to survive, their core product needs to be a cloud offering (likely a PaaS). I foresee MS selling off its Windows OS within the next 5-10 years, as it is will quickly become just legacy baggage.
Now, I expect to be banished for life for using "cloud" 3 times and "PaaS" once.
Thank you.
For me it has been as stable as XP ever was...pitty my company hasn't finished rolling out Win 7 yet... :)
Windows 7 works fine here. The transition was mostly painless. About the only thing that has caused some issues, is that they decided to go with 32bit as the standard, likely for compatibility reasons. However some power users fought and won to get the 64bit version because of a requirement for more then 4GB of RAM (hardly surprising). The 64bit does have a few compatibility issues, particularly with some of the IT remote applications (and some print drivers). Should have just went with 64bit to begin with, updated the few incompatible applications as required, then you're not supporting two different OS versions for years and years to come.
Kicked in the balls yet again by MS, why is it when they release an OS I like they do this shit?
I am Bennett Haselton! I am Bennett Haselton!
I sincerely hope in the year 2020 there is an operating system in existence I would happily want to upgrade to.
Commercial vendors are spending too much time "playing games" and not enough time providing actual value to end users.. I fear by 2020 things will only get worse yet it is also clear MS has belatedly learned some lessons.
The final end of support for Windows 15 will be January 19th 2038.
...but I'm sure I will be once extended support ends and I am forced to switch to Windows 8/10 or whatever is out at that point. I use XP for a PC that I only play games on (no internet connection) and I still prefer it over 7.
The changes to Control Panel and especially "Windows Update"
I truly miss the little tray icon and window indicating my status of updates. Now I have to slide out the side bar, go into an obscure submenu, and deal with a crappy full-screen interface to check on what should essentially be a background task.
I've been working on a system that runs on XP that has not yet been ported-to/tested-on Windows 7 yet .... and now 7 is supposed to be obsolete .... so port to and test on windows 8? WHY???? They're rolling out 8's successor!
In the earlier MS days, DOS was essentially stable (in that a bunch of software built for DOS 3 still ran fine on DOS 6) with the new versions just adding new capabilities. Windows is a different beast, however. They COULD have a very clean-and-stable API and then it would not matter so much if they kept re-arranging the deck chairs on each new version (3rd party apps would not break) but I'm getting suspicious that all the API changes are related to forced obsolesence to force upgrades to apps like Office. The folks at Microsoft seem incapable of a sustainable business model based on a stable product; they have market saturation so the only way they can still make money is to trick the existing customer base into buying their OS again and again - which they do by FORCING obsolesence.
Time to migrate to Linux/BSD
Win8 dropped support for VirtualPC in favor of HyperV. The problem is that HyperV doesn't run some of my software that I use VPC for due to age. Simply put, if the app wont run in Win7 - I have a few that don't, then it sure as hell wont work in 8+ and no, the XP mode stinks even on an Haswell Xeon with 16GB.
Where the problem comes into focus is the need for older drivers and access to older hardware. An example is the scanner I use, Mustek USB with no 2k+ driver. Works fine with 98/Me and VPC 2007 actually supports Win95 and later. Very nice so the scanner is still useful. Annoying issue is that under Linux, Sane supports the scanner w/o issue and it's the same for many older still quite useful business type printers.
One of the stupidest things about Windows 8.X is that if you disable the Windows Store service, you completely disable the ability to open up "Change PC Settings" as well as other screens needed to manage the computer settings. It's ridiculous. So now you have the control panel AND other random places to change settings that are based on the Metro-gui-whatever interface?
since 1995
The last true operating system... I can remember. It's been a while since I've took an IT class. Can I still plug a floppy in with an IDE cable? Or connect my mouse to the serial bus?
Hell most of my friends refuses to upgrade there computers due to the fact that windows8 is part of they game. That includes total non techies (including a 92year old man), software developers, IT directors etc.
As a IT director myself I make sure none of our computers or our customers computer run Windows 8, we simply don't support it.
EVERYONE hates windows 8.
Windows10 is a tad better, but still, the startmenu is a mess.
(don't even get me started about the Control panel, they got it right in windows2000, ever since they tried to rebuild it and make it more and more sureal)
I will change to windows10 (or it might be 11) in order to get virtual screens on a massive 4-8k monitor but thats some years into the future.
HA! We just upgraded 110 PCs from XP last week!
from xp. finally expecting some new stuff next week to replace my beige box.
NT4 and Windows 2000 were fairly decent. Windows XP was just a new skin on top of Windows 2000. After that it all went downhill.
I'm really trying to visualize this so please help me out. Does the badger have syphilis and happens to be angry or is he angry because he has syphilis?
Microsoft is putting users on a continuous upgrade cycle. Windows XP to Windows 7 to Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 to Windows 10. Obviously, this is good for Microsoft because they will keep selling Windows licenses even if they do not have new users. But...is it good for users? Does Microsoft even care what the answer to that question is? A new version of Windows creates a lot of difficulty and expense for Windows users. A new windows often mandates new hardware, new software, and the need to learn a new user interface. These are costly and time-wasting. Of course the Windows user benefits from the new capabilities and features of the new Windows...or do they? Does Windows 8.1 really provide anything that Windows 7 did not? If not, users are not being treated well by Microsoft and perhaps should consider alternative ways of accessing computing services over the long run.
Lovely 'mocking' headline to this story. I still use Windows 7. I have a laptop with 8 on it and I hate it. Windows 8 is a horrific mess. My main computer still runs and will continue to run Windows 7. I will build a computer this year and put Windows 7 on it. Microsoft knows it's Windows 8 is a dud and is racing to bring out the next operating system and meanwhile they have trolls like the submitter planting snide comments like this one as if we'll all be magically changed from a reality based view of Windows 8 to the fantasy view as the computer heaven it's advertised as.
Enjoy your Karma, after all you earned it. Feel your Karma Joe, feel it burn.
Agreed 1000-fold! The IP address is such an important item to know these days, I cannot for the life of me figure out why windows makes it so damned annoying to figure out what yours is. They could have added an extra line in the task tray tooltip but noooooooo! Still have to go to that same retarded menu you're referring to. When everyone gives you your three reasons, I'd like them to give me 3 reasons that the IP address is too scary for the end user to know!
Do not meddle in the affairs of Wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger.
If you're going to throw around insults as an AC, at least have the balls to spell out the word "fuck", you fucking vagina.
I'm one of the approximately 57% of steam users who still use it. Also it's still going to have security updates coming out until 2020 (according to the article). I'm not planning to move off it until either I have to or there's a good reason to (haven't found one yet, all my apps still work and metro and windows 8 aren't that compelling).
That's the article from yesterday
The problem with a ~3 year Windows release cycle is that a lot of commercial / FOSS programs can take 1-2 years to stabilize on the new platform (eg. properly supporting new video renderer, 3rd party backup/imaging programs, etc.)
Yes it still exists. Running in a manufacturing plant on legacy hardware. A testament to how reliable something can be when the hardware is entirely compatible with the OS. It may have been an early compaq or HP pc. If i recall it had mysql server and I think Novel?.
Agree entirely with the Win 7 > Win XP > Win 95 improvement equation...all other MS OS can be left out ot it (maybe not 98 which was good enough for gaming)
What's left to be seen is if MS will put out something that would really amount to an "wow" change. Instead of forcing users to adapt to some craphead notion of UI experience I sincerely hope that all further product research & publishing concentrates on clean, malware-proof, efficient programming. I mean don't tell me that it's impossible to design an 20xx Office Suite so that you can choose the way it looks like (even getting back to classic menus instead of ribbon)
Every time you force an employee to train on a new system or program which has no obvious effect in improving productivity (name your example) individuals and companies loose time and money, one instance is enough to build up to the global MS gripe we all witness today.
Windows is almost no longer compulsory for the things I wish to do, and I'm not gonna give 'em the chance to pull the rug out from under me again--I plan to be long gone before I'm force fed Windows 11, or whatever updated-for-profit crapware they're pushing next.
I know there's a billion others like me, too, so there is finally enough backpressure to ignite the Slashdot dream, I hope. We shall see.
I eagerly await the re-release of Windows version n... Oh wait, I don't have to care because I use Linux for everything!
Windows 8 was so annoying we moved on to Chromebooks. They actually do everything we need..... And being able to login 5 seconds after turning the device on is a constant pleasure. OK, the Chromebook can't access Windows file shares so we use ftp the cloud instead. The Chromebooks are half the price of a Windows laptop and generally perform so well users are struck by how fast they are compared to MS bloatware.
Only boring people are ever bored.
Using Windows 7 is great and easy for corporate use. Windows 8 was effectively the last ditch effort of Steve Ballmer to try to be like a Mac. No start button killed them, and it is totally crud for corp usage. Anyhow, Windows 7 is great. Let's hope Windows 10 isn't so bulky it is hard to use, since they are so proud of it that they are skipping an official "Windows 9" and going straight to 10.
And last time, it was Vista. It appears Microsoft's fallback position when they screw up is to burn the bridge behind them and keep on screwing up?
Any wonder I like Linux for everything except the occasional PC game?
I have it and prefer it over windoze 8.0
I'm running Windows 8.1 Pro on the few gaming machines in my home - and happy as a clam. I have one Win7 machine left in the network that is getting ready to get the treatment (new video card, power supply, and Windows 8.1 Pro).
Lodragan Draoidh
The more you explain it, the more I don't understand it. - Mark Twain
It is clear M$ is continuing their astroturfing campaign by using Multiple accounts to fly under the DOJ radar and Russ1642 is just one of many. It is a fact M$ is dying since people are wising up to the lie of paying for constant updates, which is why M$ forced a new form of digital restrictions management called restricted boot into the BIOS. M$ failed with Vista then their failure continued with Vista 7, 8/8.1 and soon Vista 9/10 will be the final failure for M$. As such M$ is terrified so they will continue to use their illegal monopoly to eliminate free software completely from existance. Old people may very well be holding out but once even the most ignorant person learns of GNU/Linux and free software you and your M$ butt-buddies will be finished, especially once the DOJ investigates M$ for once again abusing their monopoly just as they have done in the past.
--
Friends don't help friends install M$ junk.
Friends do assist M$ addicted friends in committing suicide.
When just want an OS that is not overbloated as all hell and oh, I don't know....STABLE? (And "stable" is a relative term here)
And I just don't get how they can drop support for systems that are only ONE version behind their current one. Up until less than 2 months ago I was able to order a factory system from HP with Windows 7 installed.
And now that they've smartened up (at least a little bit) and canned Windows 9 completely, that means that if you want support, you're stuck with the overbloated smartphone wannabe Windows 8. As many have already said, that it's not gonna fly in just about every corporate environment.
Not sure PowerShell is what you are referring to, but CMD.exe , the tried-and-true string-oriented interpreter from Win2K, sitting on top of PowerShell, ran my old batch scripts OK when I tried it on a server. True, PowerShell can run these directly, through a set of aliases, but the documentation implies that these are just alternative names for the native "cmdlets", with all their OO goodness.
I think PowerShell is actually pretty clever, and well thought out, but the "everything is an object" concept often seems like overkill if all you need is a shell.