Slashdot Mirror
'UpgradeSubscription.exe' File In Preview Build Hints At Windows 10 Subscriptions (zdnet.com)
An anonymous reader writes: A file named "UpgradeSubscription.exe" is found buried in the System32 folder of Windows 10 build 14376, alongside 590 other .exe files. ZDNet reports the file has been part of other recent preview builds, but just recently uncovered. "In the file's properties, it's described as the Windows Upgrade to Subscription Tool, and its date and time stamp corresponds to other administrative tools in the same build," reports ZDNet. You can view the screenshot here. Microsoft responded to ZDNet saying: "The Windows Upgrade to Subscription tool, found in the latest Windows Insider builds, helps to manage certain volume licensing upgrades from Windows 10 Pro Anniversary Update to Windows 10 Enterprise. This binary file is not associated with the free consumer upgrade offering nor is it applicable to consumer Windows editions." When pressed for additional details, Microsoft responded with, "No further comment." While the file does nothing, it does appear to confirm that it's related to licensing, referencing a registry value called AllowWindowsSubscription. Build 14376 reveals a few references to servicing packages named Microsoft-Client-License-Platform-Upgrade-Subscription-Package. Last year, there was some talk about Windows 10 being the last version of Windows as Microsoft is pushing a "Windows as a service" vision. When news broke in April about Windows Phone's sharp revenue declines, PCWorld reported that CEO Satya Nadella's strategy is to grow Microsoft's revenues by convincing customers to adopt its paid subscription services.
It's not too shocking right?
Welcome the Windows refugees with open arms.
The first one is always free.
Suckers.
Windows 10, according to Microsoft, has always had mainstream support ending October 13, 2020, and extended support ending October 14, 2025. Various sites reported this a year ago, but people forgot, I guess.
Since this was the "last windows you'll ever buy", that meant that the next one would have to be a "rental-only" version.
I wouldn't be surprised if 10 includes a time bomb to deactivate at it after it goes out of support.
"Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
I subscribe to Office 365, I quite like the model actually...
I have multiple computers and being able to install Office and have it always up to date, along with 5 OneDrive accounts with plenty of storage is totally worth it to me.
Windows as a service could work, if done right. The key is to take into account those people who have more than 2 or 3 computers and to provide an inexpensive way to grow that number (which Office 365 really doesn't under one account).
But really it needs to be on a per-user basis, so I can install Windows on as many computers as I want, so long as my first log-in is and remains the primary account. Remove that account and the "activation" goes away. Perhaps the primary account needs to log-in once every 30 days to keep it active?
As my unsername suggests I'm not a big Linux fan. At this point I might just stop using computers altogether.
Does it brick your hardware? Can you then wipe the mass storage and install a BSD, Chrome, or Linux? When your Windows subscription expirws does it all stop working?
It sounds like you almost already have.
I can see a time when you go buy a new computer and it comes with Windows on it and 3 years of "free" updates and support, with the option to pay X dollars per year after that to get continued updates...
This way people who don't need to buy a new computer can, at least for awhile, continue to use that machine and keep it current...
The question is, how much per machine, or per user, per year?
$5 per machine per year might be reasonable, or perhaps $20 per user for up to 5 machines, or perhaps a family licence for $50 per year for 25 machines and 10 users...
I imagine they won't be that generous, but they would be smart to do so to soften the blow when they roll it out. Either way, the idea of selling Windows and giving away 10 years of free updates is probably not going to survive, whatever comes next...
That's what I've been saying since 10 was announced as a "free" upgrade from 7/8. Soon as they get enough people updated, via hook or crook, they'll adopt a PAID subscription. Adobe did it. On one had, it's not a bad business model, as you can pretty much know what your revenue stream from month to month, year to year will be, but, as with Adobe Photoshop, I'll just hang onto CC6 for a while longer.
Then you can change your name to WindowsIsGarbager.
For a business with lots of terminals, this would be a godsend. They'll be able to fire the entire IT staff, and lease everything from Microsoft. No more license audits! Yippee!
“He’s not deformed, he’s just drunk!”
Something smells a little funny about this to me.
-- Brought to you by Carl's JR
It is all about rent seeking, the ultimate business model! Let's see what happens to all those free upgrades from pirated editions, popcorn ready.
MS is poised to once again make a Moderately funny joke into reality.
You could always use OSX. However I don't trust that one day Apple won't start verifying the hardware is genuine and your install stops working.
Only the State obtains its revenue by coercion. - Murray Rothbard
I would be interested in Windows subscriptions if it included full virtualization rights. As it is now, licensing Widows for virtualization is a clusterfsck.
As long as 'UpgradeSubscription.exe" doesn't interfere with the "NotAVirus.exe" i recently installed then i say go for it.
they've been wanting a subscription model for windows since xp's longevity allowed people and businesses to hang onto their computers for much much longer than the 2-3 years microsoft wants everybody to buy a new one (and new operating system and software for it). IIRC microsoft even trialed a subscription model for windows previously somewhere 10? or so years ago.
fact is, system requirements for windows plateaued with vista. that was nearly 10 years ago now. you don't "need" more than an old dual core pentium or athlon x2 and 4gb of ram for virtually everything most people use a computer for. the only way for microsoft to increase revenues in this space is with ads (windows 10), baked-in "app store" (windows 8 and newer), and subscriptions (office 365 since 2011.. coming soon to windows, count on it)
What are you a menonite? 10 users and 25 machines in your family?
Microsoft's previous family products included 3 licenses, don't expect that to change as they've had that policy for almost a decade.
You could always use OSX. However I don't trust that one day Apple won't start verifying the hardware is genuine and your install stops working.
Yes, there's no guarantee that any version of Mac OS X^W^W^WOS X^W^WmacOS will run, or that it will continue to run, or that the next release after it will run, on a Hackintosh.
I've expected that once the "free" upgrade program to Windows 10 ends on July 29, 2016, those who have installed the update will get a notice that the software will require a subscription to continue using your Windows 10 computer. Unless you pay $20 per month beginning August 30, 2016, your computer will be bricked. But Wait! We have a special deal: you can also continue to use your computer with Windows 10 for only $199 for 12 months. Prices are expected to increase yearly.
In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act. George Orwell
Comment removed based on user account deletion
What are you a menonite? 10 users and 25 machines in your family?
Microsoft's previous family products included 3 licenses, don't expect that to change as they've had that policy for almost a decade.
I have at least 15 under my control in a non commercial environment. Fortunately only 1 is an internet connected W10 machine, with nothing personal on it at all. 5 W10 networked machines but air gapped, and the rest linux or OS X. Guess which one computer is a pain in the ass. Hint, not any Unixy ones.
Oh, and a cute little RPi 3 running Ubuntu Mate. I have a subscription plan for Apache Office on them all. They update AO and I download and install it. They have a money back guarantee as well.
The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
I I told you all this was coming last year and you laughed at me.
Mostly because you're a silly punce.
The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
Yeah yeah, this is what people were saying they were going to do when Windows Me came out...switch to Linux. Then again when Windows Vista came out. Then again when Windows 8 came out. Then again when Windows 10 came out. But it doesn't happen, still any Windows story on here gets the same comments and the same furious people with the empty threat of saying they will move to other operating systems.
Seriously for all the pontificating about how great Linux (and FreeBSD) is and all the anecdotes about "i put it on my family members' computer and they love it" the stories about Windows should be pretty devoid of those furious comments by now. I'm predicting that much like every other thing Microsoft has done that has created the faux backlash here, this won't change their usage share at all. They could ship Windows with a camera that they shove up your ass and ultimately you'd still use it, it's sad that that is the case and effort and money should instead be spent on making desktop Linux (or FreeBSD) a truly viable alternative but I doubt that will happen.
What are you a menonite? 10 users and 25 machines in your family?
What, I can't have 8 kids?
As for the computers, that isn't hard.. desktops, laptops, computers on the TVs, a file server, build and test machines, a few computers at the beach house, etc...
Microsoft's previous family products included 3 licenses, don't expect that to change as they've had that policy for almost a decade.
Office 365 Family is 5, so frankly your statement isn't even correct today, much less in the future...
BSD is decades older than Linux, and both imitate classic Unix with some extensions.
Stockholm Syndrome.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
~ People that think they are better than anyone else for any reason are the cause of all the strife in the world.
Nadella - if you are reading this thread?
Piss off.
There is no way on God's Green Earth that I will ever pay a subscription fee for an operating system.
_ _ _ Go for the eyes Boo! GO FOR THE EYES!
From the context, it's supposed to be read as "it's not a bad business model for the companies doing it", what with the mention of revenue streams.
My use of Windows has decreased so much that I boot my Windows partition once a month or less. Very little I can't do on Linux Mint except maybe play some games, which frankly don't make it worth the effort to boot Windows and worry about stealth updates, telemetry, and all the rest. Subscription model? They'll never get a cent from me for subscriptions.
Hello FreeBSD
And hello, Linux Mint.
I could be wrong, but I just don't think most people want to pay and pay and pay for Windows forever.
Just cruising through this digital world at 33 1/3 rpm...
I tried setting the clock of my Windows 10 VM (not activated) to decades in the future without an Internet connection, and it continued to function normally. But the time bomb may come as an update. They seem bold enough to do it.
Rent seeking is not what you think it is. But I get your point. Such a "rental" model isn't going to last long when we're in the final days of the unholy Roman empire. In the jobless future, the only business that'll matter is show business. Yes, games and porn, the better to keep the masses from revolting.
So here's my advice to Nadella, Sell off Office and your other enterprise software businesses soon be made obsolete by Big Data AI. Focus on the Xbox, VR, etc. Your main costumer is going to be the government, the .001 percent, who will do everything in their power to remain in power. An entertained population fed with the minimum necessary to keep their stomachs growling will the prime objective.
Suddenly the pushiness from MS to get people on to Win10 makes perfect sense. More subscribers! Most of us are more used to the older model of buying the software once and being able to use it forever. Is that really how it works in practice, though? A few years down the line the software is no longer the current version, and finally unsupported. I hate to be billed monthly as much as anyone, but you have to consider the upside of a win10 subscription: software always up to date. Of course, there is a better solution: move to Linux. Software up to date and no fees. Now that model looks better than ever.
Yeah yeah, this is what people were saying they were going to do when Windows Me came out...switch to Linux.
Yep, Windows ME is exactly what drove me into the loving arms of The Gnu.
Though, I must confess, I've cheated wirh the beasties on occasion...
who cares? Really is that a deal breaker? cause that's just dumb.
It's called an ellipsis, and the use of it signifies that there are words missing. When used at the end of a sentence they imply there's more to be said, but the reader should be able to fill in the blanks, from the context of whatever has already been written.
I'm sure you'd know this if you had any great ability in, or facility with, the English language...
with the option to pay X dollars per year after that to get continued updates...
This would be acceptable. What's the bet that the concept of being allowed to use an expired license on a computer isn't what Microsoft agrees with?
slash dotters have been dealing with Microsoft abuse for 30 years.
AT this point they are tired of pointing out microsoft's next move only to be scoffed at and ridiculed, and then proven correct.
i thought once I was found, but it was only a dream.
The free anti-virus software that comes with new PCs usually lasts about a month before you have to pay. If Microsoft goes this route I imagine they will adopt industry best practice.
const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
Win 10 let's us do Workplace Join which can let us upgrade and activate an edition upgrade from Windows Home or Windows Pro to Windows Enterprise. This let's folks use their home computer but still use things like Bitlocker and DirectAccess which aren't part of Home. The way it works is we provide an edition change package, look up the Windows 10 Provisioning Package. Rather than relying on your home computer talking to the on-prem KMS, it uses essentially an old school MAC key for temporarily activating an upgrade. Once the PC is removed from the company's workplace join, it removes that edition. The goal is to let employees use any device they care to in order to get their work done and allow the company to reclaim that edition upgrade once they leave that role. Why MS insists on calling it a subscription, I'm not sure, but it probably has more to do with the fact that to have the Enterprise version, you have to have an EA agreement and a Software Assurance. Basically no, it's not what you think and the Microsoft response is reasonably accurate it's just the word subscription that should be replaced with the word "Activation." [Note, I'm a consultant who does Intune/Configuration Manager so I'm actively deploying these packages that do this with clients today.]
You've also got to be very particular about the components you buy.
Microsoft's evil, but they know good business. Assuredly pulling an Adobe and changing to a subscription service for Windows 10 would cause far more damage than the short term profits they would get from the ransom payments, right?
Don't use Windows 10 because it's an Orwellian nightmare of surveillance, of course. But I am just doubtful Microsoft would shoot themselves in the head by doing what most commenters here are taking it to mean.
Apple actually already has some degree of hardware verification built into OS X and it will refuse to boot in some cases if it thinks the hardware isn't genuine.
In fact, a major bug in this verification system prevented some builds of OS X 10.11 from booting via Netboot on certain Mac Minis causing the system to freeze in the middle of booting. Fortunately a later build fixed the issue but the problem persisted for several months before they finally fixed it.
As I understand it, OS X primarily checks for a particular string reported by the SMC in Apple hardware. If the string is missing or incorrect the boot process is halted. But I suspect their are probably additional checks in the current versions of OS X which is probably what caused the Netboot problems on some hardware configurations.
Some people do make good on the threat. I know I did when Microsoft threatened to put me in a digital ghetto with Project Paladium.
My machine? Then it is my Linux.
# touch universe # chmod +rwx universe #
Linux may "imitate" Unix, but BSD is a Unix.
Quick, everyone delete their System32 folders before the subscription policy takes effect!
The day I loaded Windows ME is the last time Microsoft got a penny of my money. I have actually been pretty happy with Macs and Linux over the years. I use Windows at work so I'm not totally out of the loop. On a whim I put Windows 10 on a virtual machine. Honestly... I think it's the best, most stable, operating system Microsoft has come out with in a long time. Once you rip out Cortana and remove all the spyware Microsoft puts in there, it is quite nice.
,,,or, Windows users could opt to stick with Windows 7 indefinitely. A successful Windows 10 subscription model assumes that people want to stay current with new Windows features. But if all the Windows-specific apps they use are legacy Win32 apps, there will never be a meaningful Windows upgrade for those users. Since most new apps are browser, Android or iOS based, Win32 + Chrome is the desktop platform with the apps.
Microsoft has not succeeded in getting the lions share of developers to rewrite their apps to the new Metro API's, so Windows 7 will continue to run any Win32 app as well (or better, depending on the continued commitment to backward compatibility) as Windows 10 or its successors. We're coming to a time where there is no market for operating systems that you have to pay for. Yes, new computers come with an OS that was paid for, and in most cases, that's still Windows. Assuming that the subscription model for upgrades is optional, nobody will buy it - because the OS that came with their computers is fine, as long as it gets security patches. And if Microsoft starts requiring a paid subscription for security patches, they may find a lot of resistance.
Posted from my Android phone. Oh, I can change this? There, that's better...
While some may find it annoying that there are not two keys dedicated to the function, despite persistent claims to the contrary you can both backspace and delete on a mac. It is achieved by using a modifier key (the apple key, in this case). Really, a worse complaint is the lack of arrow keys. In both cases it comes down to how many keys you can fit onto a keyboard of a certain size while keeping the keys large enough to be useful.
In other news, apple doesn't put a top row of special keys on the keyboard (like Dell does) and instead uses the function keys. To actually get a function key you have to use the Function modifier key. I find this annoying and it makes it easy to change display brightness when trying to contort for some god-awful keyboard shortcut (there's one I use frequently that is a horrible mashup of *four* modifier keys plus the key being modified -- and there is no menu equivalent, it is the keyboard or nothing).
Backspace and delete? Only weenies who don't use apple computers would complain about that.
But it doesn't happen, still any Windows story on here gets the same comments and the same furious people with the empty threat of saying they will move to other operating systems.
Or, y'know, they actually are moving to other OSs and it's different people posting that they're leaving this time.
Unity? Screw that: XFCE. Slashdot Beta? Screw that: SoylentNews. Australis? Screw that: Pale Moon. UX developers DIAF
You could always use OSX. However I don't trust that one day Apple won't start verifying the hardware is genuine and your install stops working.
Yes, there's no guarantee that any version of Mac OS X^W^W^WOS X^W^WmacOS will run, or that it will continue to run, or that the next release after it will run, on a Hackintosh.
You're right: No guarantees. But after all this time, it seems logical to assume that if Apple has pretty much turned a blind-eye to the Hackintosh people, that unless they constitute more than a few percent of sales, I very much doubt they are going to actively do anything more to prevent macOS from running on Hacks, which of course they could easily do.
OSX doesn't even know how to backspace vs delete. Can't get used to that...
Sure it does. There are multiple ways to do that; and as the list I linked-to clearly shows, much, much more. In fact, OS X/macOS has a QUITE comprehensive list of Keyboard shortcuts, and with the ability to define your own, it is actually one of the Mac's most under-advertised features (because it just isn't sexy outside of the Neckbeard community). And it has only been part of OS X since version 10.0.0 came out FIFTEEN years ago, so I guess it's understandable why Hatebois like you have never heard of this...
.00005 nanoseconds on Google looking it up (or .05 seconds following the above link), the keyboard shortcut(s) for "Forward-Delete", in case you are using a keyboard that doesn't have a Forward-Delete key (which IS supported in macOS/OS X) is either "Fn + Delete (Backspace)", or "Control + D". All three solutions work equally well.
BTW, for those too lazy to spend
Bottom line: Ya gotta learn to Troll better than that, you whiny little Hateboi(tm)...
In other news, apple doesn't put a top row of special keys on the keyboard (like Dell does) and instead uses the function keys. To actually get a function key you have to use the Function modifier key. I find this annoying and it makes it easy to change display brightness when trying to contort for some god-awful keyboard shortcut (there's one I use frequently that is a horrible mashup of *four* modifier keys plus the key being modified -- and there is no menu equivalent, it is the keyboard or nothing).
You do realize you can reverse the "Fn" behavior, right?
OS X/macOS will let you do it globally, or you can use the F/OSS (Donationware) "Function Flip" to do it individually for each Function key.
You're welcome.
$5 per machine per year might be reasonable, or perhaps $20 per user for up to 5 machines, or perhaps a family licence for $50 per year for 25 machines and 10 users...
I imagine they won't be that generous
Not sure which sickens me more, that you think this is reasonable, or that Microsoft probably does, too.
$20 per user per year for a thing you can have for free if not for the Microsoft lock-in.
And Red Hat is busy doing its best to lock in the big free option as well. Sigh.
Unity? Screw that: XFCE. Slashdot Beta? Screw that: SoylentNews. Australis? Screw that: Pale Moon. UX developers DIAF
His point still stands. If you can't finish a single sentence without using one, it implies you can't formulate a complete thought.
Unity? Screw that: XFCE. Slashdot Beta? Screw that: SoylentNews. Australis? Screw that: Pale Moon. UX developers DIAF
If you're a company with a business and data retention plan, fine. But as a home user, why is it so fucking hard for computer companies to understand lately that
A) once I buy it it's mine,
B) I should have the right and ability to install whatever I'm physically capable of on it, and
C) if I don't upgrade it, it will continue working in its current state until the hardware gives out.
(Potential) Violation of A) renting the OS so that if I stop paying in perpetuity presumably it will cripple the computer. And by then we're likely to have even more SecureBoot etc. up the ass. I assume they'll be taking away the option to just buy it straight-up because that's not as profitable.
Violation of B) SecureBoot and hardware whitelists. Oh sure, SecureBoot is "just the tip" for now. Come back in 20 years and I guaranfuckingtee you it won't be disablable.
Violation of C) anything that requires an active Internet connection to work, subscription fee, etc.
C postscript) getting tricked into upgrading to an unusable state
If people want to rent this shit, fine. Just continue offering us the ability to buy it outright.
Computing used to be, you get the hardware, you draw up a table of ones and zeros, and you run the fucking ones and zeros on the hardware. Now it's all about control and what we are and aren't allowed to do with the hardware we bought and own ourselves. How far we've fallen.
Unity? Screw that: XFCE. Slashdot Beta? Screw that: SoylentNews. Australis? Screw that: Pale Moon. UX developers DIAF
You know, it never really bothered me enough to look into. Thanks!
As I understand it, OS X primarily checks for a particular string reported by the SMC in Apple hardware. If the string is missing or incorrect the boot process is halted. But I suspect their are probably additional checks in the current versions of OS X which is probably what caused the Netboot problems on some hardware configurations. Reply to This
Funny. That doesn't seem to have stopped the Hackintosh community from installing El Capitan on their Hacks.
But it doesn't happen, still any Windows story on here gets the same comments and the same furious people with the empty threat of saying they will move to other operating systems.
Hmmm. Wonder if there is a correllation between the rise of OS X/macOS use and the simultaneous decrease in Windows use, while Linux remains relatively stable, marketshare-wise?
Perhaps at least some of those people made good on their promise/threat to leave Windows. They just didn't end up in Linux-land.
Yes, people have found ways around it like they do for every version. However almost all of the solutions involve some combination of patching the installation to remove the checks and/or software solutions that use UEFI modules to intercept and spoof the results of various hardware checks to trick the OS.
The points is, you cannot simply take a current OS X install drive and get it to boot directly on non Apple hardware without using such tricks and modifications due to the checks done during the boot process.
Someone found a filename they don't like. Microsoft explained - clearly - what it is for and what it isn't for. It's used for that version of Windows 10 that we have always known costs money and is part of a subscription: Enterprise.
All the posters ranting about how they've had enough and are switching to Linux, and all those smug people saying "I told you so" evidently didn't even read the summary.
This is a non-issue. The filename might as well have been NothingHasChangedInAnyWay.EXE
"Oh no... he found the
I said I would switch to Linux instead of Windows 10. So I did. My main PC at home runs Korora 23. My auxiliaries still run Windows, but I only log into them about once a month or so.
It really is depressing to watch the Microsoft apologists rationalize their own rape. But at the same time, it's somehow amusing.
You know, it never really bothered me enough to look into. Thanks!
No problem!
Actually, I got to learn about that "Function Flip" utility, too. So we both "win"!
Yes, people have found ways around it like they do for every version. However almost all of the solutions involve some combination of patching the installation to remove the checks and/or software solutions that use UEFI modules to intercept and spoof the results of various hardware checks to trick the OS.
The points is, you cannot simply take a current OS X install drive and get it to boot directly on non Apple hardware without using such tricks and modifications due to the checks done during the boot process.
Shouldn't be a serious impediment for the typical Slashdot reader, who, afterall, is adept at installing Linux on everything from VCRs to Microwave Ovens... ;-)
Honestly, do you really think that, if Apple was truly threatened by OS X piracy that they couldn't do a better job at locking it to gen-u-ine Apple hardware than these little cat-n-mouse games?
I honestly think they do that stuff simply as a little internal game, to see how long it takes the Hackintosh people to find all the "puzzles" left by the OS X Devs, rather than a serious attempt at "DRM".
Afterall, the first couple of Mac Intel mobos actually HAD a TPM chip on them, but they apparently never implemented a driver for it, and soon took it back out of later designs.
$20 per user per year for a thing you can have for free if not for the Microsoft lock-in.
I can have Windows for free? All those people developing it don't need to be paid?
If you meant Linux, it isn't the same thing nor is it a replacement for Windows on the desktop, as much as the Linux folks want it to be.
Unlike the "I want everything for free" crowd, I'm ok to pay for things that I use.
This would be acceptable. What's the bet that the concept of being allowed to use an expired license on a computer isn't what Microsoft agrees with?
What about the option to keep using it, but Internet access is disabled?
In other words, if you want to keep rocking that old unsupported version of Windows, knock yourself out, but keep it off the net.
Think of this like emissions controls on cars, we don't allow those on the street for the same reason, harm to other people. Allowing computers on the net that aren't updated harms the public welfare.
Note: I'm sure many years ago when emissions controls came out, plenty of people were outraged back then as well, now they are normal. Outrage will happen if the above with computers happens, then it will become normal. The government will pass a law and cloak it in "stopping terrorists and protecting children" and most people will say "that sounds reasonable", and move on, while techies and a few others scream outrage and no one listens to them.
We already pay the "Windows Tax" for Windows to be pre-installed on basically every computer you can find, whether you want it or not. So apparently the problem is that it isn't making them enough money. They're still getting paid.
Plus there must be people buying boxed copies of Windows. Only for some reason it sounds like they're going to stop selling those in favor of the subscriptions.
Unity? Screw that: XFCE. Slashdot Beta? Screw that: SoylentNews. Australis? Screw that: Pale Moon. UX developers DIAF
Unlike the "I want everything for free" crowd, I'm ok to pay for things that I use.
Pay for it every year, forever? Why would you want to do that when you can pay for it once?
Unity? Screw that: XFCE. Slashdot Beta? Screw that: SoylentNews. Australis? Screw that: Pale Moon. UX developers DIAF
We already pay the "Windows Tax" for Windows to be pre-installed on basically every computer you can find, whether you want it or not. So apparently the problem is that it isn't making them enough money. They're still getting paid.
I'm sorry, I didn't know that there was an "allowed amount of money" they can have, and no more...
Windows costs more to develop today than it did 20 years ago, yet the price hasn't changed.
MS provides a decade worth of updates for free, they have looked at the market and figured out that doing so is not a good idea. Rather than raise the price of Windows, they will shorten the time period for free updates.
This also helps with the problem of people staying on older versions of Windows for long periods of time, such as Windows XP.
Plus there must be people buying boxed copies of Windows. Only for some reason it sounds like they're going to stop selling those in favor of the subscriptions.
No, I imagine they'll still sell Windows, but now they can lower the price and offer 3 years of updates. Perhaps they could do $19 for a 1 year Windows licence or $49 for a 3 year licence, then sell annual updates for $20 a year...
Another thing they could do is include some OneDrive space, Skype minutes, and even a Windows store credit with that. Perhaps $10 of Windows Store credit per year of renewal.
Pay for it every year, forever? Why would you want to do that when you can pay for it once?
You can pay for it once, the problem is the expectation of updates for 10 years...
You can buy MS Office and own it forever, but you won't get updates forever... Or you can subscribe to it, pay less up front and always have the newest version.
This isn't complicated, but for some reason people want to get all hung up over this... What MS is doing is adjusting the expectations of 10 years of free updates... Rather than raise the price of Windows, they are lowering the "free updates" time...
I'm sorry, I didn't know that there was an "allowed amount of money" they can have, and no more...
Well, since I want to pay them one lump sum of money and you want to pay them all your money forever...you tell me who's being more reasonable. Me saying "they're not making enough money" makes no claim whatsoever about what number "enough" is, either.
Windows costs more to develop today than it did 20 years ago, yet the price hasn't changed.
Yeah, it's expensive to ram all these touchscreen features we don't want down the throats of users!
No, I imagine they'll still sell Windows, but now they can lower the price and offer 3 years of updates.
Just a couple paragraphs ago you were saying they aren't making enough money, now you think they're going to make Windows cheaper? Listen to yourself. You don't use a monopoly to make less money.
Another thing they could do is include some OneDrive space, Skype minutes, and even a Windows store credit with that. Perhaps $10 of Windows Store credit per year of renewal.
Hey, wow, all kinds of other shit I don't use or want. Maybe they could include a couple copies of Norton Antivirus and a coupon for a free anal probe, too?
Unity? Screw that: XFCE. Slashdot Beta? Screw that: SoylentNews. Australis? Screw that: Pale Moon. UX developers DIAF
Think of this like emissions controls on cars, we don't allow those on the street for the same reason, harm to other people.
False equivalence. Emission controls are based on direct effects which is precisely why you can get old cars re-validated if you modify the engine. The computer argument on the other hand is based on some perceived risk which comes with a lot of assumptions. e.g. Firewalled vs direct connection. Grandma punching monkey vs careful and well trained operator.
Having an old unpatched computer on the net is not an immediate threat to the owner or to others, and I'd wage that an old NT4 machine currently connected to the net won't get owned anywhere near as much as some fancy Windows 7 + IE9 + Flash + Acrobat + Outlook sporting PC sifting through an endless stream of paypal phishing emails.
False equivalence.
No, it isn't, but you will keep thinking so... and you'll be ignored and it will happen sooner or later without you...
Having an old unpatched computer on the net is not an immediate threat to the owner or to others
You're wrong, but that's ok, we'll help you too...
That's just it ... they are backporting all the bad parts of 10 to 7 and 8x. This is the whole "frog in a bucket of slowly heating water" approach. Fortunately for many (most?) users, their phones and tablets are now replacing the need for a desktop or laptop computer. Not so fortunate for Microsoft. After all, most users think of computers as "the internet", and they can do all their "internet stuff", and since they need a phone anyway ...
"Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.