Vista to be Downloadable (Legally) 283
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."
Wow! (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Wow! (Score:5, Funny)
"a relatively low number of computer users are likely to get Vista by downloading it from the Internet"
We know that bit's not true!
Re:It should be true... (Score:3, Insightful)
Re: (Score:2)
Re:It should be true... (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:It should be true... (Score:5, Insightful)
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.
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
b) Linux folk have been downloading whole OS from the internet for ages, but even so, vista's the LEAST of the internets worries! [slashdot.org]
Re: (Score:2)
Get the facts first! (Score:4, Informative)
http://seclists.org/isn/2006/Dec/0107.html [seclists.org]
Re:Get the facts first! (Score:4, Informative)
disabled when playing protected content." I tried this with DRM protected audio (streaming from Zune Marketplace) and sure enough it played on my surround sound system with no problems. Similarly, I played a DVD with DTS audio perfectly fine over the optical cable (Vista actually made this easier since it ships with a DVD decoder, unlike XP which requires you to purchase a 3rd party decoder). In other words there is no loss in functionality with respect to existing DRM-protected media (i.e. if it worked on XP it'll work the same on Vista).
So if these problems only apply to HD-DVD and Blu-Ray, I don't see them as a criticism of Microsoft and Vista, but rather to the content producers who demand these changes. As far as I know, Apple has not announced the details of commericial HD playback, but I'd be surprised if they produce something with significantly fewer restrictions. And obviously Linux won't be supporting these discs legally any time soon. It seems to me that the best option is to just continue ignoring the existence of these new discs and you won't be affected by any of this.
Re:Get the facts first! (Score:4, Insightful)
Place the blame where it belongs...
Mirror (Score:5, Funny)
Http://www.packetnews.com
Just a few? (Score:5, Funny)
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.
Re: (Score:2)
"A relatively low number of computer users are likely to get Vista by buying it in store.
Seriously, what is the benefit of adopting a new operating system with in 12 to 18 months of it being released?
Re: (Score:3, Funny)
What, you're saying I should only now be considering moving my operating systems to Debian Sarge?
Ye gods.
Re: (Score:2)
Re:Just a few? (Score:5, Funny)
Same here, except I don't even run Vista.
Re: (Score:2)
Re:Just a few? (Score:4, Informative)
Re: (Score:2)
I realise that this is somewhat inherent in 64 bit processor designed apps, but never thought it was anywhere near that much.
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
Poorly designed code (Score:2, Informative)
- Poorly designed/optimized code will load all constants ('imediates' in machine code nomenclature) from 64 bits representations rather than 32 bits representations. In other words : all constants eats twice as much space as before.
- Prefixes : On 32-bits processors, you need to use an opcode prefix to specify you work on 16bits instead of 32bits. In 64-bits machine code you have an aditionnal prefix to specify 32bits instead of 64bits data width. In other words,
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Also, Microsoft had to deal with a huge rush of giant downloads when they made the release candidates for Vista freely downloadable from their website. Thousands of thousands of people were simultaneously downloading at high speed.
Re: (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:Just a few? (Score:5, Insightful)
I must be turning into an old person, the kind you see still using rotary dial phones and rabbit ear antennas. Who needs this newfangled Vista crap! In my day, when you bought music or a movie, it was yours! Now they want you to rent every pleasurable stimulus that enters your senses! These city folk will do anything for a dollar!
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
It would be cool if.. (Score:5, Interesting)
Re: (Score:3, Funny)
not to mention that Microsoft would then have 2^n versions of windows to test, instead of just 3 (Diet Windows, Regular Windows, Server Windows).
Re: (Score:2)
Re:It would be cool if.. (Score:5, Funny)
Sounds like NT all over again (Score:2)
In other words, all the software was installed on one version, but some extra bits were only enabled by coughing up extra money to unlock them.
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
You pay your money and you take your choice; you don't get the features of the luxury edition of a car when you buy the basic model, do you?
Re: (Score:2)
That sounds way too close to buying your OS and then purchasing the applications you need and installing them seperate.
Re: (Score:2)
Too complex for a mass market distribution.
Ultimate seems to target the professional who needs a secure, high-performance, home office machine, but also enjoys media and gaming. Someone who would be inclined to spring for the whole package, anyway.
Re: (Score:2)
yum-my (Score:3, Insightful)
Re: (Score:2)
we will lol (Score:2, Insightful)
You know what that means?
Paired with the cracked activation server(s), January 31st you will be able to buy the most basic version and almost instantly be able to upgrade to the 'ultimate' for free.
I'll go ahead and say 'I told you so' now, because ms's track record with security has, and always will be subpar at best.
The activation server (was re: we will lol) (Score:2)
OS Downloads (Score:2, Interesting)
I would say that is accurate. If you're smart enough to be able to download Vista you can download your favorite Linux distro instead with less effort. It also stands a good chance of working with your hardware, unlike Vista.
Re: (Score:3, Funny)
Re: (Score:3, Interesting)
Good for the environment (Score:5, Insightful)
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
Yep. Good thing Linux has been doing it for over a decade now. Nice to see Microsoft finally catching up. Now, if only they would get rid of the activation and Genuine (dis)Advantage crapola....
Did you even try to think? (Score:2)
That means more mistakes.
That means more waste
That means LESS good for the enviroment.
Re: (Score:2)
The packaging
The manual
The CD jewel case/DVD plastic case
The shipping boxes, containers, etc.
The impact of moving those shipping containers cross-country
I think the offset from downloads would make up for a few CD/DVD coasters. Maybe not with this first Vista launch but, over time as more companies start doing this for their products.
Re: (Score:2)
"Follow"? As if Microsoft is somehow the "leader", the first to make either
Windows Update (Score:5, Funny)
The following updates are available:
[ ] Windows Vista
Please click the upgrade button to download and have your credit card ready.
Vista will be legally downloadable!!! (Score:5, Funny)
Comment removed (Score:5, Funny)
Re: (Score:2, Funny)
Failing that, they could just crash into it.
Re:declaring war on Sealand (Score:2)
Problem solved!
Will it be cheaper? (Score:5, Insightful)
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!
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
hahahaha you got to be kidding me
do you mean the info that is stored here http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/w indows/* [microsoft.com]
and here http://www.microsoft.com/technet/* [microsoft.com].
trust me that ain't much and it ain't comprehensive neither
That's a surprisingly good model IMHO (Score:4, Insightful)
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
In two weeks, Vista will become the default OEM Windows install.
In two weeks, holiday buyers will begin redeeming all those free upgrade coupons. Vista doesn't need a jump-start.
Then, if people want more functionality, say to burn a CD/DVD or whatever, they pay for it incrementally. It would make the OS feel more affordable.
So? (Score:2, Funny)
Vista already legally downloadble (Score:5, Informative)
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.
Re:Vista already legally downloadble (Score:4, Interesting)
(It's nice, for business use at least. I wouldn't pay for it at home (that's what OOo is for), but I love it when I switch to "business user" mode.)
A few pointers... (Score:2, Funny)
No officer, this isn't a pirated copy.... (Score:2, Funny)
Old news (Score:2, Informative)
Besides, it's obvious now that vista is out that nobody cares.
Interesting... (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
What economic incentives will be given? (Score:3, Insightful)
I highly doubt Microsoft will take into account activity based costing in respect to the product pricing. Especially since it would benefit them to charge the same amount or close to it, and improve the overall profitability of the physical product.
Question... (Score:3, Insightful)
How long will it take to hack this so-called "digital locker"?
I have a question, re: upgrading Vista. (Score:2)
Re: the "Anytime upgrade" pricing schemes revealed here http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2007/jan0 7/01-17ConsumerOptionsPR.mspx [microsoft.com]
"The manufacturer's suggested retail prices to upgrade to more premium editions of Windows Vista are as follows: Home Basic to Home Premium $79, Home Basic to Ultimate $199, Home Premium to Ultimate $159 and Business to Ultimate $139."
I have, let's say a tricksy way of legally obtaining Vist
Re: (Score:2)
http://ecommerce.intermediae.it/images/51.954.gif [intermediae.it]
Are you theorising or do you know anything on this for certain, as I'd love some more solid info.
(Surely the CD key is still valid right?)
Re: (Score:2)
It's a cookbook! (Score:2)
Downloadable Vista? (Score:2, Funny)
Long term gain, but short term loss? (Score:2)
This then provides extra free publicity, as the queue story inevitably gets picked up by the TV news media, which in turn will drive extra sales, as "Joe Average" sees that and thinks "Must be good, if people are prepared to wait up until midnight for it".
However, this time round, the tech savvy early adopters wi
I already did.... (Score:2)
Of course this was through my MSDN subscription and the DVDs turned up a couple of weeks later, anyway...
What about license transfers? (Score:3, Interesting)
Regardless of the software you're buying that's a terrible value proposition. It doesn't make sense to me unless they're offering a substantial discount.
On the other hand, I think this will actually be a good thing in countries like the UK where retail prices never reflect a fair currency conversion. (You poor Poms really do get screwed) A guess a lot of that mark up is tax, which for the moment most governments don't seen to have caught onto yet...
My Prediction (Score:5, Funny)
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
(joking of cause, I'll not be buying software)
Re: (Score:2)
Also, the liscense doesn't give you permission to get a copy whenever you need one, only a lisence to use the EXACT disk you purchased.
So no, what you are doing is not legal.
Not that I care wehere you get you windoze, but what you are saying is right up there with the 'The police must identify themselves if you ask.' idiocy that circulates.
Re: (Score:2)
I also had access to legit windows license available only online. You had no choice but to download the ISO or to use a friend CD. ( for info, that was the Microsoft program f
Re:A few problems (Score:4, Insightful)
Could this get any older?
Regardless, it's where I stop reading.
Re:A few problems (Score:5, Funny)
Re: (Score:2)
what about vizta ?
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:A few problems (Score:5, Informative)
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.
Re: (Score:2)
Sounds to me like they'll just give you a normal product key to print out.
Windows XP already works that way. (Score:3, Insightful)
But as of Windows XP, Windows already uses online internet activation, regardless of where the bits to install come from. So it doesn't make any difference whether you get it over the internet or get it off a disc. Either way, you enter the product key and the OS contacts Microsoft with a has
Re: (Score:2)
Selling downloadable software is not a new thing, even for Microsoft. It would be news if they didn't offer a downloadable version.
But selling a downable OS (that isn't open source or the like)? I can't remember a downable OS from MS or Apple, ever. There's no downable Win XP, or OS X, at least not for single-users.
This is news if it takes off. I for one can much more easily keep track of a string of characters and an ISO (or something) than I can those blasted CDs with crappy paper covers.
Re: (Score:3, Funny)
Notepad = $FREE
Wordpad = $FREE
Desktop icons = $FREE
Themes = $FREE
Networking = $299
Installer = $99
Start Button = $FREE
Windows Genuine Advantage = $49 (MANDATORY)
Re: (Score:2)
No - since Microsoft will doubtless be charging for the "new" features as they are unlocked. As such Microsoft will be recognising the income for the new features at the time they're sold (ie when the user unlocks them and pays ia their credit card over the tubes).
Apple's issue was that they determined they couldn't unlock extra functionality for free. Microsoft has no intention of upgrading a downloaded user at no charge.
Not microtransactions, product tiering (Score:2)
You can see the general
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)