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July 12, 2006 10:47 AM PDT
Microsoft extends lifeline for older PCs
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The software, known as Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs, is designed as a stopgap measure for companies with a significant number of older Windows PCs that they aren't ready to replace and that can't be easily upgraded to Windows XP.
Formerly known by its Eiger code name, Windows Fundamentals gives those PCs some of the security benefits of XP but essentially turns the machines into thin clients, able to run only a few programs locally, with most software needing to run remotely from a server.
As Microsoft announced in September, Windows Fundamentals is being made available as part of Microsoft's Software Assurance licensing program. It's one of several changes the company is making to the program.
"Software Assurance is certainly more than upgrades," said Mike Oldham, a general manager in Microsoft's licensing group. "We see it as a full offering that we are incoprorating more value into all the time."
Oldham said that Microsoft developed Windows Fundamentals because corporate customers were looking for a way to get more years out of their PCs. "This gave them a key tool for expanding those life spans."
Turning PCs into thin clients is something new, Oldham said. "Typically we have not delved into that area."
The company also announced that it is making Virtual PC 2004 Service Pack 1 available free to customers. Volume-licensing customers who adopt Windows Vista will be able to install up to four copies of the operating system in each machine, provided that they are all for use by a single user.
Microsoft has been working hard to sway customers away from the notion that Software Assurance is primarily a way to buy its products on a subscription basis. Under the program, customers pay an additional fee when they license a program and get the rights to any updates issued during a specific period, usually three years. In some cases, though, Microsoft has taken more than three years to prepare an update--the recent release of SQL Server took five years; and Windows Vista is expected to debut early next year, more than five years after Windows XP.
Also on the virtualization front, Microsoft said that effective Oct. 1, companies using Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition will be able to run any number of virtualized Windows Server instances. By licensing the Datacenter version, customers will be able to run an unlimited number of virtual versions of the standard, enterprise or Datacenter editions of the operating system.
Meanwhile, VMware, whose virtualization software competes with Virtual PC, said on Wednesday that it is ready with the free version of its GSX Server, for which it once charged up to $2,800. VMware, which is a subsidiary of storage giant EMC, said in February that it would make the software available for free.
Microsoft also announced on Wednesday a new "buy now, pay later" financing promotion, under which business customers can get Windows Vista, Office 2007 and other products by paying $50 a month for six months and then spreading the rest of the cost over 36 equal payments.
The announcements came as Microsoft continues its annual partner conference in Boston.
See more CNET content tagged:
Software Assurance, thin client, Microsoft Virtual PC, data center, virtualization
30 comments
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was a great processor. Better than the P4s wrt
price-performance and performance-per-watt.
Those machines would make great general-use
machines or thin-clients (maybe a little
overpowered).
Most businesses or schools haven't any use for
tricked-out gaming rigs at each seat.
It's faster than it was with Windows 98 even before you add Zonealarm (which no longer supports 98) for firewall, Antivirus and Anti-spyware.
Plus I can have it run a FULL webserver instead of PWS.
was a great processor. Better than the P4s wrt
price-performance and performance-per-watt.
Those machines would make great general-use
machines or thin-clients (maybe a little
overpowered).
Most businesses or schools haven't any use for
tricked-out gaming rigs at each seat.
It's faster than it was with Windows 98 even before you add Zonealarm (which no longer supports 98) for firewall, Antivirus and Anti-spyware.
Plus I can have it run a FULL webserver instead of PWS.
support department. Their users only need a web browser and
email and 98 run Thunderbird and Mozilla just like our Windows
XP machines.
The fact that MS no longer issues security updates for 98 isn't an
issue. IMO, no version of Windows is secure so we limit the
websites our Wintel users can reach and block almost every type
of email attachment.
When a w98 machine's hardware fails we replace most of them
with a new XP machine. However, we are finding that a Mac Mini
is an excellent replacement for many of our users and requires
much less support than Windows.
support department. Their users only need a web browser and
email and 98 run Thunderbird and Mozilla just like our Windows
XP machines.
The fact that MS no longer issues security updates for 98 isn't an
issue. IMO, no version of Windows is secure so we limit the
websites our Wintel users can reach and block almost every type
of email attachment.
When a w98 machine's hardware fails we replace most of them
with a new XP machine. However, we are finding that a Mac Mini
is an excellent replacement for many of our users and requires
much less support than Windows.
www.theregister.co.uk/2006/07/11/
ms_ends_windows98_support/ ) that Win98 has 70 million users
out about a worldwide total of 100 million "modern" computers
(I don't count many Third World nations using who knows what
for computing), why not continue support for it. It's like leaving
VHS in the mid-'90s for DVDs just because it's there with a
decent base.
Nah, I'm sure XP is good for games, but everybody I know likes
there crappy Celeron PCs running Win98 just fine.
<a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.network54.com/Forum/7505/" target="_newWindow">http://www.network54.com/Forum/7505/</a>
Programmer #A-5 of www.totallyparanoia.com
And the number of 98 machines connected to the Internet are way lower, as any site admin can tell you. The ones not connected to the Internet don't need/use much support anyway.
www.theregister.co.uk/2006/07/11/
ms_ends_windows98_support/ ) that Win98 has 70 million users
out about a worldwide total of 100 million "modern" computers
(I don't count many Third World nations using who knows what
for computing), why not continue support for it. It's like leaving
VHS in the mid-'90s for DVDs just because it's there with a
decent base.
Nah, I'm sure XP is good for games, but everybody I know likes
there crappy Celeron PCs running Win98 just fine.
<a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.network54.com/Forum/7505/" target="_newWindow">http://www.network54.com/Forum/7505/</a>
Programmer #A-5 of www.totallyparanoia.com
And the number of 98 machines connected to the Internet are way lower, as any site admin can tell you. The ones not connected to the Internet don't need/use much support anyway.
Additionally, this will allow Microsoft to move to a more restrictive (and costly) "licensing model", such as Microsofts plan to move to perpetual-payment "Individual-User Licensing", instead of perpetual-use "individual-machine licenses".
I dont think most people would voluntarily move directly to that model. So, this kills two birds with one stone...
First, it eliminates a lot of the "older" PCs that people stubbornly refuse to "upgrade" to a more Microsoft-controllable OS (an OS which, for example, would allow Microsoft to "de-activate" the PC, or otherwise render it useless, at Microsofts discretion). This would also allow Microsoft to change, or simply eliminate, any previous "functionality" that Microsoft finds inconvenient, or decides to start charging extra for.
And, second, this will slowly condition consumers to the idea of perpetual-payment, for PC-use, ...Microsofts "holy-grail" of "software as a service".
All in all, this should be a pretty scary development for anyone in the PC Industry...
Additionally, this will allow Microsoft to move to a more restrictive (and costly) "licensing model", such as Microsofts plan to move to perpetual-payment "Individual-User Licensing", instead of perpetual-use "individual-machine licenses".
I dont think most people would voluntarily move directly to that model. So, this kills two birds with one stone...
First, it eliminates a lot of the "older" PCs that people stubbornly refuse to "upgrade" to a more Microsoft-controllable OS (an OS which, for example, would allow Microsoft to "de-activate" the PC, or otherwise render it useless, at Microsofts discretion). This would also allow Microsoft to change, or simply eliminate, any previous "functionality" that Microsoft finds inconvenient, or decides to start charging extra for.
And, second, this will slowly condition consumers to the idea of perpetual-payment, for PC-use, ...Microsofts "holy-grail" of "software as a service".
All in all, this should be a pretty scary development for anyone in the PC Industry...
For Windows 98 SE there was Mac OS 8.6, which it was even better!
For Windows 98 SE there was Mac OS 8.6, which it was even better!
Win98 must be usefull still or it wouldn't be an issue, and it's need for security isn't any worse then WinXP or what Vista will require. Windows anything is an internet target for malware because they are all linked at the core of the OS and only patched to prohibit the most easily to fix holes. Yes, Vista is pretty, but IS IT A NEW OS? No one has yet explained just how new it is beyond it's resourse heavy GUI. It has a few new built in apps, but does that qualify as a new OS? I personally think MS has taken the easy way out and needs to sit down and create a new OS from the ground up. Surely they must have learned something with the Windows experience that would allow for a completely new invention.
Win98 must be usefull still or it wouldn't be an issue, and it's need for security isn't any worse then WinXP or what Vista will require. Windows anything is an internet target for malware because they are all linked at the core of the OS and only patched to prohibit the most easily to fix holes. Yes, Vista is pretty, but IS IT A NEW OS? No one has yet explained just how new it is beyond it's resourse heavy GUI. It has a few new built in apps, but does that qualify as a new OS? I personally think MS has taken the easy way out and needs to sit down and create a new OS from the ground up. Surely they must have learned something with the Windows experience that would allow for a completely new invention.
This, small, first-step will also allow Microsoft to move toward more restrictive (and costly) "licensing models", such as Microsofts indicated plan to move to a, perpetual-payment, "Individual-User Licensing" scheme, instead of the current, purchase-once, perpetual-use "individual-machine licenses" (where the customer still has "physical" control of the software that they purchase).
I dont think most people would voluntarily move directly to such "models". So, this move, kills two birds with one stone...
First... it eliminates a lot of the "older" PCs that people stubbornly refuse to "upgrade" to a more "modern OS" (I.E. a Microsoft-controllable OS which, for example, would allow Microsoft to "de-activate" the PC, or otherwise render it useless, at Microsofts discretion). This "approach" would also allow Microsoft to change, or simply eliminate, any previous "functionality" that Microsoft finds inconvenient (or later decides to start charging extra for).
And, second... this will slowly condition consumers to the idea of perpetual-payment, for PC-use, ...Microsofts "holy-grail" of "software as a service".
All in all, in my opinion, this should be a pretty SCARY development for ALL consumers, and especially, anyone in the PC Industry...
This, small, first-step will also allow Microsoft to move toward more restrictive (and costly) "licensing models", such as Microsofts indicated plan to move to a, perpetual-payment, "Individual-User Licensing" scheme, instead of the current, purchase-once, perpetual-use "individual-machine licenses" (where the customer still has "physical" control of the software that they purchase).
I dont think most people would voluntarily move directly to such "models". So, this move, kills two birds with one stone...
First... it eliminates a lot of the "older" PCs that people stubbornly refuse to "upgrade" to a more "modern OS" (I.E. a Microsoft-controllable OS which, for example, would allow Microsoft to "de-activate" the PC, or otherwise render it useless, at Microsofts discretion). This "approach" would also allow Microsoft to change, or simply eliminate, any previous "functionality" that Microsoft finds inconvenient (or later decides to start charging extra for).
And, second... this will slowly condition consumers to the idea of perpetual-payment, for PC-use, ...Microsofts "holy-grail" of "software as a service".
All in all, in my opinion, this should be a pretty SCARY development for ALL consumers, and especially, anyone in the PC Industry...
Windows 98 is very old and archaic. It was fine during its day but its now obsolete. Microsoft has been more than reasonable and far too patient by supporting it this long already. The fact that they are introducing an operating system designed to work with older hardware further shows their commitment to be patient with people.
In the electronics industry computer become outdated within a few years and lets face it windows 98 has been around for alot longer. It is only reasonable to expect themn to let windows 98 die. (Would you expect any auto makers or any other industry to support their products as long as Microsoft has)???
So, the example of "Auto makers" is completely flawed from the outset.
Furthermore, Microsoft DOES have a reasonable-responsibility to FIX, the DEFECTIVE-PRODUCTS that they sold to consumers. Microsoft, in their "support", is NOT providing "new" features or "help" in using the product. They are primarily "patching", and otherwise STILL REPAIRING, FLAWS that are still present (in an, apparently, rather large consumer-base) since the original-purchase of the Microsoft-product.
Also, I am NOT just talking about Microsoft deciding when Microsoft should be allowed to "end support" for previous products. I am pointing out that consumers should not be PRESSURED into buying new-products, and services, because a company has simply decided it wants more revenue, which is the CRUX of this matter.
So, Microsoft is NOT "...being reasonable". They are doing, as they have always done, attempting to mis-use their power to further their OWN ENDS, ...to the, in my opinion, SERIOUS DISADVANTAGE of CONSUMERS.
Finally, in response to the seemingly-perpetual RED-HERRING ARGUMENT that "Windows 98 is obsolete"... true or not... NOT you, NOT I, NOR Microsoft, has any right what-so-ever, to tell ANYONE ELSE when they just HAVE to stop using THEIR OWN PROPERTY. ...And, that includes such flagrant attempts at COERCION.
Windows 98 is very old and archaic. It was fine during its day but its now obsolete. Microsoft has been more than reasonable and far too patient by supporting it this long already. The fact that they are introducing an operating system designed to work with older hardware further shows their commitment to be patient with people.
In the electronics industry computer become outdated within a few years and lets face it windows 98 has been around for alot longer. It is only reasonable to expect themn to let windows 98 die. (Would you expect any auto makers or any other industry to support their products as long as Microsoft has)???
So, the example of "Auto makers" is completely flawed from the outset.
Furthermore, Microsoft DOES have a reasonable-responsibility to FIX, the DEFECTIVE-PRODUCTS that they sold to consumers. Microsoft, in their "support", is NOT providing "new" features or "help" in using the product. They are primarily "patching", and otherwise STILL REPAIRING, FLAWS that are still present (in an, apparently, rather large consumer-base) since the original-purchase of the Microsoft-product.
Also, I am NOT just talking about Microsoft deciding when Microsoft should be allowed to "end support" for previous products. I am pointing out that consumers should not be PRESSURED into buying new-products, and services, because a company has simply decided it wants more revenue, which is the CRUX of this matter.
So, Microsoft is NOT "...being reasonable". They are doing, as they have always done, attempting to mis-use their power to further their OWN ENDS, ...to the, in my opinion, SERIOUS DISADVANTAGE of CONSUMERS.
Finally, in response to the seemingly-perpetual RED-HERRING ARGUMENT that "Windows 98 is obsolete"... true or not... NOT you, NOT I, NOR Microsoft, has any right what-so-ever, to tell ANYONE ELSE when they just HAVE to stop using THEIR OWN PROPERTY. ...And, that includes such flagrant attempts at COERCION.