Windows 7 preorder a hit--on Amazon
Amazon has been taking quite a number of early orders for Windows 7. The $49 preorder version of Windows 7 Home Premium is now the top seller not just among software products, but among all electronics items at the online retailer.
(Credit: CNET)Microsoft's program for preordering Windows 7 at a discount is proving quite popular, at least at Amazon.com.
The program, which kicked off on Friday, allows people to order an upgrade version of Windows 7 Home Premium for $49, more than half off its $119 suggested price, or Windows 7 Professional for $99, half of its suggested price.
Both options run only until July 11 and are also limited in terms of the number of copies Microsoft will sell at those prices, though the software maker won't clarify what the limits are. (Users will get their copy of the operating system after it is made broadly available on October 22.)
The two offers have proven exceptionally popular on Amazon. The Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade package vaulted to No. 1, not just in Amazon's software store, but among all electronics products on the site. Meanwhile, the Windows 7 Professional upgrade was No. 2 among software products. Amazon also has a lot of Windows 7 info on its site, as well as a paid delivery option that guarantees that the product will arrive on October 22.
I'm checking into how the preorder program is doing at other stores. It is also being offered at the brick-and-mortar and/or online outlets Best Buy, Costco, Newegg, Office Depot, Office Max, Sam's Club, Staples, Tiger Direct, Wal-Mart, as well as at a few regional spots, such as Fry's Electronics and Nebraska Furniture Mart.
Best Buy, for its part, said preorders of Windows 7 immediately took off on Friday--faster than with previous preorder programs. Overall, though, it said sales are in line with its projections.
Microsoft is also running similar programs in a few other countries. Reports from Engadget and elsewhere suggest that the program is already sold out in Japan. A Microsoft representative was not immediately able to confirm this.
Also kicking off this past weekend was a separate program in which those who buy certain PCs with Windows Vista can get a free (or nearly free) copy of Windows 7, once the new operating system is available.
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina. 
As bad as the UAC is in Vista, it is broken in 7. Any application that gets approval once, and has an exploit is an easy target for privilege escalation and anything that uses that applications exploit. That means viruses, trojans and rootkits will soon find their way on your machine.
Enjoy!
Linux is already easier to use than windows. Straight out of the box, no extra configuration, no other software installs and no third party security applications to install and babysit.
Windows is by far the most user-unfriendly OS today.
don't make yourself look that foolish next time. it's obvious you know nothing about win7. the UAC is not "allow once and forget it", it will prompt you next time the app needs admin rights. and my guess is that 89% of apps don't need admin rights.
Huh?
On Pluto perhaps, or in Linux dreamalnd. On this planet, and in real life, Windows totally destroys Linux in ease of use.
Better get off whatever you've been smoking buddy.
So you allege that Windows 7 does not need drivers... for anything? Does it also come with a built-in PDF reader? How about a means for the user to pick software apps that he or she wants and install it automatically, without having to run "setup.exe" or similar?
The list is long, but rather embarrassing if you're a Windows fan...
http://www.istartedsomething.com/20090204/second-windows-7-uac-flaw-malware-self-elevate/
thx in advance.
I'll see how that goes.
Well you can pre-order from the Microsoft web site for that same $50, as an electrnic download if for example you live in Europe, and download it straight to your computer when it's released, and save yourself paying a higher price for the no-IE, higher priced EU version.
Even if you live here in the US, why not simply download it from Microsoft? Who needs the boxed product anyways?
http://www.truecrypt.org/
It runs under Windows XP and Vista, possibly Windows 7.
The never ending treadmill of mediocrity.
The statistics don't lie. Deal with it.
By the way, I hear the grapes were probably sour, Mister Fox.
Windows 7 may be "What Vista should have been" -- not that I had any problems with Vista -- but it's going to be a hit no doubt.
BTW, number of iPhone users is catching up to number of Linux users (all distros combined). I am sure Mr Stallman is disappointed
In order to avoid being called a troll, would you care to back up your claims with solid background evidence? I would be interested to find out about these claims that I haven't seen or heard anything about before.
UAC is not broken. It was reduced by whiners and complaints by people such as you. You asked for it, you got it. Take your complaints to the mirror.
Linux is the easiest OS to use? Are you actually believing that? What sort of self delusional state are you living in, I wonder? I have an installation of Ubuntu. I plugged in my Canon LIDE20 USB scanner. It wasn't detected and I had to go try to find drivers for it- Canon didn't support Linux so I had to find alternate resources. It took nearly three hours of searching online to find a solution.
The same scanner is natively detected in Win7 and required no effort on my part.
Which is the more 'friendly' experience? One where it takes 3 hours of personal research to find a solution or the one where you just plug it in and start using it?
Perhaps you enjoy digging through MAN pages and geek sites hoping that someone wrote a driver for your particular OS because the OEM doesn't support it. I prefer to actually just use the device instead.
Your mileage may vary.
I ran into the same issue with Fedora 11 as well, in addition to trying the Ubuntu Karmic Koala alpha 2 build which supposedly contains updated Intel GMA driver fixes. Perhaps onto openSUSE next since at least its live CD boots on my system. In any case, Ubuntu does NOT "just work" for me.
Windows on the other hand? I've never had an issue with XP (and installing 3rd party security software + Windows updates takes less time than I've spent trying to fix Ubuntu). This past weekend I went ahead and installed the Windows 7 RC and so far it works flawlessly. Not a single hardware issue.
I think it's so funny how so many people have an "us vs. them" mentality. Like if you're a Linux fan, you automatically have to hate MSFT. At least give credit where credit is due.
Until Vista, I nver had a problem wth Windows. Linux doesn't come with support. When I tried Vista support MS quit trying to solve the probem. Apparently rather than take some pride in backing up their OS they are trained to just quit after it's looking like a real problem and not something a reboot and re-install can fix.
I can get nowhere on my own just fine, but paying for the privildge? You would think all the other times I've never needed support might at least get me a little effort this time. Nope.
http://www.istartedsomething.com/20090204/second-windows-7-uac-flaw-malware-self-elevate/
err, would you like some ketchup to go with that, Dan?
I want to say you're an idiot, but I'm not going to say that. however, I hope you actually read the article that you posted and not just the headline. I guess you didn't read this part: "it may already fixed in current internal builds"....the article also pointed out that seting the level to "high" in the beta wil deal with that problem. so that tells me that if anything is wrong is the default level that the beta was shipped with.
Also, that was posted when the beta1 was out, there has been many unoffical builds after that, and also we're in the RC release now.....I guess beta software shouldn't have any errors, right? and in that case they should be perfect for RTM right? because there's no need to test what works and what doesn't right?
Let's post the correct one: http://windowssecrets.com/2009/02/05/05-Microsoft-claims-Windows-7-UAC-flaw-is-by-design
Microsoft has since said that the whole thing is "by design" (Microsoft's term). In fact, here's how it's cracked (exerpt):
=============
Here's the surprising part: Long and Rafael wrote a very simple VBScript that you can copy and run for yourself. The script changes the UAC level in Windows 7 from 2 to 4. The four lines of the cracker program that change the UAC level are these:
WshShell.SendKeys("{TAB}")
WshShell.SendKeys("{DOWN}")
WshShell.SendKeys("{DOWN}")
WshShell.SendKeys("{DOWN}")
This is the simplest security-busting program I've ever seen.
======================
-ref: http://www.withinwindows.com/files/uac/poc.vbs.txt
...and that's it. Your precious UAC is now off if the malware writer can get you to run that script. 2nd to latest RC build shows that it still works just fine.
Oh, and next time, maybe you should mature a little, eh? ;)
Was there anything else or are done here?
just please watch out for those virus, and bot ridden torrents of the software. no need to be a part of the problem.....I would say before you pirate makesure you do a checksum on it to make sure it's a legit copy.
Please stop wasting our bandwidth. If you continue I will have to send you a invoice with how much you owe me.
lol, you can send the invoice. I don't think I will get though
Lennie
Please stop wasting our bandwidth. If you continue I will have to send you a invoice with how much you owe me."
@monkeyfun14---How is he wasting bandwidth. Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that some cheap idiots are going to frequent the torrent sites, many of which can be riddled with problem software. Your comment could hold true for you as well, seeing as how whenever there is a positive Apple article, you have a tendency to "waste bandwidth". Oh and BTW, I use both Windows and MacOS, so I don't want to hear the "here comes another Apple fanboy coming to bash Windows". That argument is tired and pointless. I actually kind of look forward to upgrading to Win7 so that I can ditch Vista (which hasn't really been that bad in my experience). I will wait at least six months before upgrading though (let the bugs get worked out first).
And I'm sure they will charge you again for the next Service pack.
And I'm sure they will charge you again for the next Service pack."
Snow Leopard IS NOT a service pack, calling it that will not change that FACT.
Check your history.
Vista Flops, 7 is announced as the cure. They are charging for 7. Same as apple is charging for Snow Leopard.
Only after 7 is annouced do they offer op SP1 and SP2 to try and fix Vista. Meanwhile Apple fixed Leopard with some patches.
If anything 7 is Snow Vista.
As for me, I'll have to spend $99 (profession edition), and only if I can get my preorder in (afterwards it will be more). The good news is I don't have to upgrade to vista to get that price since the upgrade will work with XP Pro.
Oh yes it is..but I am sure Apple will sucker the mindless Applebots to pay for the service pack yet again. Sigh.
@ Perry_Clease:"Snow Leopard IS NOT a service pack"
Oh yes it is..but I am sure Apple will sucker the mindless Applebots to pay for the service pack yet again. Sigh."
You are wrong again kid
"by Kwasiowusu June 29, 2009 2:50 PM PDT
@ Perry_Clease:"Snow Leopard IS NOT a service pack"
Oh yes it is..but I am sure Apple will sucker the mindless Applebots to pay for the service pack yet again. Sigh."
You are wrong again kid"
@Perry_Clease--YOU are wrong kid. I think they both toe the Service Pack/Upgrade line and their upgrade prices reflect that. Get a grip people and just upgrade your computers when the time comes and hopefully enjoy your future computing experience.
Do you have any clue what it does? Or that what it does is needed (but done differently) on ever OS?
Thought not.
And 7 isn't Vista SP2. You once again obviously haven't used anything your talking about.
Also, a 'HUGE preorder' for a service pack is called a massive rip-off. I guess a fool and their money are soon parted.
Registry Boat. Services Boat, Start Up Bloat. All things that slow down Windows. The registry may provide some useful things, but it's also part of the bloat that happens with windows when you insall apps.
Because jamming all possible system environment settings into a couple of hidden files is a sure guarantee that something will break much faster, taking the whole OS down with it.
Now let's slather on the fact that world+dog can write to it, and/or overwrite existing settings - with the user never knowing what those settings are (see also pretty much anything in Windows Explorer labeled "setup.exe")
This of course leads to the fact that malware, once in the registry, can make itself far harder to find, let alone remove (usually if a bit of malware starts running rampant in the registry, you're better off time-wise to simply recover what you think you safely can, eat the data losses for those things you cannot, and re-install Windows).
By the by, I have my distate for .plist files on OSX as well, but at least I can delete those with impunity and not make the OS implode while doing it. Without a backup of your registry, you're boned if it goes away or gets broken (and trust me - that little "last known good configuration" deal isn't too awful much of a guarantee, either - by the time something breaks, odds are very good that your alt registry is also broken).
Stop with the fud man...
"Because jamming all possible system environment settings into a couple of hidden files is a sure guarantee that something will break much faster, taking the whole OS down with it."
>> Why??? All settings in one place vs. All settings in random files all over the place. Why is one easier to break than the other? Answer -- it *isn't*.
"Now let's slather on the fact that world+dog can write to it, and/or overwrite existing settings"
>> Wrong!
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms724878(VS.85).aspx
(or to put it more simply - ever noticed that UAC prompt you get when you run regedit?)
At this point, the rest of your post gets nullified since it's based on an incorrect premise.
Peace...
@ ckurowic , This coming from a bunch of mindless Apple fanatics, who cntinue to pay for Mac service packs(Snow Loepard anyone?) every couple of years or even less, even while Windows users get their service packs for free, is laughable. Steve Jobs has got your clowns suckered but good."
Once again kid, Leopard updates were free.
@happy switcher. Wow. Another lame windows insult. I'm so impressed... not.
http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=4800
Not cheap, but still $100 less than full price.
And there's people out there saying Linux is limited in functionality? Are you kidding me? That is hilarious!
It's like David M Williams at itwire.com says about the name Windows Starter Edition, "Is Microsoft saying that people who buy netbooks are new to computing?" LOL - now that's funny.
No Thanks. I'll stick with my GNU/Linux, and the FREEDOM to use an operating system how I want.. like being able to attach a second monitor and change my desktop wallpaper for instance.
Really, FREE YOURSELF, Use GNU/LINUX! | linux.com | getgnulinux.org | ubuntuguide.org | whylinuxisbetter.net | openoffice.org | humans-enabled.com
Show me any netbook user who attaches 2 monitors to his netbook, then we can talk. That Starter Edition you are prattling on about is for netbooks, get it?
I know its a matter of great pain to you that consumers ignore your precious Linux and buy Windows instead, but don't let it show too much, ok?
Just because you have a netbook, doesn't mean that you won't want to connect it to an external monitor when you're not traveling. That's why the Dell netbooks have a VGA connector - so people can plugin their external monitor when they're at their desk.
Want a real netbook with NO silly limitations? Then get a Dell netbook with Ubuntu - it even has a VGA connector that you're allowed to use for FREE! Click here to go to Dell's website, click Continue on a netbook, then click "Customize with Ubuntu": http://www.dell.com/home/netbooks
Stop the FUD please. The limitation is clear: "no multiple monitors". You can use the internal monitor OR you can use an external monitor (such as on a dock).
http://blog.taragana.com/index.php/archive/8-things-you-will-miss-in-windows-7-starter-edition/
http://www.peppertop.com/blog/?p=286
http://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/vista-enterprise-desktop/no-more-3-app-limit-on-windows-7-starter-edition/
And those links are few of many.
If you have documentation that says that this restriction does not exist, by all means, please provide it.
well, it's personal preference. If you want dual display setup or just want to be obnoxious, you can get Ubuntu.
On the other hand, if you want to let's say sync your iPhone or Blackberry or Windows Mobile phone, or connect a printer or use MajicJack or edit videos or if you live in real world and have real work to do, you can get Windows. It's totally up to you
So they still have work to do, but can't beat it, and it's free and rock solid.
If you guys want to understand Linux, read this:
http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/linux/library/l-linux-kernel/
And it will deserve those sales too, given that Win 7 RC1 is the best desptop OS I ever ever used, in every way, by some distance. And the thing is still even in beta. Amazing!
Excellent work by Microsoft.
OH oh I smell troll droppings....LOL! yeah and I can guarantee you we will be seeing a Windows 7 Version of this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxJoHWeiHXc pretty soon. Dude give it up, more and more folks are being open minded about their choice of OS Windows 7 has some cool features but people want security and know that it wont become part of a botnet. You seem to be the only one whom has missed articles stating that Apple market share has risen over the Vista time line and Linux's too, don't take my word for it Steve Ballmer said it not me. He in fact puts Linux before the MAC as a tougher competitor so why the FUD, you can't compete against free.
Do you think MS is doing this(the discounts) because they want to give customers a break(don't give 3 s#its about us the consumers), no; Is because Ubuntu/Linux is hot on their heels buddy; Jesus I saw a 50yr old non English speaking man running/using Ubuntu which left me speechless because like you I thought that this was only for power users not regular(browse the web/check email) folks. That was not the only case many more are switching over, regardless of what FUD you come up with next you can't win.
The only way to maintain the monopoly is to keep doing unethical business practices such as what has happened to the Netbook Market, The Novell MS deal , The Asus, Acer, MSI deals(see ZDnet and http://www.groklaw.net/article.php?story=20090619161307529&query=Netbook) and the whole OOXML/ODF saga which was a clear wide open corruption scandal. Again never take my word for it, just google it and you will get many articles from credible sources. But good luck buddy the Monopoly will soon be at an end.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgfc1JfdDbY
With what I've seen of Windows 7, you're getting awfully close my man!
You can't even do something like that in windows, re-compiling kernels ? ha!
Linux is flexible, I can make the kernel as big or as small as I need.
You are missing the point. The point is that Linux is more flexible. It is a more sophisticated OS that allows you to freedom to do anything you want to it. And for the record, a quick google search for 'compile linux kernel' displays a ton of links to easy tutorials on how to do this. Come to think of it, type anything into google with a linux/ubuntu tags and MOST of the time their is a really good guide on how to do this. Then try something similar with a windows tag... not nearly as comprehensive eh?
No you are missing the point..
Over 99% of the public couldn't give two hoots about recompiling the kernel of any operating system. Heck, most of the public don't even know, or couldn't care what a kernel is, and thats the way it should be. A computer is but a tool, to be used to do real work, not some kind of toy to be taken apart and recompiled at will just for the fun of it. It's no surprise Linux continues tro fail amongst consumers in the market with dumb thinking like that.
- by dbloyd June 29, 2009 3:41 PM PDT
- As far as easy of use. This is the order:
- Reply to this comment
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- by Seaspray0 June 29, 2009 8:11 PM PDT
- That's your opinion, not mine. Don't confuse opinions with facts.
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