Windows Vista Ultimate for $200
Have you been jonesing for the top-tier version of Microsoft's new operating system, Windows Vista Ultimate, but not willing to part with $400 of your hard-earned cash? Does spending half that amount make taking the plunge more palatable? If you can do without the fancy packaging and user manuals, consider instead Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit for System Builders, selling for $200 at Amazon.com, Newegg.com, and other e-tailors. The license agreement for this particular version states it is meant specifically for "system builders." Paragraph one of the license agreement provides several definitions of who a system builder is, including, "an installer of software on computer systems." I'm not an attorney, but wouldn't the very act of installing the operating system meet that criteria? Heck, installing just Acrobat Reader or Firefox might meet that criteria! Now you have no excuse...other than the fact that $200 is still a lot to pay for an operating system.
What you forego, is tech support and the ability to install the version more than once. Windows makes an "Inventory" of what peripherals and devices your computer has, and then uses that to create a unique value. I believe this value with your license key is then used to register your machine back to Microsoft. Obviously if you make enough changes, then the variance would be great enough to cause a value created from a new install to not resemble the original value that was registered...
For some, the lack of technical support is a worthwhile caveat. Others may want the relief (frustration?) that Microsoft tech support allows them.
The reason that the license agreement says "for system builders only" is that the system builder is now responsible for all tech support on the installed system (like Dell would be).
I do believe you can purchase the Microsoft Live "One Care" program if you did choose that you wanted it later...
Not everyone feels like using so-called "free" software that has no support in the real world.
Useful indicates it will somehow aid you in your work. Useful goes to *nix by far.
It's what the majority use to host email systems quickly and efficently. Email is
useful. Translucent windows? Not so much.
With normal software upgrades I actually feel like I get something ? new tools,
faster performance, better interface. With this version of Windows it just feels
like the next thing.
Office 2007 Ultimate $50
(for students and faculty)
even super pirates will start getting genuine :)
- only for that? Microsoft PC's compleet
- by anton.vanwamelen March 7, 2007 7:28 AM PST
- If and if, a complete package was offred like for the MAC (Apple), then the prices could named fair...
- Like this Reply to this comment
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(11 Comments)we mean: the OS (vista), complete Office (2007), so that people could work with it and ran an office right-a-way.
maybe it's time for Microsoft to sell PC's under their own brand complete with software like Apple does.