Faced with the prospect of yet another financial gouging and the re-installation of yet another largely untested O/S on a timescale entirely irrelevant and inconvenient to the end user, European computer users wake up to world of free software.
We'd love the US to follow suit, said one financial commentator, but unfortunately our lot are too busy dribbling to the huge over-hype yet again as they seem unable to notice the pattern. They seem to have a natural appetite for consuming press releases.
Microsoft calls time on Windows 7 discount in Europe
Summary
Microsoft said it plans to end an offer that allowed those buying Windows 7 in Europe to get the full version of the operating system for the price normally charged for the upgrade version.
Topics
Microsoft said Monday that it plans in a week to end an offer that allowed those buying Windows 7 in Europe to get the full version of the operating system for the price normally charged for the upgrade version.
Those who want to pre-order the full version for the upgrade price have until Aug. 31 to do so, Microsoft said in a blog posting. After Sept. 1, users will be able to order an upgrade version or pay a higher price for the full version, which does not require an earlier version of Windows be installed.
The discounted full version dates back to Microsoft's original plan to deliver Windows 7 in Europe in a special "E" version without a browser. At that time, Microsoft said it would not do an upgrade version, but would instead offer the full version of Windows 7 at upgrade pricing.
However, amid widespread criticism and indications the browserless options wouldn't fly with European regulators, Microsoft said last month it would scrap that plan and instead allow users in Europe to choose which browsers they want from a ballot screen.
Microsoft said it is still working out the details on that front. "I hope to continue to keep people updated on our ballot screen proposal as we have more to share," Microsoft blogger Brandon LeBlanc said in Monday's posting.
In addition, the software maker said it will extend, for a time, a family pack option for Windows 7 to eight European countries-- the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Microsoft already announced plans to offer the family pack in the United States and Canada.
This article was originally posted on CNET News.
Talkback Most Recent of 6 Talkback(s)
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fr0thy224th Aug 2009 -
re: Europe calls time on Microsoft gouging
It's an upgrade, not a requirement. Europeans could upgrade to any flavor of Linux they like for free, or throw out the PC and buy a Mac and upgrade every year for $120. I guess all Europeans look to their respective government for decisions because they can't seem to make one for themselves.
relwolf24th Aug 2009 -
Nice try ...
"I guess all Europeans look to their respective government for decisions because they can't seem to make one for themselves."
You're confusing North America with Europe and TV with Government. lol.
The interesting part is how well prepared places are for big time FOSS. Or should I say, unprepared?
fr0thy224th Aug 2009 -
Upgrade to a free Linux crap? You're kidding right?
Nobody in his right mind would even consider that? I don't think Europeans are that stupid...
transposeIT24th Aug 2009 -
Nice try too ...
Nobody that needs a big brand name to tell them what to think would consider it, until the rush to the next currently fashionable thing is FOSS adoption.
You in particular, transposeIT, wouldn't know, because you're far too busy and important reading those MS press releases and white papers.
Talking of white papers, and currency (no not that currency, I mean relevance and recentness), do you know why computer books are going more online over shipped form?
In terms of trade and the global economy and the ever increasing role of technology in them, the world isn't stupid enough to put all of its eggs in one basket.fr0thy224th Aug 2009 -
RE: Microsoft calls time on Windows 7 discount in Europe
Lol, Microsoft has the right to do whatever the hell they want with their Operating System. No one is forcing you to buy it. This whole regulation **** is a load of B.S. I can understand if it was the only option, but like that other guy said. There is always Linux or OS X.
Hiveon25th Aug 2009
Talkback - Tell Us What You Think
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