Download Vista! What have you got to lose? ":O}

[Daniel ~]

Written by Daniel
Thursday, 18 January 2007
Microsoft Plans Downloadable Versions of Windows Vista, Office

Microsoft plans for the first time to make its new Windows Vista operating system and Office 2007 productivity suite available for downloading by PC users over the Internet.

By Aaron Ricadela
InformationWeek

Jan 18, 2007 09:30 AM

Downloadable software has become a standard way for PC users to get Web browsers, anti-spyware apps, file-sharing software and more. But so far, two of the most widely used products in the PC world -- Microsoft's Windows and Office -- have eluded electronic distribution. That's about to change.....

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[Favu]

But so far, two of the most widely used products in the PC world -- Microsoft's Windows and Office -- have eluded electronic distribution.

Anyone else spot the irony there?

[Got EpOx]

I'm not saying anything!

[danrok]

My last two software application purchases were downloads.

Downloaded trial version first, and then bought a licence when I was happy I wanted them.

Have also bought the odd $10 software tool, recently.

[Got EpOx]

Might pre-order a copy of Windows Vista on DVD, i like having a hard copy.

[danrok]

I am reading that Bill's plan is to have all versions of Vista loaded on OEM boxes.

So, if you buy a Dell with Vista Home. All you need do to upgrade, is pay MS more money, enter your new key and the extra features are unlocked on your PC. No need to buy a disk or download files.

[Got EpOx]

I am reading that Bill's plan is to have all versions of Vista loaded on OEM boxes.

So, if you buy a Dell with Vista Home. All you need do to upgrade, is pay MS more money, enter your new key and the extra features are unlocked on your PC. No need to buy a disk or download files.

Sounds sneaky, got a copy of Vista RC2 sitting here ready to be installed..just got to get round to it. Leaving XP is hard

[Favu]

Originally Posted by danrok

I am reading that Bill's plan is to have all versions of Vista loaded on OEM boxes.

So, if you buy a Dell with Vista Home. All you need do to upgrade, is pay MS more money, enter your new key and the extra features are unlocked on your PC. No need to buy a disk or download files.

If that is the case, how long do you think it would take for the system to be cracked?

[danrok]

Originally Posted by Favu

If that is the case, how long do you think it would take for the system to be cracked?

The vast majority of Dell owners won't be inclined to crack it or know how, even with instructions.

I'd guess that if a cracked copy goes online, it will talk to MS's servers, they will have no record of that licence and potentially MS will be able to render that installation useless.

They could put a requirement in place which requires certain types of Windows installations to be reactivated online or by phone periodically.

I'm sure they will have some measures in place.

[keithwalton]

Vista checks its license code alot, mainly every time windows / auto update works. You have to check with an ms server at least every 180 days as part of the activation process. It is a clever system where you can just pay the bit more to get your license upgraded.

When installing it for the first time you can even do a 30 day trial of which ever instalation you want as you can install the os without a cd key!

Alas this downloadable idea is good, that the way i've been getting the RC's and would be happy to download the final version. Alas its going to be america only!