Buy MS

[yorkie]

Hi
People are always complaining about the cost of Microsoft Operating systems, but does anybody actually pay for it. Most people get Windows with a new PC/laptop so no need to buy.
Anyone bought full version of any Microsoft O/S, or is it only upgrade versions that are bought.

[Lord Illidan]

What if you're building a computer from parts?

[yorkie]

If building a PC then you could buy QEM version more or less discounted full version and before anyone says what about education theres a version for that as well back to original question does anyone pay for Microsoft OS?.

[Depressed Man]

I think the last copy my family bought was back then for a upgrade from 95 to XP (which didn't work since the PC was so old). So they wound up buying an HP PC with XP already preinstalled.

My laptop has Vista (but it's preinstalled). But you do pay for it (granted it isn't as much as actually going out and buying it). And if I ever use XP on my self-built desktop I just use a cracked copy when necessary.

[PilotJLR]

When you buy a computer with a Microsoft OS pre-installed, then you are *actually* paying for it.

It's bundled into the price, therefore the hardware itself would be less expensive with no OS. So, yes, you do pay for it.

[ericartman]

Isn't this like saying you don't pay for the engine in your car? I mean they all have one, but its in the cost. BTW the last OS I bought, well sorta, was XP as an upgrade (IMO) from Vista. I just got tired of all the hassles. But this was the reason for my start in Ubuntu, so thanks Bill, and yes I returned the copy of XP.

Cart

[digital_exhaust]

I got Vista for free after participating in the beta program.. I have bought several Dell machines for my business that came with XP pro installed..... but I don't recall ever actually buying an OS... well I did buy an XP upgrade for my neighbor after convincing him that ME was... well ME...

He actually liked ME.... thought it was "better" than 98se:???:

[Depressed Man]

*shrugs* my girlfriend has ME on her computer still. I haven't had the time to go cross country and throw Ubuntu on it. (it crashes alot on her..quite annoying when we're talking on MSN).

[Midwest-Linux]

I did buy Windows NT 4.0, I spent around $10 for it. Its a POS, I cannot get on the internet with the LAN..it looks like Windows 95..and has "ORDINAL 77" issues.

All other Windows came with the computers either bought new or used....

[rsambuca]

Hi
People are always complaining about the cost of Microsoft Operating systems, but does anybody actually pay for it. Most people get Windows with a new PC/laptop so no need to buy.
Anyone bought full version of any Microsoft O/S, or is it only upgrade versions that are bought.


I hate to break it to you, but you ARE paying for it. Each OEM has a price which they pay to MS for the Windows software, and it is passed on to the consumer.

[cogadh]

I bought an XP SP2 disk (full install, not upgrade) after a PC I bought with XP pre-installed did not include an actual XP CD. It had an image disk (PowerQuest Deploy Center) that only worked if I didn't upgrade any of the hardware on the system. It also had a habit of taking over the entire hard drive when the image was applied, regardless of how I originally partitioned the drive.

Since the image disk was too much of a hassle to use and didn't allow for things like a Windows repair installation, I bought the XP disk and used it whenever a Windows re-install or repair was needed. I also was able to use the license that came with that disk to install XP on a second machine.

However, I did not pay full price for it, since my former employer had a contract with MS that included their "Employee Purchase Program". Huge discount on anything MS, including hardware and games. It was pretty much the one good thing about MS's business practices.

[toupeiro]

Whether you buy it, you're bundled with it, or its given to you, Most people are paying for it one way or the other. (http://www.linfo.org/microsoft_tax.html)

[hoodlum]

u never really own windows, even when u pay for it. Think of it as leasing it. And its usually loaded with demo ware.

[vishzilla]

I had to buy Win XP when i built my own system years back, back when i didnt have any idea of Linux. :(

[the.dark.lord]

The only time I paid for Windows was when I got a computer pre-loaded with Windows ME.

[karellen]

Hi
People are always complaining about the cost of Microsoft Operating systems, but does anybody actually pay for it. Most people get Windows with a new PC/laptop so no need to buy.
Anyone bought full version of any Microsoft O/S, or is it only upgrade versions that are bought.



have you ever considered the fact that the cost of windows is "hidden" in the cost of the new pc? if not, you're very naive...

[dca]

Subsidies... Same exact concept when you purchase cell phones in the US...