Windows 7 for free?
Rumors are floating around that Microsoft is planning to offer a Windows 7 upgrade to Vista owners, for free. The Malaysian web site TechArp just reported that Microsoft has a draft of their Windows 7 Technical Guarantee Program, which includes details on what they're calling the "Windows 7 Upgrade Program."
Details are sketchy as of this point, but strategically, it is designed to mitigate the number of users who are putting off buying a new computer, because they would rather go directly to Windows 7 from XP, rather than deal with Vista.
According to the site, the program is targeted at consumers and small business users that bought new PCs that were pre-installed with Vista during a predetermined period of eligibility. Vista Home Basic isn't included in the program however; only Vista Home Premium, Vista Business, and Vista Ultimate. larger enterprises with multiple upgrade requirements aren't eligible.
The upgrade plan is nothing more than a rumor at this point, although TechArp does claim to have seen a copy of a letter Microsoft sent out to its OEM partners. TechArp does have a good reputation on getting the scoop on Microsoft strategies.
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Vista antagonism.
...all of this continual Vista sniping is getting very old and tiresome. Is there such a dearth of IT news for this raggedy subject to continue to be beaten into the ground for these past few years?... Get a life, you critics, they're other products out there just waiting for your dollars. "Evil" Ogre Microsoft isn't forcing you to continue using an OS you don't like.
...signed,
< World renowned IT expert in all aspects of all computers everywhere...>
Smart Move
That is a really good idea. Although I don't think it will happen, it would really help restore faith in Microsoft. I have had beta-7 on a test machine since downloading it off a torrent a few weeks ago. I'm impressed, especially running on a two year old laptop that originally came with Vista.AntiGustsOfBloware
OPEC isn't forcing me to get decayed million year old goo all over my hands when I change the oil either.