Windows 8 Server 2012 Windows Phone Halo 4

[underminer]

This is going to be a busy couple of months for Microsoft.  How do you think they will fare?  I think all these release dates are so close together there is going to be a major bottleneck in support, especially for their brand new products.  I personally think Halo 4 is going to be the only release that goes off "without a hitch."

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[MysteryMiner]

No one in his right mind will be going to use Windows8. Server 2012 is for businesses and they usually not deploy to production systems unless they are well tested. Windows Phone and game Halo 4 = too small user base. Only thing that is going to be big for Microsoft is profit.

[juggalodarkclow]

Windows 8 = won't make any impact
Server 2012 = nobody will care for another year or two at best
Windows Phone = too little too late
Halo 4 = $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[underminer]

Windows 8 is going to be cheap though!  Retail copies as low as $70 possibly.  I know lots of consumers/customers (not power users granted) who are going to buy at least 1 right out of the gate.

[juggalodarkclow]

I think most Windows users will be put off by the whole Metro interface. I know you can turn it off but then you're basically left with Windows 7. I have no intentions on paying $70, or even $1, to get an OS that I have to turn off all the "new & improved" features because they serve no purpose on a laptop/desktop.

[MysteryMiner]

Usually 10% of users makes 90% of support requests.

[underminer]

I myself am always in a situation where I could use more windows licences, just because I want to run software for windows.  I use linux quite a bit but for example: games and netflix are windows-only right now.  I don't need windows for a whole lot but for my entertainment I *always* like to keep some sort of media pc connected to my tv's... 

[juggalodarkclow]

I have a windows activator that I use every time I install win7 on a pc. PM me if interested

[moni3z]

Windows 8 is $70 for the 'basic' version, and $140 for anything with media enabled. Backdoors, copyright policing and data mining all come free with all versions.

[moni3z]

I myself am always in a situation where I could use more windows licences, just because I want to run software for windows.  I use linux quite a bit but for example: games and netflix are windows-only right now.  I don't need windows for a whole lot but for my entertainment I *always* like to keep some sort of media pc connected to my tv's... 

XP Black edition
http://www.zone54.com/file-repository/viewdownload/17/97

Run it in a VM on debian for netflix or scrap netflix and just stream off tv-links/watchseries and other link sites

[kokojie]

No one in his right mind will be going to use Windows8. Server 2012 is for businesses and they usually not deploy to production systems unless they are well tested. Windows Phone and game Halo 4 = too small user base. Only thing that is going to be big for Microsoft is profit.

Actually Windows8 will be pretty big in business adoption, because XP support is going to end in 2013, all businesses running XP will be forced to upgrade before 2014, 40% of business are still running XP right now, this will be huge. Though I agree consumer adoption of win8 will be very slow.

[underminer]

I'm ashamed to say I'm impressed with the win8 preview.  It runs catalyst, guiminer, its quick on old machines.  Its been nothing but good to me so far.

[MysteryMiner]

Windows 8 is $70 for the 'basic' version, and $140 for anything with media enabled. Backdoors, copyright policing and data mining all come free with all versions.

There is not known case when intentional backdoor was included in Windows OS. The low-grade encryption is closest that comes to my mind. Given the scrutiny from reverse engineers and wide user base this also in somewhat unlikely that there is ready-to-use backdoor in Windows OS. But security flaws - there are lots of them as with any closed source product written in mostly bad manner by paid workers.

And how they will police copyright when I install warez?

Data mining - don't use features that send information you don't explicitly need to be sent.

Actually Windows8 will be pretty big in business adoption, because XP support is going to end in 2013, all businesses running XP will be forced to upgrade before 2014, 40% of business are still running XP right now, this will be huge. Though I agree consumer adoption of win8 will be very slow.

I know businesses still happily running Windows98 on workstations. They are slowly replacing them when failing because it is harder to find spare parts for failed hardware and it is difficult to find a person who knows how to maintain Windows98 based computer. Easier just to thrash the whole computer

[underminer]

Plenty of engraving and CNC machines run DOS still for that matter, newer software for those machines just doesn't exist the companies that made them moved on or are out of business completely...

Data mining - don't use features that send information you don't explicitly need to be sent.

You'd be surprised... lol

[MysteryMiner]

Data mining - don't use features that send information you don't explicitly need to be sent.

You'd be surprised... lol

You think I never run Wireshark to see what is happening? Or I'm just lucky or skilled one who patched up all leaks in Windows7?

For Win8 and "cloud services" and "social apps" - they all are inherently anti-privacy and should not be used even if you really have nothing to hide.

[moni3z]

There is not known case when intentional backdoor was included in Windows OS. The low-grade encryption is closest that comes to my mind. Given the scrutiny from reverse engineers and wide user base this also in somewhat unlikely that there is ready-to-use backdoor in Windows OS. But security flaws - there are lots of them as with any closed source product written in mostly bad manner by paid workers.

There is one in Windows 8
https://newsworldwide.wordpress.com/2012/02/26/windows-8-will-have-a-kill-switch/

The DRM control is pretty out of control with version 8 too, and MS is trying to lock out all software vendors unless they sell through their own Windows App/Game Store where they get a 30% cut.

Then there's UEFI, and countries making it illegal to tamper with 'DRM protected UEFI' just so you can install BSD or debian on your box.

[underminer]

So what does that backdoor in 8 mean?  I'm not sure of the fallout I guess...

MM--you misunderstand me I think, what I meant to say was "you'd be surprised how many people who should know this, don't."  I work on computers mainly as a hobby and as a result I do upgrades/repairs for friends and family (many of which have important jobs) and they do stuff like download free antivirus protection from popups.

[MysteryMiner]

There is one in Windows 8
https://newsworldwide.wordpress.com/2012/02/26/windows-8-will-have-a-kill-switch/

It already exists in two forms in Windows 7 and it is called Network Protection Service and Malicious Software Removal Tool. First is disabled by default on fresh installations and mainly is intended for corporate use but have potential for abuse. Second tool is updated at least on monthly basis and God knows what M$ decides to include in malicious software list.

The DRM control is pretty out of control with version 8 too, and MS is trying to lock out all software vendors unless they sell through their own Windows App/Game Store where they get a 30% cut.

Would I be unable to install Warez on Windows8 ?

Then there's UEFI

UEFI is badly needed to support hard drives larger than 2TB as a boot drives. It cames with it's own problems but at least it is a work in progress to say farewell legacy BIOS.

countries making it illegal to tamper with 'DRM protected UEFI' just so you can install BSD or debian on your box.

This is crackpot move if it is true but remember - meatspace laws does not dictate what is happening in cyberspace or on devices in hackers possession. I don't care if it is illegal to modify UEFI firmware like it is illegal now to FAP to 16yo girls pictures or download latest films from torrent sources.

[underminer]

it is illegal now to FAP to 16yo girls pictures

Only if they don't have clothes on.

[MysteryMiner]

it is illegal now to FAP to 16yo girls pictures

Only if they don't have clothes on.

I can't have a boner if they are not naked and legs apart. Not exactly my taste, I like a little bit older girls but the pedo scare is 21-st century witch hunt.

And Windows8 is catastrophe even more than Vista was in 2006.