Microsoft ends Windows 7 boxed sales

[OldAirmail]

Something to think about.

Microsoft ends Windows 7 retail sales, but the real deadline looms in 2014

MS has ended retail boxed sales of Windows 7. Sale of Windows 7 to computer builders will end on Oct 30, 2014.


So the question is - do you intend to do a computer upgrade in the near future? Do you REALLY want to use Windows 8?

For instance, I would like to build a new system next year using Win 7, AND keep my old system that has a retail version on it now. But if I wait a while, Win 7 may no longer be available.

Time for some of us to make up our minds. If you want Win 7 then you had better buy it while some sellers still have it in stock.

[ftldave]

Windows 8.1 seems to be doing just fine with the early adopters where I work. Add Classic Shell or use the 8.1 desktop and it's not a big deal. Last problems I've heard about concerned AMD video drivers and certain apps.

Why wouldn't you want to run Windows 8 is the real question. Hardware more than 5 years old maybe? We heard the same laments when Windows 98 passed on, and again with XP. All the problems were finally resolved. Even Vista runs pretty well these days with its patches. People just don't like change, have unreasonable expectations about what big corporations like Microsoft actually do to make money, and there's always human nature that fears the unknown, I guess.

[OldAirmail]

My hardware is more than adequate for Windows 8. I just really dislike what I've seen of the interface.

It might look fine on a tablet, but I just don't want a "reach out and touch something" type of interface on a desktop system with 3 large monitors.

. .



"Why wouldn't you want to run Windows 8 is the real question." & "...and there's always human nature that fears the unknown, I guess."

It's like I tell my wife when she makes a comment such as "Why do people like those big SUVs?"

Like her, you'll just have to understand that it's all a matter of taste.



And don't try to project your "understandings" onto other people so much. I've frequently made a fool of myself doing just that.

I dropped out of IT about 9-10 years ago as a MCSE (NT & 2000). I have no particular problem withMicrosoft.

At the moment I have 3 virtual computers setup under Windows 7. Two are different versions of Linux using Oracle VM VirtualBox. The third is Virtual XP downloaded from MS.



Although they have made a few other operating systems that I didn't like. Such as Microsoft Bob.

Windows 8 METRO: Another Microsoft Bob?

. .

Yeah, sometimes they do something that I simply don't like. It's a matter of taste, I think, more than the fear of something new.

[expat]

If people really want Windows 7 so badly, they can just splash the cast and buy Windows 7 Business.......?

Matt

[striker]

Amazing what you can find on ebay

[OldAirmail]

All true. But it will be harder to find.

[CrashII]

Or why not build a new system and use your old boxed version of Windows 7, if you don't want to use Windows 8? Or buy a new W7 just before closing time. Maybe you're afraid of using your old version because of registration problems? You'd be amazed how much you can find on Google...

[Fozzer]

I've still got my old boxed versions of Windows 5, Windows '98, Windows XP and Windows 7..all ready to use again should the need arise... ...!

..and I can still fall back on my old Sinclair Spectrum 48k/Commodore C64 ROM, if the worst gets to the worst!... ...!

...and then there's my Commodore Amiga 1200!

Paul... ... ...!

[OldAirmail]

....

For instance, I would like to build a new system next year using Win 7, AND keep my old system that has a retail version on it now. But if I wait a while, Win 7 may no longer be available.

....

"Or why not build a new system..." & "Or buy a new W7..."

As above, I had intended to keep my 3 year old system and build a newer system that could run the new version of Prepar3d.

As with FSX, it's possible to farm out certain functions to a second, networked, computer.



ftldave isn't all that wrong in some of his opinions. Many people do have unreasonable opinions and expectations about Microsoft.

My first computer was a 286 DOS machine (with a 12" monitore ). And ever since Windows 3.0 came out I've heard people complaining that MS is making their software too demanding, "This POS software won't run on my ..."

In reality, this has actually forced us to move to the point that we're at now. I've played one of the first 2 or 3 versions of flight simulators. BELIEVE ME, it's a whole lot better now.



Just where an I going with all this?

Lockheed Martin, via the Prepar3d team, has freely admitted that Prepar3d V2 will demand much more than most of the computer systems out there can provide.

And I don't see a problem with that strategy. They're "future proofing" their software.



So I'll need a better computer to run Prepar3d, and I'll want a good computer to run background stuff.

Of minor concern, and something that will be short lived, is that at the moment Windows 8 has a few problems running Prepar3d. It does run on Win 8, though. But Prepar3d V2, Win 8, and flight sim hardware don't get along to well.

Time & new drivers will sort those problems out.

"Forum – » Prepar3D Application Support » Hardware Specific QuestionsLockheed Martin - Prepar3D"



The last part of my problem, is that the company that I used to work for has driven my division of that company into the ground.

This past Friday they laid everyone off, except those needed to clean up & lock the doors.

So, at 60+, I'm highly trained in what I do, and am out of a job.

And being well trained in specific, and unique, hardware/software is a bad place to be in.

Most employers want someone younger that they can train into the job.

Such is life.

[Apex]

Just saw on Yahoo news or somewhere that MS is working on Win 8.2 which is supposed to bring back the START button, the omision of such was a major gripe.

Also, you can still get towers with Win 07, I've seen some on TigerDirect with Win 07/08, Win 07 is what shows when starting up, so say it.

I don't know much about Win 08, but I did briefly try it recently. Not sure if you have to use touch screen all the time, but my arm wouldn't like that after awhile.
I like my mouse.

Comments from y'awl who know more about the latest welcome here of course. I don't spend time researching the latest, being very content with my Win 07.