Windows 7 Home Premium for $29.99! *NOT SPAM GUYS, only for college students* [Archive] - Toyota Yaris Forums

View Full Version : Windows 7 Home Premium for $29.99! *NOT SPAM GUYS, only for college students*

Astroman

10-12-2009, 04:26 PM

First off, this isn't spam, I'm relaying a link I found to purchase Windows7 Home premium (for college students only) for $29.99. :thumbup:

http://www.win741.com/

Since my girlfriend is still a student we snatched up a copy for the main laptop. I'll be needing Pro or Ultimate for the Netbook due to the work I do with business machines & servers.

So I just wanted to pass this link along. All you need is a valid school email address and they give you a download link on release day. :thumbsup:

tk-421

10-12-2009, 06:02 PM

I wouldn't get this is they paid me. But thanks for thinking of me nonetheless. :biggrin:

tomato

10-12-2009, 06:12 PM

Why not ? I wouldn't mind having a look at it myself, just to look around and see what they've done. I'll be waiting for the Pro version, though.

tk-421

10-12-2009, 06:18 PM

Don't get me started... Suffice to say I've found the perfect OS for me, and it's free. :wink:

tomato

10-12-2009, 06:29 PM

Oh, that's right, I forgot :smile:

http://cache.gizmodo.com/assets/images/4/2007/10/Linux_Windows.jpg

TinyGiant

10-12-2009, 06:31 PM

osx ftw

coffiend

10-12-2009, 08:28 PM

^ Agreed.

I cringe every time I have to touch a windows machine.

custom Lftback

10-12-2009, 09:46 PM

i'm eligble, but i'm apple-fied 100% :)

TinyGiant

10-12-2009, 09:48 PM

once i went apple.. there was no going back

TinyGiant

10-12-2009, 09:57 PM

i havent run into a program or anything that wouldnt workout on the mac. I dont get viruses, and dont have to pay for a stupid virus protection software. i've never encountered any device that didnt work with my macs. its been the smoothest computing i've ever done. I used to build Custom PCs and i'd never go back to wasting my time with that again.

Altitude

10-12-2009, 09:57 PM

Why not ? I wouldn't mind having a look at it myself, just to look around and see what they've done. I'll be waiting for the Pro version, though.

Windows 7 is to XP what XP was to Millennium. Features and looks wise it's Vista, but stability, compatibility and ease of use has gone way up. I'll be getting a copy.

tomato

10-12-2009, 11:11 PM

Windows 7 is to XP what XP was to Millennium. Features and looks wise it's Vista, but stability, compatibility and ease of use has gone way up. I'll be getting a copy.

You sold me.

YAR1S

10-12-2009, 11:39 PM

I <3 APPLE.

but own one of those netbooks which unfortunately runs windows....

ezhacker1

10-13-2009, 01:08 AM

I <3 APPLE.

but own one of those netbooks which unfortunately runs windows....

if its a compatible netbook, you could put mac os on it. Actually PCs in general can make the transformation if the hardware supports it.

Shroomster

10-13-2009, 01:50 AM

everyone who has the apple pc/laptop in this thread does some sort of multimedia/design/art/ etc correct?

I rest my case ;P

it's like an automatic versus a manual, everyone has their preferences.

coffiend

10-13-2009, 03:03 AM

you're right...

i just have trouble grasping why someone would prefer a machine that is 100% vulnerable to viruses and consistently crashes / freezes :p

And the whole "Macs are only good for multimedia" argument is so old. Retire it. I hope people don't sincerely believe that...

tk-421

10-13-2009, 03:11 AM

I dont get viruses, and dont have to pay for a stupid virus protection software.

i just have trouble grasping why someone would prefer a machine that is 100% vulnerable to viruses

Mac guys shouldn't get too comfortable with the whole "we don't get viruses" thing... The more popular an OS gets, the more it becomes a target for malicious programmers (yes, that will apply to Linux eventually as well).

TinyGiant

10-13-2009, 03:15 AM

powermac towers are amazing you cant say they are like automatics. you can mod and upgrade those like any PC just they harness the power of the Gods. lol

i've saved more money owning a mac than dealing with PC's

no more $50 a year for virus software, Power supplies burning out, wasted time on Blue screens and random glitches with the system.

as much as I used to love building gaming machines , i'm not looking back.

i could aways run boot camp on the mac and get windows on it but i like being virus free:)

its not like buying a manual verses automatic

more like an ford vs a toyota. Sure they both can do the job but one is made way better and will last longer and have less issues along the way. you get what you pay for :)

TinyGiant

10-13-2009, 03:17 AM

i think most of the hackers use macs lol

there are like 2 known viruses out there for macs . but they are only applicable if you run MS Office.

BailOut

10-13-2009, 03:28 AM

$30? Pffft.

Ubuntu Linux: $0
OpenOffice: $0
Thunderbird (w/Lightning) or Evolution: $0
Etc.

Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) FTW! Taste the freedom!

tomato

10-13-2009, 04:11 AM

you're right...

...

And the whole "Macs are only good for multimedia" argument is so old. Retire it. I hope people don't sincerely believe that...

hmmm.. I do. That's why I have 4 PC's and no macs.

I'm not trying to say that "one brand of computer is better than the other" because THAT argument is so old.

I've used both Mac's and PC's, started out with Apple computers (before Macs) and went over to IBM, back to Macs, then back to PC's, and I like them all for different reasons, but the PC's are more economical plus they're fine for what I do, so ... If I had any spare change laying around, though, I'd probably run over to the Apple store and get a Mac just for fun, to play with.

Shroomster

10-13-2009, 12:36 PM

well....in all honesty I really do think this thread should get cleaned up back to the original post about getting windows 7 lol

TheRealEnth

10-13-2009, 01:21 PM

Let me finish it off with this. MAC's are meant for one thing. Multimedia. For someone who makes videos, photoshopping, music, rendering, Graphics, etc. If you use it as a Personal Computer, then you arent using it's full capacity and that is just a waste. If you are a gamer, then you must go Windows, much more support for it. And also if you arent computer illiterate... It's pretty hard to get a virus. You have to really try, by downloading suspicious crap from sites like www.freeipodsforeveryone.com or by going to very very suspicious pornsites, but i mean if you know anything about the internet, There is like.... 100's of clean sites that imitate youtube. So unless someone is out to get you, as long as you download things from torrents, and official sites. And also watch your video on known sites, its pretty dam hard to get a virus. So what im trying to say is, you have to be an idiot to get one nowadays. And for all the MAC lovers. Go check out Windows 7 and see what it can do.. Its a big.. big.. difference, a very good one.

and it really doesnt matter. If you want the best of both worlds, there is always dual booting both the os's

tomato

10-13-2009, 02:20 PM

well....in all honesty I really do think this thread should get cleaned up back to the original post about getting windows 7 lol

That's a good point! I was thinking the same thing :wink:

thanks for the tip, Astro.

Astroman

10-14-2009, 09:05 PM

I'm so anti-mac I won't even own a ipod, lol. With what I do, which is the real business world, we use PCs. In the hundreds if not thousands of PCs im in charge of only 1 is a mac. Yeah, it has less problems, but when it does it's harder to fix. Most of the problems are people not updating. And $50 virus software? Pfft. Plenty of FREE antivirus out there that works better than norton or McAffe. I've been using a RC of 7 since last year and im a believer now. I've never liked a version of windows this much. My netbook with 2gb of ram works sweet with the ultimate version which I need to connect to servers in our systems.

This isn't a mac vs pc vs. the .02% who bother with linux, this is just for those who want a great deal on the home version.

tomato

10-14-2009, 09:36 PM

^ you mean you're anti-Apple then! iPod aren't Macs :wink:

Just messing with ya.

I got a serious question for you, then, but let me post it in a different thread so I don't clutter up this one.

PaidTimeOff

10-14-2009, 11:23 PM

i think most of the hackers use macs lol

there are like 2 known viruses out there for macs . but they are only applicable if you run MS Office.

Just an FYI, your facts are wrong. iWork 09 is not a Microsoft program.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,517610,00.html

As has been stated before, as an OS gains popularity, the virus writers will start moving toward programming for it. Windows held almost 90% market share in 2008, so phishing/bots/viruses are going to be focused on hitting that huge market. Apple's steadily gaining marketshare, so enjoy the (almost) virus free playtime while you can.

I don't have anything against Apple (I own an iphone and an ipod) or for MS, but spreading false facts in the name of fanboyism doesn't help anyone.

Bob Dog

10-15-2009, 03:17 AM

yarisitis

10-15-2009, 09:13 AM

I'm using Windows and Apple's bastard child right now.

I'm running OS X on a Compaq Presario PC with an Intel Pentium 4.

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm295/elscorcho2686/Misc/Random/0355c6de.png

yarisitis

10-15-2009, 09:23 AM

Astroman

10-15-2009, 02:50 PM

Any word on software compatibility? I'd like a faster processor and some more RAM, but I don't want to buy several hundred dollars worth of software as well. ( I don't want to upgrade my aging computer, it is not economically efficient to do so and time for a new one.)

If you got with at least Windows7 Professional or ultimate, it has what is called "XP Compatibility Mode" and it works pretty good (from the release candidate versions I've tried, which is 7100 & 7600). Windows7 Home premium does not have this feature. The only program I've honestly had a problem with is that free version of Nero 6 they gave you with DVD recorders. I was able to run Duke Nukem 3D (with hires windows patch) just fine on my netbook, and the hardware requirements aren't that bad. I know my netbook with a 1.6ghz ATOM processor and 1gb RAM ran it just fine, and I get almost the same performance with a faster HD and 2gb RAM.

Here is a hardware article lifted from Tom's Hardware:
System requirements for Windows 7 aren’t any great mystery, but now we’re getting a much better idea of what it’ll say on the retail box.
Microsoft posted relatively modest system requirements (at least for any computer belonging to a Tom’s Hardware reader) when it released the Windows 7 public beta in January and only slightly modified them for the release of yesterday’s Release Candidate.
The system requirements for the beta at the time called for:

1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
1 GB of system memory
16 GB of available disk space
Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB memory (to enable the Aero theme)

The system requirements published yesterday for the official Release Candidate are the following:

1 GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
1 GB of RAM (32-bit)/2 GB of RAM (64-bit)
16 GB of available disk space (32-bit)/20 GB (64-bit)
DirectX 9 graphics device with Windows Display Driver Model 1.0 or higher driver

The only real changes to the system requirements since January are slightly bumped up ones for the 64-bit version, though we suspect anyone who plans to run the x64 build will have a machine that’s way beyond the minimum (having at least 4 GB of RAM would be a good starting point).
While the system requirements posted yesterday apply to the Release Candidate, Microsoft told ZDNet (http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=2643) that they were ‘final’, though it’s unknown if there will be different requirements between different SKUs such as Starter Edition or Ultimate Edition. “The system requirements are final and not SKU-specific,” said a Microsoft spokesperson.
Those who plan to run XP Mode will need at least 2 GB RAM, 15 GB of additional hard drive space and a processor that supports hardware virtualization.
According to early tests, Windows 7 performs better than Windows Vista on the same hardware.
"It's been a long time since we've had a version of Windows that will actually run better [than the previous version] on the hardware that most customers have," Mike Nash, corporate vice president of Microsoft's Windows product management group, said during a conference call with reporters, quoted by ComputerWorld (http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=laptops&articleId=9132367&taxonomyId=76&intsrc=kc_top).
Windows 7 does carry with it slightly heftier system requirements than Vista does, despite it being a better performer. From one generation to the next – and three years later – Windows 7’s system demands does seem positively modest.
For reference, Windows Vista’s system requirements are:

1 GHz processor (32- or 64-bit)
512 MB of RAM (for Home Basic); 1 GB of RAM for all other versions
15 GB of available disk space
Support for DirectX 9 graphics and 32 MB of graphics memory (for Home Basic); 128 MB of graphics memory plus WDDM support for all other versions

Source : Tom's Hardware US (http://www.tomshardware.com/)

Shroomster

10-15-2009, 05:19 PM

well....in all honesty I really do think this thread should get cleaned up back to the original post about getting windows 7 lol

This wasn't supposed to be an apple vs. pc battle

come on now.

tomato

10-15-2009, 05:58 PM

This wasn't supposed to be an apple vs. pc battle

come on now.

you know these are inevitable :iono:
Astro probably would have cleaned up the thread this morning if he had felt the need.

Back on track :smile:

If you got with at least Windows7 Professional or ultimate, it has what is called "XP Compatibility Mode" and it works pretty good (from the release candidate versions I've tried, which is 7100 & 7600). Windows7 Home premium does not have this feature. The only program I've honestly had a problem with is that free version of Nero 6 they gave you with DVD recorders. I was able to run Duke Nukem 3D (with hires windows patch) just fine on my netbook, and the hardware requirements aren't that bad. I know my netbook with a 1.6ghz ATOM processor and 1gb RAM ran it just fine, and I get almost the same performance with a faster HD and 2gb RAM.

Here is a hardware article lifted from Tom's Hardware:
System requirements for Windows 7 aren’t any great mystery, but now we’re getting a much better idea of what it’ll say on the retail box.
Microsoft posted relatively modest system requirements (at least for any computer belonging to a Tom’s Hardware reader) when it released the Windows 7 public beta in January and only slightly modified them for the release of yesterday’s Release Candidate.
The system requirements for the beta at the time called for:

1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
1 GB of system memory
16 GB of available disk space
Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB memory (to enable the Aero theme)

The system requirements published yesterday for the official Release Candidate are the following:

1 GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
1 GB of RAM (32-bit)/2 GB of RAM (64-bit)
16 GB of available disk space (32-bit)/20 GB (64-bit)
DirectX 9 graphics device with Windows Display Driver Model 1.0 or higher driver

The only real changes to the system requirements since January are slightly bumped up ones for the 64-bit version, though we suspect anyone who plans to run the x64 build will have a machine that’s way beyond the minimum (having at least 4 GB of RAM would be a good starting point).
While the system requirements posted yesterday apply to the Release Candidate, Microsoft told ZDNet (http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=2643) that they were ‘final’, though it’s unknown if there will be different requirements between different SKUs such as Starter Edition or Ultimate Edition. “The system requirements are final and not SKU-specific,” said a Microsoft spokesperson.
Those who plan to run XP Mode will need at least 2 GB RAM, 15 GB of additional hard drive space and a processor that supports hardware virtualization.
According to early tests, Windows 7 performs better than Windows Vista on the same hardware.
"It's been a long time since we've had a version of Windows that will actually run better [than the previous version] on the hardware that most customers have," Mike Nash, corporate vice president of Microsoft's Windows product management group, said during a conference call with reporters, quoted by ComputerWorld (http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=laptops&articleId=9132367&taxonomyId=76&intsrc=kc_top).
Windows 7 does carry with it slightly heftier system requirements than Vista does, despite it being a better performer. From one generation to the next – and three years later – Windows 7’s system demands does seem positively modest.
For reference, Windows Vista’s system requirements are:

1 GHz processor (32- or 64-bit)
512 MB of RAM (for Home Basic); 1 GB of RAM for all other versions
15 GB of available disk space
Support for DirectX 9 graphics and 32 MB of graphics memory (for Home Basic); 128 MB of graphics memory plus WDDM support for all other versions

Source : Tom's Hardware US (http://www.tomshardware.com/)

Great post, man! :clap:

BTW here is my question, if you have time.

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23184

pEAchEzpwnz

10-15-2009, 06:33 PM

About the original topic..my boyfriend got windows 7 ultimate for ten bucks like two weeks ago. All he had to do was a few quizes on the windows site and then he became "certified" as a windows rep. Hence, for doing that they give you windows 7 for only $10.
And about macs for why they dont get viruses..the new leopard is packed full of spyware stuff..but thats just one of the reasons...and IMO linux is just as cute/stylish/modern or whatever you want to call it and its all free

tomato

10-15-2009, 07:12 PM

^

http://cache.gizmodo.com/assets/images/4/2007/10/Linux_Windows.jpg

tk-421

10-15-2009, 07:38 PM

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T679aggANRU/SXVtewkhKGI/AAAAAAAAALo/9jo0QHYtD2Q/s320/Tux_CHANGE_sticker.jpg

cali yaris

10-15-2009, 07:51 PM

Spam!

(just kidding)

Bob Dog

10-15-2009, 08:53 PM

Thanks for the detailed info astroman!

Astroman

10-15-2009, 11:05 PM

lol, no problem. You can't expect a thread like this to stick on topic anyway :laugh:

With my line of work I have to deal with ALL formats, just not so often with mac and linux :biggrin:

My subcontract job gets the volume license deal, so I'll be getting 7 Pro for free anyway. And Mac is really missing out on the netbook market, they currently offer nothing in this class. MSI netbooks can be hacked though to allow mac OSX.

There's my on/off topic rant, lol. Figured some of you out there might be interested in saving some $$ on windows 7.

Kioshi

10-15-2009, 11:31 PM

tomato

10-16-2009, 12:54 AM

Kioshi: are you sure about that? Sometimes they say that but you actually have to pay extra right off the bat to get the "free" upgrade.

Bob Dog

10-16-2009, 05:23 AM

I had the option with an HP notebook to upgrade from XP to Vista, back in the days of the real Best Buy. They sent met an upgrade disc and everything for free, when I documented the purchase. I never chose to install it though, and it went with the notebook when I sold it.

Astroman

10-16-2009, 02:13 PM

I thought I'd just throw this out there...anyone who's bought a laptop or PC this year (i believe), has the oppurtunity to upgrade to Windows 7 for free i think....

I gotta check the little paper what is said about Windows 7 upgrade...i bought a laptop end of August (HP dv4)......

This is true ONLY from participating manufacturers and qualifying versions. XP & Vista Home Basic do not qualify (except for those who got vista business with downgrade rights to xp pro). Vista Home Premium to Ultimate are eligible from participating manufacturers.

whooppee777

10-16-2009, 02:22 PM

is that site legit? it looks fishy to me. did you receive your copy of 7 yet? or has it still not been released?

Astroman

10-16-2009, 02:42 PM

It's legit. It's from the official windows 7 blog site. I will be getting my digital download copy on release day, oct. 22nd.

tomato

10-16-2009, 04:05 PM

Kioshi

10-17-2009, 04:13 PM

This is true ONLY from participating manufacturers and qualifying versions. XP & Vista Home Basic do not qualify (except for those who got vista business with downgrade rights to xp pro). Vista Home Premium to Ultimate are eligible from participating manufacturers.

I actually, TRIED it out for a bit. You have to use IE to get access to it. I didnt input my serial and product number in yet...but later on it asks for a credit card...i wonder why? But for the most part, it should be free...i will try it out tomorrow and let you guys know.

My package said my laptop was eligible..so here's hoping:smoking:

Astroman

10-22-2009, 03:17 PM

I'm downloading my copy now, 40% complete :smile:

I'll let everyone know how it goes. Going from 32-bit vista home premium to 64-bit Windows7 home premium.

Kioshi

10-22-2009, 04:05 PM

I'm not quite sure what i have...it came w/ the paper, as well as a plac next to the display laptop that this was eligible...so i guess?

Astro....i filled out the offer for Windows 7 last night...and it is free. I just have to take a snapshot of my UPC (or whatever is proof of purchase) to complete it...

Do let us know..thanks :)

Astroman

10-23-2009, 05:04 PM

Well I came in this morning and it was 100% downloaded, but no time to install. I'm going the upgrade route but it's a bit complicated as I have to clone my 100g to a 160g, then upgrade the OS. :cool:

BailOut

10-23-2009, 06:29 PM

Altitude

10-23-2009, 06:51 PM

That's the most complicated OS installation I've seen in 15 years!

I think he's doing the HD swap/cloning of his own accord. It's not a requirement of the installation.

I personally don't recommend ever doing an upgrade install. Backup your important data, buy a new HD or create a new partition and install the new OS. Reinstalling your other programs really isn't that big of a deal.

BailOut

10-23-2009, 07:06 PM

I think he's doing the HD swap/cloning of his own accord. It's not a requirement of the installation.
I figured that as well, but that an OS installer would drive one to such lengths says much.

AlexNet0

10-23-2009, 07:32 PM

I installed my first windows 7 professional 32-bit today, built-in video drivers were flaky on Radeon HD 4680 PCI-e, but after downloading the proper drivers from AMD, it was fine. that all drivers were found and downloaded automatically on a white box we use as a tech machine.

Overall very impressed as of right now, I have abuse to put it through before I call it stable though.

Kioshi

10-23-2009, 09:14 PM

Keep us updated Alex and Astro...

I saw reviews of it on TV and I love the whole menu/multiple window flipping...although its a straight copy off of the XBox 360 LIVE menu system...but nonetheless, something new I can play around with.....

JBougie

10-23-2009, 09:52 PM

I just bought a new HP desktop a few weeks ago, and any computer that has been bought in the last like 7 months I think qualifies for a free Windows 7 upgrade ... I'm just waiting for ours to come in the mail. I will be SO excited to drop Vista ... the POS....

Kioshi

10-23-2009, 09:56 PM

JBougie...you just took a snapshot of the UPC or your receipt and uploaded it to the website, correct? To get the free upgrade? Kind of confused about that, which to take a snapshot of~

Mateo

10-23-2009, 10:01 PM

JBougie

10-24-2009, 01:53 PM

JBougie...you just took a snapshot of the UPC or your receipt and uploaded it to the website, correct? To get the free upgrade? Kind of confused about that, which to take a snapshot of~

They give you the option of letting them take your serial number information, so I just allowed them to do that - so they connected automatically and scanned for the info they needed. Otherwise, you have to find the seirial number area on the back of the computer - I don't know what else they wanted since I didn't really pay attention after they did it automatically.

You just need to scan a copy of the receipt. You have the option to mail it in if you don't have a scanner - but if you take a really good picture of it so that it's clear it will work also.

I don't know what site you used, but if you have an HP - this is the site I used, just in case we are talking about two completely different processes :)

http://www.hp.com/united-states/consumer/windows7-upgrade/index.html

JBougie

10-24-2009, 01:54 PM

I was a die hard XP user, refused to have a vista machine. After my 5+ year old custom built gaming rig died on me, I was glad to find the MSI Wind that I did was still shipping with XP. Took advantage of the student copy of 7 " thanks OP" and have to say Im completely in love with 7. For $29 its a steal but if I had to pay full price I would still be on XP as we speak.

I am really happy to hear that ... Vista is such a fail :/ I LOVED it at first ... then the problems started ... with just about everything. The most annoying issue I had was that it refused to connect to my wireless network saying that weren't any available. No matter what I did I couldn't get it to connect ... so now I have ethernet cords running all through my house lol

2+2

10-24-2009, 02:40 PM

Mac guys shouldn't get too comfortable with the whole "we don't get viruses" thing... The more popular an OS gets, the more it becomes a target for malicious programmers (yes, that will apply to Linux eventually as well).

I agree completely but I do wonder about one thing. Wouldn't the bragging rights of bringing down a bunch of macs inspire the script kiddies to go after them? It's like windows is so easy why bother? But maybe attacking Linux is too much like work?

As for upgrading to 7 I dunno. I'm getting a kick out of spending nothing on my home pc. It's been a long time coming. But if losing cable tv and switching to something like hulu starts to look promising then I would think 7 coupled with the right hardware would be worth considering.

Kioshi

10-24-2009, 07:22 PM

They give you the option of letting them take your serial number information, so I just allowed them to do that - so they connected automatically and scanned for the info they needed. Otherwise, you have to find the seirial number area on the back of the computer - I don't know what else they wanted since I didn't really pay attention after they did it automatically.

You just need to scan a copy of the receipt. You have the option to mail it in if you don't have a scanner - but if you take a really good picture of it so that it's clear it will work also.

I don't know what site you used, but if you have an HP - this is the site I used, just in case we are talking about two completely different processes :)

http://www.hp.com/united-states/consumer/windows7-upgrade/index.html

I think the site i had to go on was different. I bought a HP Pavillion dv4 laptop..but somehow it couldn't automatically get my serial numbers, so i sat there putting all that in:rolleyes:

Thanks for tip..I'll take a good picture of my whole receipt since i dont own a scanner.....can't wait to try it out. Vista can't even start-up right, i had to hold down power key to start it up and then recovery mode...wtf?

Altitude

10-24-2009, 08:02 PM

I agree completely but I do wonder about one thing. Wouldn't the bragging rights of bringing down a bunch of macs inspire the script kiddies to go after them? It's like windows is so easy why bother? But maybe attacking Linux is too much like work?

As for upgrading to 7 I dunno. I'm getting a kick out of spending nothing on my home pc. It's been a long time coming. But if losing cable tv and switching to something like hulu starts to look promising then I would think 7 coupled with the right hardware would be worth considering.

Hackers are looking to create as much havoc as they can so it makes sense that they go after the largest user base. There isn't a consumer OS in existence that can't be hacked or afflicted with a virus. The fact that Mac's and Linux/Unix don't get hit so much is just a numbers game.

There's a rumor that Hulu will begin charging for content. If so, they'll lose all their users in one fell swoop.

My version of 7 is on it's way but I'll still keep an XP version running for some games that run best on XP.