Do you think Microsoft ever release a free operating system for people to use?

[froggyboy604]

It is possible for MS to release a totally free OS since MS can afford to, but highly unlikely since Microsoft is not really known for giving away free stuff except for Microsoft Security Essentials, Windows Live Essentials, Windows Movie Maker, MSN, etc.

But, it be cool if MS just sell cheaper OS which cost about 50 dollars for people who just use their computer for Word processing, internet, and basic tasks since the current OS cost hundreds of dollars if you buy it from a store shelf and not bundled with a PC.

 

[Marc]

MS is a large company and the only thing that they want to do is to make large amounts of money.

So, my answer is no, lol.

But, who knows? There might be a milestone and they might give something away free,

 

[froggyboy604]

It would be cool if they just give Windows XP, and 2000 away for free.

 

[JF382]

Yeah that would be pretty cool. IMO I don't think they will ever do this, they want to keep making more money like other companies.

 

[froggyboy604]

They might release a crippled version of Windows where most features don't work, so you have to pay to get the full version. I believe MS released a crippled version of Office where a lot of the features don't work, and it is ad supported.

 

[Demon_Skeith]

They might release a crippled version of Windows where most features don't work, so you have to pay to get the full version. I believe MS released a crippled version of Office where a lot of the features don't work, and it is ad supported.

I think they did this with windows 7.

 

[froggyboy604]

Indeed, Windows 7 Starter Edition is pretty limited I read.

Windows 7 Starter
Windows 7 Starter is the edition of Windows 7 that contains the fewest features. The Windows Aero theme is not included in this version, and it is not available in a 64-bit variant. The desktop wallpaper, and Visual Style (Windows 7 Basic) is also not user-changeable (however can be done using 3rd party software). It also doesn't support .NET Framework.[10]
This edition is available pre-installed on computers, especially netbooks, through system integrators or computer manufacturers.

Wikipedia

But, it's not free, but you get it if you buy some Netbook. Kind of lame that you can't easily change the wallpaper or themes for an OS which is not free.

 

[Aryan]

Nah, Microsoft is too greedy to build a freeware operating system, but you can always use pirated copies, right? jk

 

[froggyboy604]

Microsoft can make an Adware version of Windows where they show banner, link, pop-up ads at the bottom of the desktop, or taskbar. I heard the free version of Office 2010 is ad-supported. MS can make a lot of money off of advertising on people's desktop, but the people who use it might get annoyed even if it is a free product which is ad supported.