Microsoft won't release Service Pack 2 for Windows 7

Well, thx for the info, I did not know that Linux developers were so obsessed with open source. then yes this fact makes it almost impossible for Linux to become a replacement for windows or mac

And Linux users wonder why some people called Linux a communist OS. Not that Linux is a communist OS because it isn't, but unfortunately, the Linux zealots act like communists, arguing that all software should be free and open source because proprietary software takes our freedom and is immoral to profit from selling software. Their arrogant attitude helped in fostering a very negative perception about Linux.

I would not trust IObit products based in China, especially since they stole Malwarebytes database and who knows what else (see links below).

IObit accused of stealing from Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes Accuses, IObit Plays Dead

well, it is a wrong perception already. communism does not mean freedom as we possibly have more freedom in republics or democracy based ruling systems. I know communism to be a system of equality, not freedom. but I think Linux developers should understand that they also have to give people the *freedom* of buying or respecting the rights of proprietary software as they r going nowhere further like this.

I agree with this whole post Microsoft is being not fare to there customers they should think and make a move to satify us and make a service pack 2 I hope they do! I have used windows 7 for 6 years and never any probolems! Sorry about that post earler my computer was acting up no pun there lol! I think they are saying well screw us and not care and just have a disregard for there service and products I tried Windows 8 and I got to say it's a cool os if you have a tablet but if you have a desktop it's crap! I will keep windows 7 until they revamp the windows 8 interface and make it more desktop user friendly!

Not to worry, Windows 7 will get SP2. However, be careful in what you wish for, as most likely, some components of Windows 8 will likely be incorporated into 7. Sometimes, as with XP SP2, these packs add new features, in this case, a firewall & other security enhancers. SP2 for Windows 7 is going to be more than a collection of previously installed updates.

I run both Windows 7 & 8, use Classic Shell for a Start Menu, once the Start is added, there's not that much difference between the two OS's. Yes, 8 is slightly faster booting/shutting down, but in between, not much different. Both the copies that I paid $15 each for were worth it, but at $200, no way would I have purchased 8. See, I tested 8 & ran it as my daily OS from Day 1 (02/26/12) through it's final release. It's not a bad OS at all, & can be customized to your taste. One doesn't have to see those tiles at startup.

However, I do agree with the majority here, there should be a SP2 for Windows 7 for if no other reason, to slipstream into the install DVD to save lots of updating time. Speaking of which, since someone else brought it up, it takes noticeably less time to fully update XP than Windows 7 (even with those 300 updates that someone mentioned XP has).

As far as Linux goes, Mint 13 Mate LTS is a good option for those who mostly are using a computer to read articles, post on forums, send/receive emails, make purchases (it's very secure) & other general use. Mint 14 is almost comparative to Windows 8. Linux Mint is now the 3rd most used OS, behind Apple (all) & Windows (all). That's a major accomplishment for a OS that was born in 2006. Except for gamers & those who must run MS Office (& those with NVIDIA cards), Mint is a perfect fit for many users.

Honestly, I don't see what MS is griping about anyway, Windows 7 sales are still good, as many who has bought computers with 8 preinstalled simply slicked the HDD & installed Windows 7. MS still gets their cut from every Windows 7 license, as well as Office 2010, sold. MS is far from broke, however they're going to lose customers in the direction they're headed.

This keeps coming up. Windows 7 is still widely available. This is the same as the situation with Vista. What happened with XP, stores were selling out their existing inventory, while M$ discontinued issuing XP licenses. And people with any modicum of good sense were snapping it up. So, when the XP in stores was gone, Vista was essentially forced on the consumer.

So, the topic comes up over and over, with my core question being, "are Windows 7 licenses still being issued by M$", or are the available store stocks all that we are ever going to see"?

To the best of my knowledge, it hasn't been M$'s business model to maintain retail or OEM sales of multiple versions of Windows simultaneously.

And the moral of the story is, (or a least my take on it), yeah, they're jamming Windows 8 down your throat, (or perhaps up the back of your computer), whether you like it or not.

Point of fact is, we're not going to enjoy the safe haven of buying and installing Windows 7 forever.

Something else. You mention "slip streaming service packs into Win7 (?)". After a brief search at the "ImgBurn" site, and M$ support, I was unable to find a set of instructions to accomplish this on any thing later than Win XP SP-3.