Free Software Foundation 'demands' Windows 7 be released as free software

[fps4ever]

I tried ReactOS but, sorry to say, it was a big fail.

With their snail's pace to just get basic Windows 2000/XP functionality...lol I agree, no.

I have been following them since 2004. Yes that date is correct.

 

[trparky]

Kinda weird that I'm able to use Linux perfectly fine in a productive environment then. On various different systems. Desktops and servers.

And that's only because of years of development. Imagine what would happen and the kind of momentum that Linux would have if the community managed to put away all of the squabblings and decided to work on one single unified distro of Linux. Oh my God, they would achieve world domination in under one year. ONE YEAR PEOPLE! They would literally control the world's software in one year if they could all just bury the hatchet and work together towards one common goal.

And then Microsoft would be dead. Dead. DEAD!!!

I don't understand the Linux community sometimes. Don't they want to see Microsoft dead? Don't they want to control the world? Imagine a world controlled by software that the community at large maintains. It would be like utopia on Earth.

 

[abatishchev]

One of the many reasons why no one takes these clowns seriously.

They're rather LUNATICS

 

[SirStephen]

Just like with Linux, where they banded together to make 1 superior Linux distro that everyone loves? /sarcasm

Lol, not a chance it would become superior to a large, paid team at MS. All that would happen if they released the source code would be fragmentation (with dozens of different groups claiming theirs is better).
Open source software is seldom better than their counterpart. And it gets even worse the more complex the task...

But, we don't need to worry about that. MS isn't going to release it. It would cost them (and their shareholders) too much...

Open source is often superior to closed source when the developer has captured it's part of the market. In cases like Linux though where several large groups are vying for control, fragmentation happens and it hurts rather than helps the platform as a whole. Of course you covered the latter but my point is that you can't hold all open source software up up to the Linux example. Not all open source software is bad.

 

[ehagglun]

... nonsense...

I agree. I respect the work the Free Software Foundation does as community steward, but this is not an honest request they are making and they are being disrespectful of Microsoft's earned membership in the business community by proferring such a demand. The Free Software Foundation is a responsible steward of Open Source Software that lives by donations and membership dues. That is their model. Microsoft is a publicly traded company that takes profits from their intellectual property which is sold in the form of licenses. That is their model. Nobody is asking the Free Software Foundation to give 25% of their private contributions or dues back to their members. This would be ridiculous, just as asking Microsoft to give up on $30.35 BILLION dollars of potential revenue would be irresponsible to their shareholders. The FSF should stick to their good stewardship of Open Source and Public Domain offerings rather than promoting silly activist propaganda that creates ugly optics on "sides" that should not even exist. This ecosystem is big enough for everyone. I'm sure Microsoft thought they were past this!

 

[SirStephen]

I say this as sometime who has developed software for about 25 years now and at least half of that was for Windows. Most of what I've written in the past decade has been deployed on Linux.

The request itself is bullshit. You can upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Microsoft has told to create ausb installer, you enter your Windows 7 key and it just works. If you have a bios key it may work as well, should be on a sticker as well.

In any case, it isn't really end of life as a software, just that version. The natural path is to upgrade or migrate. This is a publicity stunt playing and simple.

I run Linux at home. It's better than it's every been in terms of timing on the desktop. There's still some pain though. I'd say it's nearly at parity with Windows. And this may be the time to change over if you're still running Windows, most of what you use will probably have a Linux version or work in wine.

Yes, good point, the initial year of free upgrades technically never ended. Microsoft even knows about and acknowledges this method to get free upgrades.

Specifically you install Windows 7 using a valid Windows 7 key.
Create Windows 10 install media.
Use the install media to upgrade Windows 7 to 10.
When given the choice select 'upgrade and keep files' or whatever it specifically says.
Install.
Congratulations, you now have a free upgraded version of Windows 10 and Windows 10 is definitely superior despite a few peoples' feewings.

 

[SirStephen]

Hey Microsoft, why don't you release the source code for Windows 7? It's not like it would include code from your currently supported OSes (WIN8, WIN10). I mean, it's not like there's no way in hell ANYONE in their right mind would comply with this insane demand. ?

And I bet they wonder why no one takes them seriously...

 

[quadibloc]

I absolutely agree that for Microsoft to make the code to Windows 7 available as open source is something too unrealistic to expect. I would be satisfied if they did this with the code for Windows 3.11, but even that won't happen, as it would compete with Windows 10 after the open-source community finished making improvements to it.

 

[SirStephen]

Sure, Windows will work if you upgrade to Windows 10. But will all your other software?

Windows Vista / 7 came out when software development was exploding, many large institutions (governments, banks, hostpitals, etc) would have purchased specialist software that runs on that version of Windows. And cannot work on Windows 10 due to all the new licensing requirements or driver changes. Those institutions are basically stuck on Win7 because the cost of migrating their software or finding a vendor that will provide the software on Win10 is so prohibitive. And these aren't institutions where you can just turn the software off.

Windows is a critical software for most businesses and MS did not provide even the option of full compatibility in Win10.

Uh no, it's not simply licensing. It's organizations using old software that no longer receive support. Upgrading to a new OS requires organizations to purchase and incorporate new software and it can take some work to make sure it'll preform properly. Many organizations will hold onto and use 10+ year old software rather than put the effort and expense into doing regular upgrades as they should be planning for in the first place. The funny thing is that regular upgrades are often cheaper and less invasive than holding onto antiquated software for as long as possible. It's all about corner cutting.

As for standard consumer software though, Windows 10 does a far better job at backwards compatibility than previous OSes and almost all 32/64bit consumer software will work perfectly fine on it without any added effort.

 

[texasrattler]

Comes with an enormous amount of crapware and spyware baked in too.

Which only the paranoid seem to worry about. Apple and Google are watching you btw way. Not to mention so are governments.

Oh btw, all the crap in windows can be disabled or removed.

 

[mrvco]

Maybe the FSF should do a Kickstarter campaign to raise enough cash for a hostile take-over of Microsoft. That's the only way this would ever happen in our lifetimes.

 

[cliffordcooley]

Oh btw, all the crap in windows can be disabled or removed.

I get tired of hearing this. And this is why. That is like telling someone they can program their own OS. Sure if they bothered to take the time in learning how. Which no one ever does because it is near impossible. And when you do it breaks functions that you do want.

 

[OgnDulk]

Never. People using Windows 7 would have no incentive to buy a new PC which is a necessity for Windows 10 and as with Linux there would potentially be millions improving the OS, even making it comparable or better to Windows 10. OR it could fragment like Linux into many variants, a situation I think that has kept Linux from wide adoption by most of the public as Windows is basically the same Windows for everyone. I bought a cheapy HP laptop ($339) with a 1.1 Ghz CPU, 4 GB ram, 64 GB SSD, Windows 10 pro 64 bit. It works great because all the hardware is faster than my 12 year old homemade Windows 7 beige box. I only wish I had spent a little more for 8, 12, 16 GB ram. I've always used portable HDDs for storage. I also use a 4 port USB hub and a $15 Bluetooth speaker because the built in speakers are hopelessly weak.

 

[CharmsD]

I get tired of hearing this. And this is why. That is like telling someone they can program their own OS. Sure if they bothered to take the time in learning how. Which no one ever does because it is near impossible. And when you do it breaks functions that you do want.

I get tired of hearing ^ that. There are endless websites showing how to TURN off the windows services or features that some people don't want. It may take all of 20 minutes then it's done. I get insider preview builds on the fast ring and have had problems with their alpha/betas many times, those are always recoverable and my computers have operated without a serious fault since Win 10 was released into the wild.

If there's a certain hardware of device add-on that doesn't work right in Windows, blame the vendor or their crappy drivers, same for older software. Windows 10 is the best version of Windows yet.

 

[cliffordcooley]

I get tired of hearing ^ that. There are endless websites showing how to TURN off the windows services or features that some people don't want. It may take all of 20 minutes then it's done.

That basically means I would be the only one in my family spending 20 minutes on all their machines. You are not only pissing on your friends and family. You are pissing on yourself.

And then you have it all over again in the next build.

Edit: That doesn't change my previous comment. It is not possible in 2 days much less 20 minutes.

 

[CharmsD]

That basically means I would be the only one in my family spending 20 minutes on all their machines. You are not only pissing on your friends and family. You are pissing on yourself.

And then you have it all over again in the next build.

Edit: That doesn't change my previous comment. It is not possible in 2 days much less 20 minutes.

It's all on the SAME Property page!
Disable these or set them to manual start. Sort by Startup Type to show automatic services, right-click and select Stop. Change the item to disabled or manual.

• AVCTP service: if you don’t use Bluetooth Audio Device or Wireless Headphones.
• BitLocker Drive Encryption Service: if you don’t use BitLocker storage encryption.
• Bluetooth Support Service: if you don’t use any Bluetooth device.
• Computer Browser: this will disable Network discovery of systems on the local network.
• Connected User Experiences and Telemetry: it will disable Feedback, Telemetry and Data Collection.
• Diagnostic Policy Service
• Diagnostic Tracking Service: it will turn off Telemetry and Data Collection.
• Distributed Link Tracking Client: if you don’t need to use a network.
• Downloaded Maps Manager: if you don’t use the Bing Maps app.
• File History Service: if you don’t intend to use Windows Backup or System Restore.
• IP Helper: if you don’t use IPv6 connection.
• Infrared monitor service: if you never use File transfer via infrared devices.
• Internet Connection Sharing: it is an old service that can be disabled.
• Netlogon: if you are not on a domain controller environment.
• Program Compatibility Assistant Service: it will hinder your running in the Compatibility Mode though.
• Print Spooler: if you don’t use a Printer.
• Parental Control: if you don’t use the Parental Control feature.
• Remote Registry: you’d better disable it. Then, no one can access your Registry remotely.
• Secondary Logon
• TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper: if you are not a part of a Workgroup network.
• Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service: if you don’t use a touch device.
• Windows Error Reporting Service: if you don’t need to save or send error reports.
• Windows Image Acquisition: if you don’t use a Scanner.
• Windows Camera Frame Server: if you never use a webcam or an integrated camera.
• Windows Insider Service: if you are not a part of the Windows Insider Program.
• Windows Search: if you never use Windows Search

 

[Evernessince]

I tried ReactOS but, sorry to say, it was a big fail.

That's why I said "will finish". They don't hide the fact that the project is not close to completion right now. You don't seem to have gotten that message.

 

[m4a4]

Open source is often superior to closed source when the developer has captured it's part of the market. In cases like Linux though where several large groups are vying for control, fragmentation happens and it hurts rather than helps the platform as a whole. Of course you covered the latter but my point is that you can't hold all open source software up up to the Linux example. Not all open source software is bad.

Yes, when the developer of the open source program has the financial backing for the project, it tends to be better (they can be in the "seldom"). But I'm also talking about open source in general.
I'm also not saying that open source in general is usually bad. Sometimes they're still great, and sometimes they're just adequate. But the main open source programs I'm thinking of (GIMP, OpenOffice, Blender, and probably thinking of other free programs) I'd rather use their counterpart. Mainly because they have the few other features/settings that are easier to use.

And I picked on Linux mainly because we're talking about Windows 7 lol. It would be too complex/unreasonable to have unity in modifying an open source of it.

 

[Fimbulvetr]

The FSF forgot to say “Please”.

 

[Bullwinkle M]

Bullshit. Windows 10 isn't spyware and you damn well know it! It's nothing more than scare tactics spread by people who have their tinfoil hats on too tight. Sure, Windows 10 does send some data to Microsoft but there is nothing indicating that there is any personally identifiable data being sent. Yes, there is metadata and telemetry but metadata and telemetry is a far cry from actual user data.

Besides, do you have any damn clue how many lawsuits that Microsoft would be enduring every day of the week if Windows 10 was really spying on us? Do you? Let's put it this way... Harvard wouldn't be able to pump out enough lawyers to handle the massive load of lawsuits that would be filed against them every day of the week. And we're not even talking about the massive amounts of monetary payouts that Microsoft would be forced to payout. And not only that but think about all of the violations of HIPAA laws, those alone would get Microsoft in so much hot water that they would quite simply be dead.

They would be sued into the ground with the force of a multi-megaton nuke. Microsoft is stupid but they're not that f**king stupid. People like you need to really start thinking with more logical thoughts instead of believing all of this conspiracy crap.

That's what a lot of people around here don't seem to understand, it takes a lot of man-hours to write this kind of stuff and people expect to be paid real money for their work.

Bullshit.
Windows 10 is indeed Spyware and you damn well know it!

There are several websites that explain to you why the "meta data" and "telemetry" as you call it is not truly anonymized

I have also explained in the past why you cannot stay on the Internet while blocking the forced updates from Microsoft
(The O.S. and firewall are backdoored)

I have explained how you know for a fact that bitlocker is backdoored
(The Feds would be screaming for a backdoor and complaining daily that they are locked out if they actually were locked out - but they're not!)

The fact that you continue to spout this "Windows is not Spyware" nonsense directly against all the evidence is simply bizarre

Then why are they not getting sued?

Simple....

The Gov't need those backdoors and Microsoft is using the same tactics that the NSA used for years
(since you cannot prove in a corrupt court that there is an illegal NSA spying program spying on you, then you have no case)

Since the software is closed source, the victims have the burden of proof

It is all but impossible to prove what is hidden in the source code, and did I mention, the Gov't needs those back doors?

STOP DRINKING THE COOL-AID!

Get help now!

 

[PEnnn]

If Microsoft release Windows' source code, someone will dig into how it works and improve current compatibility layer like Wine.
One day Linux may run Windows application smoothly, and Windows would lost its advantages over Linux, which is free.

You know, we've been hearing that for how long now?? 20 year,a at least.
And now you're saying they want to reverse engineer Windows to ......make Linux better!!

And instead, we have fragmented, bastardized Linux all over the horizon. Heck, people (except for the dedicated 5% of users) are not even using the free version of this amazing software....!

 

[trparky]

The Gov't need those backdoors and Microsoft is using the same tactics that the NSA used for years
(since you cannot prove in a corrupt court that there is an illegal NSA spying program spying on you, then you have no case)

Since the software is closed source, the victims have the burden of proof

It is all but impossible to prove what is hidden in the source code, and did I mention, the Gov't needs those back doors?

STOP DRINKING THE COOL-AID!

Get help now!

No, it is you that needs the help man. The government is not out to get little you. They have much bigger fish to fry. You know, like terrorists that want to kill us all because their so called god has told them to do so.

If data collection is the difference between us living and the bad people dying, then I’m all for that data collection every day of the week.

Oh and by the way, Snowden was a damn traitor.

 

[BrandonCardwell]

And that is how you put window's in a headlock, how are they going to wiggle their way out of this I wonder. It is like Verizon or whover just bought Yahoo.com deleting precious files not even caring their importance so they csn turn it into a marketing page, behind the curtains cannot save the library so they burn the whole thing.

 

[Bullwinkle M]

No, it is you that needs the help man. The government is not out to get little you. They have much bigger fish to fry. You know, like terrorists that want to kill us all because their so called god has told them to do so.

If data collection is the difference between us living and the bad people dying, then I’m all for that data collection every day of the week.

Oh and by the way, Snowden was a damn traitor.

Do you have evidence for anything you just said?

That I need help?

That the Gov't was not out to get me?

That there are bigger fish to fry?

That terrorists want to kill us all?

That their so called god has told them to do so?

That data collection is the difference between us living and bad people dying?
or that "YOU" are somehow not "the bad people"

and, that Snowden was a damn traitor?

No links to FAKE NEWS please
Just factual / verifiable evidence is all I'm asking for

Thanks!

 

[trparky]

Do you have evidence for anything you just said?

That I need help?

That the Gov't was not out to get me?

That there are bigger fish to fry?

That terrorists want to kill us all?

That their so called god has told them to do so?

That data collection is the difference between us living and bad people dying?
or that "YOU" are somehow not "the bad people"

and, that Snowden was a damn traitor?

No links to FAKE NEWS please
Just factual / verifiable evidence is all I'm asking for

Thanks!

Look to the Middle East, them people want us all dead. Dead. DEAD! They will stop at nothing until the west is destroyed.

You want to continue living? Do you not want another 9/11? If so, we need all the intelligence information we can get to make sure that another 9/11 NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN!!! If that means that data collection is what needs to be done, so be it.

Better to be safe than dead because some radical Middle Eastern scumbag decided to do another mass terrorist attack. If you think they won’t do it again, think again! We have to stay ever VIGILANT!!! We have to protect ourselves!

You are either with us, or you are against us. The very foundations of western civilization is on the line here, we have to do what is necessary to protect our way of life.