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Topic: Why Wait for (Microsoft) Eiger When Linux Is Ready Today?

radiorahim
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 2777

posted 17 May 2005 01:12 AM

quote:
Well, well, well. Microsoft has decided to offer a thin desktop operating system in the United States after all. Could it be that the Linux desktop, with some help from the low-cost Mac Mini, is finally making the boys from Redmond sweat?
Yup.
Eiger, an anorexic version of Windows XP Pro, is meant for PC users whose machines are still running Windows 98, ME, NT Workstation or 2000. Microsoft has already stopped mainstream support for the first three, and W2K's day of no-support reckoning comes on June 30.

E-week article

[ 17 May 2005: Message edited by: radiorahim ]

From: a Micro$oft-free computer | Registered: Jun 2002 | IP: Logged

Cougyr
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3336

posted 17 May 2005 01:29 AM

quote:
Microsoft has already stopped mainstream support for the first three, and W2K's day of no-support reckoning comes on June 30.

Microsoft could reduce or eliminate a lot of criticism if they would open-source those old versions. As far as the company cares, those versions are dead. So, why not?

From: over the mountain | Registered: Nov 2002 | IP: Logged

rbil
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 582

posted 23 May 2005 01:30 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Cougyr:
Microsoft could reduce or eliminate a lot of criticism if they would open-source those old versions. As far as the company cares, those versions are dead. So, why not?

Because, who in their right mind would want that junk on their computer, when Linux is available?

From: IRC: irc.bcwireless.net JOIN: #linuxtalk | Registered: May 2001 | IP: Logged

radiorahim
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 2777

posted 23 May 2005 10:06 PM

I've since found out that "Eiger" is actually not really even designed for the home market...its more of a "terminal server client" for use in business when companies have oodles of older PC's still in use.

quote:
Because, who in their right mind would want that junk on their computer, when Linux is available?

Well I suppose from a "P.R." perspective it might be a good move for M$ to "open source" legacy operating systems. And also the open source community might be able to fix some of the bugs in
M$' older operating systems...and perhaps provide on-going security support if they could get their hands on the source code.

From: a Micro$oft-free computer | Registered: Jun 2002 | IP: Logged

Cougyr
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3336

posted 23 May 2005 11:40 PM

Not to mention all those proprietary hardware drivers.

From: over the mountain | Registered: Nov 2002 | IP: Logged

radiorahim
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 2777

posted 23 May 2005 11:54 PM

quote:
Not to mention all those proprietary hardware drivers.

How true!

I've got an ancient "parallel port" scanner and in the Window$ world it won't work past Win98. It can be made to work with Linux.

A friend has a multi-function fax/printer/scanner that doesn't work beyond Win98. My friend will have to chuck a perfectly good piece of equipment whenever he upgrades to a new computer with a newer version of Window$.

From: a Micro$oft-free computer | Registered: Jun 2002 | IP: Logged

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