IBM dropping Windows. But this may impact everyone here

[kcredden]

Was reading this post on Slashdot, about IBM dropping Windows. Surpised? Perhapse. First you can read the article here (http://it.slashdot.org/it/06/03/08/158247.shtml)

The reason that others like us should be interested at least, is what Windows Vista (the newest version of Windows) will do, and require.

First the hardware requirments are to say the least - insane. I've heard rumors as much as 2 GIGS of memory, 5 gigs of harddrive space to hold just the OS, and at least a 3 ghz processor. Which are just now starting to come out. ALL THIS JUST FOR THE OS, not mentioning your programs.

Now the real sticker.

Windows Vista will be running a new concept called 'DRM' or Digital Rights Management. That's the offical term for it. It should be renamed 'Digital Restricive mangement' for that's exactly what it's designed for. To restrict YOU from doing what YOU want on YOUR system you bought and paid for. This has been offically said. The companies want to restrict users on their computers.

Want to rip a new CD? CAn't do it, if the music industry doesn't want you too.
Want to watch the new DVD? Might, - if the MPAA allows it.
Have a home movie want to burn to a DVD? *might* be able too, if the MPAA allows it.

Basically what it does, is that if you have something a big company doesn't want you to do, they can and probably will stop you.

This means also software companies, can lock-down a program via the internet to force you to upgrade, plus who knows what else they'll think of.

This isn't just built into the OS (windows) it's also on the new motherboard chips.

What's to stop you? Basically if you want to watch a video for example, you have to have a specially designed monitor with DRM built in. Same goes for speakers as well. Which means, you have to buy a WHOLE new system. Computer, Memory, Monitor, Speakers, Harddrives. Everything.

This isn't the only bad about Vista, but it's the worse.

This is one reason I suspect, (probably the biggest) why IBM is dropping Windows.

Better start looking to the MLUG group, and start the migration to Linux now. We have a few years before support for XP is gone.

[Craftsman]

I was reading your post and noticed that it said IBM is dropping windows. Is it...or is it just IBM Germany? Everything I've read is only says it's Germany only.

"Andreas Pleschek (from IBM in Stuttgart, Germany) also told that IBM has cancelled their contract with Microsoft as of October this year. That means that IBM will not use Windows Vista for their desktops. Beginning from July, IBM employees will begin using IBM Workplace on their new, Red Hat-based platform. Not all at once - some will keep using their present Windows versions for a while. But none will upgrade to Vista."

And about switching to linux, not yet. XP support will be around for a while. Plus IMHO their are too many versions to choose from and all claiming to be the best. Theirs other reasons not to go to linux, but those are not mentioned in discussions most of the time.

[kcredden]

Craftsman:

Since I posted that, I've sort of regretted it. For I've found more misinformation, and misdirection about this article, than on nearly anything I've seen posted in the computer industry for a long time.

So the bottom line for IBM at the moment is; wait and see, take everything with a grain of salt. For I don't think even IBM or MS knows yet.

However, I'll stand by my assertians with Vista's DRM. It may take a few years before it all settles down. I smell lawsuits coming though this, and I'm sure the lawyers are ready to circle, for they'll smell the blood in the water too.

BTW on a totally offtopic thread, I absolutely love your icon! :) Is this your infant? Or something you pulled off the internet? [hehehs]

I was reading your post and noticed that it said IBM is dropping windows. Is it...or is it just IBM Germany? Everything I've read is only says it's Germany only.

"Andreas Pleschek (from IBM in Stuttgart, Germany) also told that IBM has cancelled their contract with Microsoft as of October this year. That means that IBM will not use Windows Vista for their desktops. Beginning from July, IBM employees will begin using IBM Workplace on their new, Red Hat-based platform. Not all at once - some will keep using their present Windows versions for a while. But none will upgrade to Vista."

And about switching to linux, not yet. XP support will be around for a while. Plus IMHO their are too many versions to choose from and all claiming to be the best. Theirs other reasons not to go to linux, but those are not mentioned in discussions most of the time.

[RHP Studios]

I ran vista beta 2 64 bit on a brand spanking new system - for about 2 days. System specs: AMD64 3400+ - 2GB Memory - Nvidia 512MB Video Card and the only way I can describe it, would be like installing Windows XP Pro on hardware meant for Windows 9x. To say it was slow would be an understatement. Imagine what it would be like running xp pro with only 64mb of physical memory - almost impossible, but not quite....about the same difference.

I figured Microsoft was developing vista for future hardware platforms, like AMD128 cpu - and about the time microsoft gets vista developed and stable, AMD128 cpu's will probably be available.

Now, it's beta software and bugs are expected - but I wanted to see the "features" about all the new video enhancements that "Microsoft" came up with - fact is, those video enhancements have existed in Linux for a while now. I wasn't impressed at all.