Microsoft on Wednesday revealed software that turns older PCs into more modern and secure systems, but in the process also makes them less than full-fledged computers.
The software, known as Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs, is designed as a stopgap measure for companies with a significant number of older Windows PCs that they aren’t ready to replace and that can’t be easily upgraded to Windows XP.
Formerly known by its Eiger code name, Windows Fundamentals gives those PCs some of the security benefits of XP but essentially turns the machines into thin clients, able to run only a few programs locally, with most software needing to run remotely from a server.
There are better ways to do this. Stay tuned.
“There are better ways to do this.”
Yes, it’s called Linux.
I see this happening more frequently in office environments. Whether it is Micro$oft supplying the software or someone else, it makes sense for many applications. Though not buying new computers won’t make Intel or Dell very happy.
So how much does this software cost?
If MS would CLEAN up the OS, and restructure it, it could be a WILD OS.
But, thats a NO COMMENT. IT wont happen.
A cheap simple Passive OS, is NOT on their agenda. They want the Wallowing Whale of a ROCK…
They could have some NICE stuff, if they would open it up. LET everyone FIX it.
The Microsoft solution sounds like another closed system architecture – even more dependent on MS daily upgrades.
Yes you can run the old machines – but you will need an $800 server license, client access licenses, a fast network, a big server
and it will still be targeted for malware. It’ll start up just as slow, and be another thing to learn between the user and the web.
Maybe it is too late for Win 98 – but – The government should force MS to continue to support Windows 2000 indefinitately (or sell it to someone who will support it indefinitely) so users are not on the receiving end of planned obsolescence forever.
How many people actually choose to upgrade – versus those who are forced to?
If you got enough money to make this work you may as well spring for new stuff. Either that or light it up with ’98 and get on with it.
No need for ’98. Linux comes free, most distributions come with all the software typical user will need (also free) and it runs on ye’olde machines as a charm… Safely…
Maybe one day these Linux kooks will realize the “No need: Use Linux” line doesn’t work, either for home consumers or business consumers. If it did this would already be happening in offices all over the planet.
Simple fact: IT workers get cudos by making old computers work, period. M$ is giving them a tool to do this, Linux gives them a whole new way to do everything. The tool that solves the specific problem at hand always beats the everything-under-the-sun solution.
Seems like a good product idea to me, as long as it is priced reasonably.
Yes, Linux may be better in theory but Linux is a pain-in-the-neck to install and debug.
Consider
http://www.kioskcd.com/
Linux based – self configuring – runs on most older systems
Virus and spyware Immune!
Is this enough function to keep your old PC around?
Trouble is – it loads at about the same snail pace as Windows