free windows | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Wed, 02 Apr 2014 23:41:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png free windows | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Microsoft to drop Windows license fees for select devices https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/anton-shilov/microsoft-to-drop-windows-license-fees-for-select-devices/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/anton-shilov/microsoft-to-drop-windows-license-fees-for-select-devices/#respond Wed, 02 Apr 2014 22:59:17 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=185619 Microsoft Corp. announced at the Build 2014 conference on Wednesday that it would waive licensing fees for special versions of Windows operating systems for select devices. Microsoft wants to enable partners to offer lower-cost systems in the highly competitive smartphone, tablet and PC categories. Microsoft Windows will be available for 0 dollars to hardware partners …

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Microsoft Corp. announced at the Build 2014 conference on Wednesday that it would waive licensing fees for special versions of Windows operating systems for select devices. Microsoft wants to enable partners to offer lower-cost systems in the highly competitive smartphone, tablet and PC categories.

Microsoft Windows will be available for 0 dollars to hardware partners for Windows Phones and tablets smaller than 9” in size. This offering also enables hardware partners to provide their customers a one-year subscription to Office 365. These steps are projected to help Microsoft’s partners to deliver the rich experience of Windows plus best-in-class hardware, software and services to consumers at affordable prices, thus better competing against Apple and Google.

The software giant also said that the Windows 8.1 update would support Intel’s Bay Trail cost reduced options, which enable devices with 1GB of memory and 16GB storage configurations that are popular on entry level tablets and notebooks/netbooks. In addition, Microsoft indicated that it was working with Intel’s and Qualcomm’s enablement programs that make it easy for their partners to develop new Windows devices quicker.

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Microsoft did not indicate how it plans to monetise its Windows and Office products on devices that come with “free” software.

Back in February it was reported that Microsoft planned to offer a free version of Windows called “Windows 8.1 with Bing.” The OS was expected to bundle key Microsoft apps and services, but not all of them. It was reported that Microsoft wanted to offer end-users an option to purchase additional capabilities that currently come for free with paid flavours of Windows. It was said that the Windows 8.1 with Bing would have minor differences from the fully-fledged Windows 8, but going forward the differences might get more substantial.

Although Windows operating systems are Microsoft’s bread and butter, the company has to compete against Apple and Google, who provide new version of their OSes for free to their customers and partners. For example, the latest version of Apple Mac OS X can be installed onto five-year old Macs, whereas those, who purchased Windows-based machines several years ago now have to pay for the Windows 8.

KitGuru Says: Without any doubts, free Windows is a major revolution for the whole industry. For hardware makers, this makes it easier to bring more compelling devices to market. For software developers, this means higher amount of potential customers. For end-users, it means lower prices and a broader range of devices. But how will Microsoft benefit from free Windows, unless it manages to invent and sell cloud services that the consumers will be eager to pay for? Looks like we need to watch this space…

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Free Windows from Aria, extends the life of old PCs https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/faith/free-windows-from-aria-extends-the-life-of-old-pcs/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/faith/free-windows-from-aria-extends-the-life-of-old-pcs/#respond Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:00:17 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=80971 One of the biggest issues facing PC users is how to get enough Microsoft operating systems to go around. While Apple might offer amazing deals on a complete OS for just over £20, Microsoft has been bleeding users dry for up to £100 at a time – for decades. Now Aria has a solution for …

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One of the biggest issues facing PC users is how to get enough Microsoft operating systems to go around. While Apple might offer amazing deals on a complete OS for just over £20, Microsoft has been bleeding users dry for up to £100 at a time – for decades. Now Aria has a solution for customers. KitGuru drops a copy of CPM on a 5.25″ floppy and heads off to investigate.

Microsoft seems to offer more version of Windows than your average double glazing salesman, but some options are definitely more desirable than others.  Windows Home Server is definitely one of those and, at the time of writing, book stores like Amazon are charging at least £45 for back-door-OEM version.

Not so with Aria. Buy any of its Gladiator Gaming Systems – and you will get a copy of the OS absolutely FREE.

FREE. We like that. It's KitGuru's favourite price.

KitGuru's seen opinions split over a lot of things, but not the attractiveness of a free OS

So, what will it do for you ?

Windows Home Server 2011 is designed to help families keep their files and data automatically backed up, organized, and accessible. Affordable and easy to use, it's normally available as a pre-installed solution. You can apparently use it to recover lost files, restore your PC, help keep your devices running smoothly and safely, and stream media files across your home network. It also claims the following features:-
• Automatic, daily backups of all network PCs
• Easy, centralized PC maintenance and secure access to files across your home network
• Streaming of media files across your network
• Remote, online access to files and home-based PCs
• It's also extendable with add-ins and third-party apps. You know – just like all that Open Source goodness that Microsoft has been touting for years

OK, so the deal seems good and the Gladiator range includes some impressive DX11 specifications from just £339 – so the only thing you need to decide now is ‘Which system spec is best for you'. Once it arrives, you can load your new Gladiator box with the new OS or stick your old OS on the new PC and the new OS on something completely different.

This 19 year old chap was so impressed with Windows Home Server that he never left the house again and lived happily ever after.

KitGuru says: Not sure how Aria has managed this – but getting a FREE OS these days is a really impressive deal. Means you can stream to your hearts content and never have to touch Linux again. Bonza.

Comment below or in the KitGuru forums.

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