Dragonlair You are Right Windows 7 is Vista sp2 it was just some bad drivers that made a bad name and don't for get windows 7 got some old from windows 3.1 for one Windows Media Player 2 it goes v.2 v.6.5 v.9 so on

I have no intention of getting involved with Windows 8. I transitioned to Windows 7 just a week after Windows 8 came out and got a buy on a PC with 7 on it (Walmart was trying to get rid of the old stock). I only change OS's when I have to -- need a new PC for some reason. In this case, the power supply on my 5+ year machine was getting iffy. Of course, it's worked fine since I got the new one. :)

My point is, most of the problems with Vista was marketing. That garbage about "vista compatible" only meaning Vista Starter hurt the OS from the start and it never recovered. I have not seen that much difference between Vista and 7. 7 is mainly a re-marketed Vista under a name that is acceptable and far enough down the line that the hardware really is ready for it. I like Vista!

Then again, I never had a problem with ME either. That was just a revamped 98 and I never understood why there were so many complaints.

With any OS, there are pluses and minuses. If you're flexible, you can make do with what you have and actually get comfortable with it. Witness the EXTREME loyalty to XP. It's just what they know and like and they don't want to change!

One of my co-workers commented when Windows 8 was released that it looked to him like it was going to be another Window's Vista. Could be.

Windows 8 in the same boat as Vista.

In December, Windows 8's uptake pace fell behind Vista's for the first time. Both were lethargic compared to Windows 7's trajectory in late 2009. (Data: Net Applications.)

http://www.cio.com/article/722626/Windows_8_Brings_Zero_Pop_to_Consumer_PC_Sales

Windows 8 Brings Zero 'Pop' to Consumer PC Sales

U.S. notebook and desktop sales down 21% in Windows 8's first month, says NPD, showing the new OS hasn't moved the meter

Computerworld — Windows 8 has delivered no bump to flagging consumer PC sales in the U.S., a retail research analyst said today.

"There wasn't any pop at all," said Steven Baker of the NPD Group. "The hope was that Windows 8 would shift the market to a more positive stand, add some momentum to sales. But that hasn't happened."

Since the Oct. 26 launch of Windows 8, consumer notebook and desktop sales in the U.S. have fallen 21% compared to the same period last year, said Baker. Laptop sales were down even more -- 24% year-over-year -- while desktop numbers were off considerably less, just 9%. https://www.computerworld.com/

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9235166/Update_Windows_8_s_early_uptake_lags_behind_Vista_s

Update: Windows 8's early uptake lags behind Vista's

Finishes December strong, but remains listless compared to Windows 7's rocket-like climb in 2009

Final online usage numbers for 2012 released Tuesday confirmed that Windows 8 failed to match Windows Vista's uptake pace during its first two months.

Preliminary numbers from Net Applications last week indicated that Windows 8 would end the month behind Vista's uptake at the same point in its release cycle. Yesterday's data confirmed the earlier projections by Computerworld.

According to the U.S.-based analytics firm, Windows 8's December global usage share was 1.9% of all Windows PCs, slightly lower than the 2.2% Vista posted in early 2007 after two full months of availability.

Windows 8 did make its strongest showing in the month's final week, however. In the week ending Dec. 29, which included Christmas, Windows 8 accounted for 2.1% of all Windows systems, a jump of four-tenths of a percentage point from the week before.

It was Windows 8's biggest-ever week-to-week increase since its Oct. 26 launch.

The inability of Windows 8 to keep pace with Vista is a troubling sign for the new operating system. Vista was pegged a failure

Microsoft has also gone after stores for selling systems loaded with Windows that they did pay for, but just under the wrong license -- not the license needed for selling to a customer with a new PC/laptop. Not saying that's the case here, but another reason for folks to be careful where they buy from.

But they won't blame Kim Dotcom for this too?

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=9857

New Zealand computer stores caught selling pirated software

A recent investigation undertaken by Microsoft New Zealand has identified six Auckland computer stores selling pirated software to consumers.

Microsoft’s investigators bought computers loaded with unlicensed Microsoft software at:

• IT Serve International
• Comtech International
• D&J IT Solutions
• Computer Xpress
• R.A.Y Tech
• Powernet Computers.

All six stores admitted breaching Microsoft’s copyright, and settlements were reached with each company.

"It tends to be the smaller, local computer stores that are the ones selling unauthorised software in New Zealand," says Clayton Noble, Legal Counsel for Microsoft.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10844971

He would provide New Zealand internet service providers such as Telecom and Vodafone with free access for individual customers and charge a fee to business and central government.

Kiwis would still be charged a fee by the internet companies, but it would be as low as one-fifth of current bandwidth plans and three to five times faster with no transfer limits.

The $400m would be partly funded by Me.ga, raising additional funds from investors.

He added he could fund the project by suing Hollywood studios and the US Government for their "unlawful and political destruction of my business". Pacific Fibre, the company headed by Trade Me founder Sam Morgan, ceased operations in August after failing to raise enough capital for the project.

Pacific Fibre hoped to build a 12,950km fibre cable between Auckland, Sydney and Los Angeles.

IMHO, I think an Android app section would be a hit.

Dotcom trumpets free fibre broadband for all New Zealanders

http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/7904696/Dotcom-trumpets-free-fibre

Controversial internet tycoon Kim Dotcom is promising free broadband for all New Zealanders, possibly alongside Trade Me founder Sam Morgan.

Dotcom yesterday tweeted: "I will relaunch Pacific Fibre. Free broadband for all Kiwi's [sic]."

Pacific Fibre was the company part-launched by Morgan in 2010 to build an ambitious 13,000 kilometre high-speed fibre-optic cable connecting New Zealand and Australia to California.

Dotcom recently announced the relaunch his megaupload digital storage site - shut down in January by US authorities, who then persuaded New Zealand police to launch an armed raid on his mansion north of Auckland.

The Telecommunications Users Association of New Zealand believes Dotcom could be the money man Morgan needs to revive Pacific Fibre.

"This is exactly the sort of thing we need. Someone who is high profile internationally to get it going," said CEO Paul Brislen.

The increased broadband capacity would attract large international digital companies and give New Zealand businesses greater access to international markets.

"New Zealand needs this to help move from a primary industry economy to a digital based economy," Brislen said.

Why?

If its not in the Play Store I wouldn't download and install it.

"Giveaway suggestions" is only for ask for some software i'd thinked.

But.. what about this topic, what do you think about an "android giveaway"?

(the question is for everyone)

Yes very good may be put in [sticky]" Giveaway Suggestions " as well

Why don't open an "android giveaway"? The website may gift one app every day. I think that may do happy a lot of people and that it's a great idea.

What do you think about?

(I'm italian, sorry for the mistakes)

https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/existing-customers/product-activation.aspx

If your organization has fewer than 50 PCs, the best option is to use Multiple Activation Keys (MAK) with Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT).
VLKs can be used only with Volume Licensing products; they cannot be used with retail software or software that is preinstalled on a new computer (original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, products).

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd979803.aspx

Activation Improvements in Windows 7

Modified Hardware Tolerance Values

With Windows 7, customers are less likely to trigger an out-of-tolerance condition that results in a need to reactivate the computer.

Original Equipment Manufacturers

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) activation is a perpetual, one-time activation that associates Windows 7 with the firmware (BIOS) of a computer. This occurs before the computer ships to the customer, so the end user or organization is not required to take any additional actions. The copy of Windows 7 that the OEM installs on a computer is valid only on that particular computer, and it can be reinstalled and reactivated only from the OEM-provided recovery media.

Windows 7 Activation and Licensing

Customers can obtain licenses for Windows 7 through one of three channels: retail, original equipment manufacturer (OEM), or Volume Licensing (VL). One software license is always required for each computer that uses Windows

http://www.neowin.net/news/report-microsoft-to-change-windows-8-oem-activation

http://gizmodo.com/5931972/microsoft-changes-up-its-windows-8-activation-policy-to-curb-the-rampant-piracy-it-seems-to-expect

This time, Microsoft is demanding a little more, and will be requiring OEMs to write a unique activation key into the BIOS of each machine, and ship them with the operating pre-installed. OEMs also going to have to get all keys directly from Microsoft, no ifs ands or buts

http://www.neowin.net/news/windows-8-activations-made-possible-by-belarus-customs

Windows 8 activations made possible by Belarus Customs
Thanks to a tip sent into Neowin, we now know why it was possible to activate the Windows 8 RTM leaks illegally for a short time, and well before it should be legally possible.

The bypass, which is now shut down, was made possible by Belarusian customs officers who setup their own Key Management Server (KMS). It was one of the first servers that pirates had been using to activate the Windows 8 RTM leaks, and not just anywhere, but in a state institution - Gomel customs.

It's unclear if they were contacted by Microsoft, or simply shut it down due to over-capacity.

EULA # 4.* MANDATORY ACTIVATION. *
. Unless the software is activated, you have no right to use the software after the time permitted for activation. This is to prevent its unlicensed use. You are not permitted to bypass or circumvent activation. If the computer is connected to the Internet, the software may automatically connect to Microsoft for activation. You can also activate the software manually by Internet or telephone. If you do so, Internet and telephone service charges may apply. Some changes to your computer components or the software may require you to reactivate the software. The software will remind you to activate it until you do.
5.* VALIDATION. *
a. Validation verifies that the software has been activated and is properly licensed. It also verifies that no unauthorized changes have been made to the validation, licensing, or activation functions of the software. Validation may also check for certain malicious or unauthorized software related to such unauthorized changes. A validation check confirming that you are properly licensed permits you to continue to use the software, certain features of the software or to obtain additional benefits. You are not permitted to circumvent validation. This is to prevent unlicensed use of the software. For more information, see go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?Linkid=104610.
b. The software will from time to time perform a validation check of the software.

Microsoft may
· repair the software, remove, quarantine or disable any unauthorized changes that may interfere with the proper use of the software, including circumvention of the activation or validation functions of the software

14.* GEOGRAPHIC RESTRICTIONS.*

and it only works on the PC it come with & it ACTIVATION no need for me to do this as it a new laptop one year old now ,have a look in Even Viewer and see all the licensed check most day it check.
and come with 20 EULA some in x86 and 64-bit as well.

EULAID:Win7_RM.0_HP_RTL_en-us

Yes it like that on my Windows 7

It may be because MS tolerates a small amount of activations that aren't strictly legal [according to their lic. terms], or it may be problems with the off-shore call centers they use, but Microsoft has a habit of activating Windows wherever it's running, so it may still be worth a try if you ever want/need to use that win7 license on replacement hardware.

I don't know if they'll change anything for win8 or not, but everything I've read & experienced with win7 installs, suggests that win7 activation without a phone call is a coin toss [50/50 odds], but activation over the phone works more than 99% of the time.

Yes it like that on my Windows 7

That article at myce has spawned several others... some are saying that similar to some OEM versions now, there will be a matching key in the Bios, making that win8 license only valid on that original hardware.

http://www.myce.com/news/exclusive-windows-8-contains-new-product-activation-method-62879/

Exclusive: Windows 8 contains new product activation method

Information on the new Windows 8 OEM activation that is covered by an Non Disclosure Agreement (DNA) has been leaked to the internet.

http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-mice-keyboards-143871

Windows 8: New Mice and Keyboards
Microsoft today announced a new family of mice and keyboards that are designed specifically for Windows 8. Additionally, the software giant announced that it will update its existing Touch Mouse with new gesture settings for Windows 8, as expected.

http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-release-preview-trackpad-gesture-support-143246

http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/windowsexperience/archive/2012/07/30/new-windows-8-ready-mice-and-keyboards-from-microsoft-hardware.aspx

The Wedge Mobile Keyboard is designed specifically to be used with tablets. It seamlessly connected to my tablet via Bluetooth
The Wedge Mobile Keyboard will be available soon for $79.95 (U.S.).
The Wedge Mobile Keyboard also has a little brother – the Wedge Touch Mouse.

I subscribe to Consumer Reports but I'm still not that confident in their opinions. I don't personally own the new iPad but one of my co-workers bought one the day they were available and I asked him about overheating. Said he didn't know anything about it and hadn't experienced it with his.

P.S it Not So Hot: New iPad Heat Levels Comparable to Android Tablets or less see PC World fist post

http://go.bloomberg.com/tech-blog/2012-03-21-consumer-reports-gets-torched-over-ipad-temperature-test/

A line in the report — and later removed — said the temperature was nearly as hot as the average temperature in Death Valley. That sounds bad.

http://www.loopinsight.com/2012/03/20/consumer-reports-from-bagels-to-ipads/

It’s like Consumer Reports trolls the Web to see what people are complaining about and they put that in their report.
You remember Consumer Reports contradictions about the iPhone 4 right? That’s when the iPhone 4 scored highest among all smartphones, but on the same day Consumer Reports said it couldn’t recommend the iPhone.

http://techcrunch.com/2012/03/20/dangerously-lukewarm/?icid=tc_home_art

Consumer Reports Recommends New iPad As Your Next Home Grill

http://www.buzzfeed.com/jwherrman/what-applecare-will-tell-you-about-your-hot-ipad

What AppleCare Will Tell You About Your Hot iPad
In response to complaints about the new iPad getting hot, Apple denies it's a problem and says “contact AppleCare.” So we did.

I wouldn't call it scary. I would call it much ado about nothing. Anything that has a processor and a battery is going to generate heat. I'm amazed they don't generate more than they do.

appears google is becoming more limiting and exclusive in its business ways :(

yes, I read about this the other day - kind of scary - new technology always comes with new problems. Am curious to see what becomes of this issue - if Apple fixes it (as a future improvement) with time.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/252504/not_so_hot_new_ipad_heat_levels_comparable_to_android_tablets.html

Not So Hot: New iPad Heat Levels Comparable to Android Tablets
PCWorld Labs tests show heat dissipation is a universal tablet problem.

http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2159843/google-preparing-overhaul-search-engine

The Telegraph reports that the "new Google search engine" will add Wolfram Alpha like results, suggestomg that soon it might return just one answer to certain queries, rather than a list of links.
Google has more or less confirmed the moves.

According to that article, looks like Windows 8 is geared towards touch screen and who wants that for a desktop? As it is we have fingerprint smeared digital cameras. I'm one of that 50% sticking to XP.. as in another topic discussed, I just made the addition to SP3 for SP2 on XP and I'm not in the market for anything else that's new and 'improved'! As the old saying goes: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"!