Discussion:

Microsoft tries to breathe life into older PCs

65 Comments

Microsoft tries to breathe life into older PCs

Sonja Thompson - 05/13/05 Please read the original article.

1. Microsoft tries to breathe life into older PCs

Sonja Thompson - 05/13/05 Microsoft is developing a new version of Windows, called "Eiger," that's targeted at customers who have older PCs but can't afford to upgrade their hardware. Eiger turns older PCs into a thin client that can run a few programs locally, including IE, Windows Media Player, and antivirus software.

Will you consider Eiger to bridge the gap in your organization?

1.1. It depends ...

etruss@... - 05/13/05 The answer, of course, is "it depends". A minimal operating system might be just the thing for those cheaper or older PCs that people just use for email and the Web or maybe even office applications. Certainly newer computers are a lot more hardware than you need for most main-stream tasks. It depends on the cost, the support costs and what it will do when it's done.

1.1.1. Cost? New hardware is as little as....

blayer@... - 05/17/05 ...$300 (specials from Dell)!! Why would you not buy hardware?

1.1.1.1. Cost!

etruss@... - 05/31/05 "Certainly newer computers are a lot more hardware than you need for most main-stream tasks." Add on to the zero hardware cost the savings on distributing that new hardware and you have a significant amount of money. For one person, sure, why not buy the new hardware. For more than one person, it's just too expensive for some outfits.

1.2. Need advance technology

mkabeer@... - 05/13/05 Every one is looking for a advance technology, so Microsoft should not entertain these kind of hanky-pancky work to organization to maintain their old hardware's.. because this is biggest advantages for organizations.. only employee will suffer on their work....

1.2.1. I disagree..

damunzy - 05/13/05 The upgrade cycle that many companies go through is too rapid. A 1 Ghz computer with 512 MB of RAM is the perfect machine for word processing, email, web surfing (for looking up business information, of course), and other business programs.

Now, I will grant that there are certain jobs that need more power: 3D Graphics (rendering takes forever), Programming (Compiling takes for ever), CAD (Same as 3D Graphics). But most companies do not need this much power.

1.2.2. Not everyone is looking for advanced technology...

mark.patelunas@... - 05/13/05 Not everyone is looking for advanced technology. In most business environments you don't want or need new hardware features. If you are in a business that is regulated, i.e. Banking, it is easier to lock down less features than more.

A good IT professional will test all the software and hardware needed to be used at a workstation. If it runs all required software how does the employee suffer?

1.2.2.1. no

driv101 - 05/13/05 most people as well as companys just whant there stuff to work just turn it on like the tv
not all this mumble jumble get new crap just give them the ops to pay to keep getting updates
that shold do the trick

1.2.2.1.1. I agree...

MWRadio@... - 06/07/05 A new OS, even one based on a current version IS expensive. I repeat my previous postings to other threads.
If Microsoft would offer patches to older OS's as a cheap subscription service. Say $10 - $20 per machine per year, they would have more than enough revenew from people (and small businesses)who will not be buying new in any volume anyway, to justfy the cost of on-going patch releases. But their short sighted vision in marketing won't ever allow that!

1.2.3. Advanced technology would be great, but...

Cool_breeze - 05/13/05 it's not realistic in many organizations. I work in a regional education office. Our technology budget is zero. I have to try to convince other departments to use some of their grant money to upgrade their own equipment and occasionally, they will.

I was about to get excited when I first read about Eiger. I thought I might be able to implement it in our office and get some more use out of computers. Then I saw that it basically turned the computer into a thin client. I'm working with a server that has a 20GB hard drive and 900 MHz processor. It's not going to be able to handle running software for the thin clients. It's got it's hands (or hard drive) full already. I've got the most advanced computer in our office. It's got a 1.9 GHz processor, 256 MB RAM with 8MB of shared video RAM and I'm running Photoshop and Dreamweaver on it. Sometimes, I end up bringing in my personal iBook if I'm doing some heavy duty Photoshop work.

I'm not trying to sound like a whiner or anything, I just want to make sure you understand that a lot of us having to make do with what we can beg, borrow, or scrounge. The latest technology would be awesome, but it's not realistic. As it is, Eiger is even more than our current systems can handle. However, it sounds like an awesome alternative for a lot of cash strapped organizations, such as schools. Did I just say a M$ product sounded awesome? Wow! Way to go Micrososft, I didn't think I'd ever say that! LOL

1.2.3.1. I agree, but.....

lastchip - 05/15/05 the cynic in me asks, is it because Microsoft are recognising, Linux is slowly becoming a serious competitor in the business environment, for running relatively secure systems on old hardware?

I also question the need to continually update hardware and software just for the sake of it.

By all means monitor for potential problems, but in the main my motto is; if it 'aint broke, don't fix it! (and the bean counters agree!)

There are far more organisations, both commercial and non-commercial like yours, that do not have the resources to maintain the perpetual upgrade cycle and require significantly more than five years between replacements. It's not rocket science, witness the amount of organisations still running Windows 98 and you get the picture!

1.2.3.2. "1.9 GHz and 256 MB RAM"? I have to type on a cardboard box!

jennyn - 05/16/05 I work with small voluntary / nonprofit organizations. For many of them, we still beg Microsoft for licenses of Win 98 which I regularly install and support. (MS are willing to sell these for $5 ea to licensed refurbishers such as ourselves).

Thin client is not what is needed for example in a two person office trying to advocate against child abuse.

Such projects may be working on donated 266Mhz computers with 128MB RAM (we recommend they turn down lower specs). They primarily need to Word Process, send email and surf (broadband makes this quite acceptable on a low end PC).

This is why many Nonprofit Service Providers and Technologists in developing countries are starting to look at Linux and OpenOffice type solutions.

We should not have to throw these PCs into landfills. It is for this level of equipment that MS should consider a low overhead upgrade to Windows 98 and Office 97!

1.2.3.2.1. Amen to that

nerdse - 05/17/05 I work for a small hospital. We have pentium IIIs and are grateful for upgrades and Win 2K.

I use a Pentium II 450 mhz running win98 at home because I can't afford to upgrade. Tried the course on building your own PC and got scared at the prices there, too.

Microsoft is in this for maxing income, not to help people out, and it's contributing to pollution that you can't usually even put a new motherboard in an old case and you sure as heck can't upgrade anything so you have to pitch it when you get something with more power.

I am looking myself to some sort of open source stuff for my home PC. My son is in a small parochial school running old P2s on Win98, too, so whatever I learn about open source might hopefully help them as well.

It would really be nice if they followed jennyn's suggestion instead of retiring older OSs. We are not all multibillionaires, Mr. Gates! Nor are our employers who often make the world a better place and do so making do with what we can beg, borrow, or steal.

1.3. Finally, an upgrade that slims down the OS..

damunzy - 05/13/05 ...instead of adding in a lot of stuff. I look forward to this release.

1.4. Nope, but...

Cweb - 05/13/05 Not at my organization, but this seems ideal for individuals that can't afford the constant upgrades. Especially those who really only need to check their email.

1.5. Yes this is just what we need. My organization is putting older computers .

seejoyce@... - 05/13/05 This will be great for use in the plans in my organization to put older computers into lower income homes. We are having to use donated computers. I think it is a fantastic plan.

1.5.1. depends

Florinel - 09/16/05 If you have a servers farm with all necessary software also!
If not, instead of pay for new workstation you will pay to upgrade the servers software/hardware and the network infrastructure.

1.6. Better then Windows 98 ??

adam.kozakiewicz@... - 05/13/05 If this new version is faster then 98 and runs most apps, may be we can keep running these older computers instead of upgrading every 3 to 4 years. Most users don?t need much more than IE and Media player.

1.6.1. Slower than win98

raulsf@... - 05/13/05 I don?t understand the purpose of Microsoft. In organizations we usually need an e-mail client, a browser, a text program and a spreadsheet. All included in Windows 95. It will be very difficult to convince the managers to spend money in something they already have.

1.6.1.1. Actually this makes eminent sense

sunilguptasg - 05/13/05 It's amazing how we trivialize such a significant move from MS. Large organizations are moving to thin clients. Cost of OS, application, patch, virus, security, audit & the need for any-where computing makes traditional fat/rich desktops very high.

This is not going to be Win9x, but likely to be a network ready client, optimized for thin client computing. The pitch of using older desktops is just that: only a pitch. I do not see organizations making technical decisions like thin client computing to save dollars on hardware, even if they have 50,000 ageing PC's.

1.6.2. Specs

Black Panther - 05/15/05 http://bink.nu/Article3812.bink

Windows XP "Eiger"
Minimum System Requirements
64MB RAM (128MB Recommended)
Pentium class processor
500 MB HD (1GB recommended)
800x600 graphics or higher
Network Interface Card
Hardware Support
Standard & ACPI Chipsets
ISA, PCI, AGP, USB, ATA/IDE, SCSI, AC?97, Smartcards
Support for most standard components in legacy PCs
Deployment Methods
Setup wizard
Unattended setup
Remote Installation Server (PXE/RIS)
Systems Management Server
Boot Methods
Hard Disk, Flash
PXE/RIS User Feature Set
Remote desktop connection client
Shutdown, restart, standby
Accessibility features
Internet Explorer
Local & Network Printing
Basic Control Panel
Office Viewers
Servicing
Windows Update Services
Systems Management Server
Management
Standard Microsoft management technologies (WMI, MMC ?)
Not supported
Windows image acquisition (WIA)
Telephony, VPN & Dial-up
Wireless networking (802.11)

1.6.2.1. Old PC still won't handle Eiger

GMR@... - 05/17/05 After looking at hte "specs" my in use old Pentium, 32MB memory system still won't able to upgrade. Live on Win 95.

1.7. hard to believe

epix - 05/13/05 ...that even more MS products could make anybody happier. Is this going to be a low budget version for low budget users it doesn't actually need to fit 'older' hardware only. Looks like a marketing niche policy to prevent bored users wander off to linux + co.

I'd rather tend to assume users sticking to their old hardware don't change their eg win98 for 'Eiger' unless its free, why should they otherwise?

Once prices for an up to date os exceed prices for hardware which is only 2 years old the trend goes to oem versions preinstalled on most machines. so most buyers are supplied anyway and need not break their brains - see it happening...

1.7.1. Why should you update from '98 to Eiger?

mark.patelunas@... - 05/13/05 Why should you update from '98 to Eiger?

SECURITY!

1.8. Security is important ...

zMk - 05/13/05 The use of "Eiger", can be considered only if "Eiger", exposes more security than the actual OS from Microsoft, for example, as Windows XP.

If so .. well that can be a point t consider..

But once again... Microsoft is doing what Open Source Software, in this case, Linux, do along time ago ...

Any version of linux, need only to run a simple 486 CPU ... a lit bit of RAM ...

Until now... what was Microsoft thinking anyway?

1.9. The Eiger Sanction

kmumpelb - 05/13/05 Is it just me or does the name sound suspiciously like Tiger? I?m sure we?re not all Swiss Alpine skiers. Does this mean that it?s going to be a nice stable OS?

It sounds like a good idea in principal although if, as the story suggests, it?s more geared towards the Internet and multimedia, it sounds like it will be more applicable for home users.

1.9.1. As of late most new operating systems being dev...

mark.patelunas@... - 05/13/05 As of late most new operating systems being developed at microsoft are being named after mountains, for example Wistler and Longhorn.

1.9.2. The Eiger Sanction Recast

BFilmFan - 05/13/05 Hmmm I, of course, get to play Dragon, since I am the only man here fat and mean enough looking to be an understudy for Thayer David.

Oz can play Ben Bowman.
Smorty can play Miles Mellough.
Jay, the Trivia Geek, can play Pope.
Maxwell Edison can play Karl Freytag.
TheAdmiral as Krueger.

Note to forget the ladies:

Cute Elf can be Jeminia Brown.
ITGirli can be Mrs. Anna Montaigne.
Super_IT_Mom can be Miss Cerberus.
Jessie as Buns. (That one was just TOO much to resist!)

And this actually give me a whole NEW ideas for a thread. The TR Casting Call!

1.9.2.1. May the lord have mercy on your soul because Jessie won't.

sleepin'dawg - 05/15/05 You take on a hormonally irrate woman at your peril. She's going to come after you, fangs out; prepare yourself. wink

I can visualize the virtual blood now. It's not going to be pretty.

Dawg devil

1.9.2.2. Dangit!

Jessie - 05/17/05 Now I have to go rent a Clint Eastwood movie to find out just how badly I've been insulted!!! Maybe I'll get Anywhich Way but Loose and Heartbreak Ridge and make a night of it.

1.9.2.2.1. Any Which Way But Loose

Oz_Media - 05/17/05 At least then you could cast BFilmfan as Clyde, right turn Clyde.

I am gonna move that we rename BFilmFan to BFlimflam. happy

With my typos, I have NEARLY posted that before... by accident, of course.

1.10. Remember DOS?

newby7718@... - 05/13/05 Many DOS systems are still being used in the world today ... and for those users who are happy with them ... God bless DOS.

As for myself and my employees, I wouldn't want to back down to old technology at any level other than the latest.

When the latest Windows OS are properly optimized and secured they are the best thing out there. It is worth the cost to have faster, more efficient systems to support our operations. Anything less is just not acceptable and actually cost more in the long run.

1.10.1. And CP/M

Larry the Security Guy - 05/13/05 CP/M still runs on at least one machine in the world (my old K10 is humming along nicely).

Backing down to old technology wasn't suggested, I don't think. But SOHOs and many individuals currently using that older technolgy may be unable to upgrade their hardware for whatever reason, yet do have a need to run more modern applications. MS stands a chance of losing that market to less expensive alternatives so they're trying to retain it. And they will retain every user who does not want to learn a new system (not that it's at all difficult).

1.10.1.1. CP/M Ancients

BFilmFan - 05/13/05 Man don't let on we are old enough to know how to run that stuff.

Next thing you know they will be wanting us to explain those 4044's in the Heathkits with the On/Off LED's.

Gotta run, I hear my H.E.R.O. calling me!

1.10.1.2. Mnemonics

ozi Eagle - 06/08/05 At least with MSDOS the mnemonics made some sense as to what they did.
From ancient memory CPM used mnemonics like PIP meaning to delete, DEL is much easier to remember.

1.10.1.2.1. Actually PIP means

netgk5815 - 07/12/05 Actually, PIP means Peripheral Interchange Program and was used to copy and/or move files between drives and even to serial ports. It could be used to delete a file by "moving" it to a "bit-bucket" (a "null" device). Actually, CP/M used ERA for ERAse to delete files.

(Oops! I just admitted I was a microcomputer dinosaur!)

1.11. Probably not

hugbobandcarol@... - 05/13/05 Probably not:
1--In the general scheme of computer usage this would appear to be a good thing, however, since this is MS it appears to be more of a way for Gates to get money out of those who choose not to upgrade (both software and the requisite hardware).
2--I'm sure the $$ hit cannot be justified.
3--No doubt (based on MS's past MO) the OS will not allow previous or other applications to run correctly so one would probably have to have two OS - one for Gates, and one for all other applications.

1.12. I don't see a good reason why yet...

Tech Exec - 05/13/05 I've read the thread and don't hear any compelling reason to move anyone to Eiger. It's too early to say. The article suggested that the OS will not support running applications locally (such as their own Office).

Security? Maybe. But again... too early to tell.

Let's wait and see whether or not the product meets the conceptual hype (not all that often for M$)...

1.13. Other solutions

patpawlowski2000@... - 05/13/05 I didn't read every post so sorry if this has been covered. I recently downloaded thinstation from http://www.thinstation.org which I think I read about here somewhere. It is a linux based thin client which you can boot from cd or the network and connect to Terminal Server, Citrix and a handfull more. Of course you can't run anything locally with it, but you can go with a more robust linux install for that. So I just don't see a market for Eiger. Of course MS if really good at creating markets where they don't/shouldn't exist. I'm sure there are many more free/cheap thin client alternatives out there as well. If everyone would just develop a web based front end, all you really would need would be a linux distro that boots to a browser. Now that would be interesting. Wouldn't work so well for image editing and other highend tasks but I suspect for what most of the end user is doing, inputing and retreiving data, it would work just fine.

1.14. Great!!!!! Hope it supported 80486 as well....

chriskfau@... - 05/13/05 Great!!!!! Hope it supported 80486 as well.

1.14.1. minimum specs are...

Black Panther - 05/15/05 http://bink.nu/Article3812.bink

Windows XP "Eiger" Minimum System Requirements 64MB RAM (128MB Recommended) Pentium class processor 500 MB HD (1GB recommended) 800x600 graphics or higher Network Interface Card Hardware Support Standard & ACPI Chipsets ISA, PCI, AGP, USB, ATA/IDE, SCSI, AC?97, Smartcards Support for most standard components in legacy PCs Deployment Methods Setup wizard Unattended setup Remote Installation Server (PXE/RIS) Systems Management Server Boot Methods Hard Disk, Flash PXE/RIS User Feature Set Remote desktop connection client Shutdown, restart, standby Accessibility features Internet Explorer Local & Network Printing Basic Control Panel Office Viewers Servicing Windows Update Services Systems Management Server Management Standard Microsoft management technologies (WMI, MMC ?) Not supported Windows image acquisition (WIA) Telephony, VPN & Dial-up Wireless networking (802.11

1.15. Old hardware still has costs associated

knudsenmj@... - 05/14/05 I like the idea of a stripped down windows. All I really need it to do is be stable and run a citrix client. I believe thin clients are going to be the next big thing in large enterprises. But using old hardware is going to bring with it a rise in support costs. As aging hardware fails I think we'll need to compare the cost of the downtime associated to hardware failure with the upfront costs of puchasing inexpensive low end PC's.

1.15.1. Keeping older equipment...

Lost Cause? - 05/18/05 Intel (or someone) should invent a CPU booster that will allow for upgrading from a Pentium I to a Pentium III or 4. If that could be done without much cost or power loss from the transformation, then older computers could have their usable lives extended. Landfills would be as a last resort.

Imagine, installing just a newer processor and booster rather than having to buy a new mboard AND processor to get that extra little bit of horse power out of your older computer.

WOW!!! I think even God would be impressed!

1.15.1.1. Ice water and ...

etruss@... - 05/31/05 I think going from a Pentium "classic" to a Pentium 4 without a motherboard upgrade is asking for a lot, but mainly because the Pentium motherboards were not designed for such an upgrade. If a primary design decision was to allow such upgrades that would be something else but then the parts would be prohibitively expensive. You have to realize what trade-offs there are. Designing an upgradeable motherboard and processor like this just does not make sense because of the expense of original design and hardware and software maintenance to support them. They would be way more expensive than just buying new hardware when needed. The important part is "when needed". The lifetime of current hardware is much longer than it used to be for most small businesses and non-profits.

1.15.1.2. Not worth it.

ozi Eagle - 06/08/05 My backup computer (which I'm currently using, due to my main computer having fatally crashed)is limited to CPU clock of 266MHz, even though I have a 300MHz cpu plugged in. A mobo limitation.
So plugging a 2GHz P4 into it wouldn't do all that much.

1.16. Maybe-maybe not

govgeek - 05/15/05 I think it's important that we stop throwing away all our old pc's. If Eiger helps us hang on to these machines longer than that's great. Assuming it's not too costly and works well, I'd definitely be interested.

1.17. specs for "eiger"

1.18. Good for MS... but Good for Customers ?

Foster2 - 05/15/05 Microsoft is successful because they do what's in their best interest. In this case countering Linux (which runs very well on older PCs) is important to them... they last thing they want is IT organizations that transit to a mixed Windows/Linux environment to derive value from their older PCs. Exclusive "account control" is critical to Microsoft's success.

Since compatibility with older programs is not assured (and lesser functionality is!), it's hard to see the value to the customer here. The only IT sites I could see going for it would be those organizations that think it essential to retain a single OS supplier.

1.18.1. Orgs interested in Eiger---

netgk5815 - 07/12/05 would most likely be those who are interested in moving to a thin client environment to begin with. Eiger would allow a little more local computing than a strictly thin client, thus extending the life of a server as users are added. Add to that the savings on hardware replacement and some organizations may be interested. A Linux installation instead of Eiger makes more sense on old hardware for individuals.

1.19. Thin Client is already an option

matti.leporanta@... - 05/15/05 Citrix or any thin client is already an option. This is why MS tries to eat up business from existing thin client providers.

1.20. (Proverbial response)

teligence - 05/17/05 "... When HELL freezes over!" first comes to mind - actually, second. I won't mention my first thoughts!

Now, I've not been a great Linux proponent, but I've not been a Linux antagonist either. It seems that this situation may fit nicely with a Linux-type OS and Billy Boy is just showing how stingy he can be...

1.21. Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Sheeva - 05/17/05 This is another long arm vision of MS's that will "hook and sink" poor PC users. What I mean is that MS has indicated it's intention to be the premier vendor for "Smart PCs" or thin clients as it's called. This means that the PC will not need any software locally but can be "leased" on-line on a per use basis. You think customers are paying alot for Windows OS now, wait until this new money generating method is in place. Eiger is just testing the water for MS.

These "new" offerings are just another leg on the journey to MS owning everything. I refuse to even consider thse products.

By the way, if someone were to purchase Eiger, would they get a discount on all the previous O/S's that they were forced to fork out for along with all the upgraded hardware? (sic)

1.22. Yes I'd consider it

Oz_Media - 05/17/05 But not until Linux is no more, and there are no possible options left.

An old PC can run just about anything BUT Windows so I am not impressed by Windoze finally saying they are going to offer an even MORE stripped down version of thier OS. Sounds a little backward. THEY are the ones who keep creating more resouce pigs, not the others.

They have tried to drive thier OWN market by requiring more and more from home PC's in order to run Windows, they are the ones who constantly end thier own products lifespan, THEY are the ones who fail to support older hardware and thier own software they originally wrote to support it. NOW they want to offer a form of backwards compatibility in an ALL NEW SOLUTION? Something ELSE to buy and licence that they will end the life of next year so they can sell another stripped down Windows version, do they not realize THEY shot that foot off already when they decided to terminate older software and force hardware upgrades?

1.22.1. No... They don't realize...

MWRadio@... - 06/07/05 OR they think that the majority of us are sheep!

1.23. In A Single Word

Logos-Systems@... - 05/18/05 NO!

1.24. If MS really wanted to "breath life into older PCs"...

2. Eiger must come to the mountain

tundraroamer - 05/13/05 We use about 98% thin clients and I am happy we do as I have few PC headaches. But, they all require a server to operate which is by design. Will Eiger require a server to be fully useable? Is this a way for M$ to sell more 2003 servers? With Citrix, I am able to use W95 PC's that perform as good as the high end machines for core applications. Not all of the users on the planet have XP but W98 and they are productive with those as users with XP for core applications (Office, specialty software like accounting).
M$ in the past has taunted the idea of "renting" software applications that they or some other 3rd party would provide. Thin Clients would lend themselves to this type of service. Maybe this in effort to promote that. I am all for a slimed down OS that is capable of stand alone work for selected applications. I.E. the "Office" based Thin Client with web access.

3. nope - doesn't make sense $$

cass@... - 05/13/05 Well, let's see. I can buy a new Dell with an
office suite and all the programs I need for an
employee and replace that old PC for $399 - or I
can buy a new OS for a really old PC, call in
the network men, get them to make all
productivity type apps run off the server so the
old PC can keep working.... guess which is
cheaper and quicker. If I really want to do
cheap and quick, I can get a Knoppix disk and
install linux on that old box, have plenty of
productivity, and not spend a dime. Eiger will
not garner any of my office budget.

3.1. Eiger cheaper than alternatives?

macrophage - 05/13/05 Exactly, on each point. Unless Eiger is significantly cheaper to purchase/implement than the alternatives (and its hard to be cheaper than a linux solution), it won't be a cost effective choice. The only drive would be user-affinity for the MS interface for employees not comfortable with the minor differences of an alternate desktop/software. The inertia factor.

4. Another unstated reason for Eiger?

WDMilner - 05/13/05 People have been stripping down Windows for use on lower end machines or just simply for enhanced stability for years. I had "gutted" versions of 95 and 98 that were quite stable and fast once the unecessary bloat was removed.

That said, I can't help but wonder as the Linux penetration increases and Microsoft becomes more aggressive in combatting this trend, if there might not be another motive behind Eiger.

Many if not most people that have come to use Linux on a personal basis (outside of techie/hobbiest/'geek' ranks) have done so becasue the OS runs quite comfortably and acceptably fast on older systems with less "Microsoft capable hardware". As an example I even have Linux on an old 40MHz 386. What does it do? It acts as a small intranet web server for a distributed bookmarks and scheduling program thus freeing up faster hardware for more intensive tasks.

As those people who turn to Linux, and to a lesser extent the BSD family, discover they can still use their older machines with little performance loss, they cheerfully do so and (here's the punchline) when they can afford to upgrade their hardware they STAY with Linux. I would estimate that a good 30% of current general Linux users followed this sort of 'upgrade' path.

Such a trend can not but worry Microsoft as it loses those potential customers from their planned upgrade path. While Eiger has a definite niche in helping businesses leverage aging hardware that still has useful life left, it would seem more useful as an attempt to prevent user leakage to other products.

Cynical? Perhaps, but based on history and experience I feel it only too likely to be a major, thought unstated and unacknowledged, part of the motivation.

4.1. Cost of thin client solution?

IT_dave - 05/14/05 What's the cost of setting up a thin client server environment? Does it out way upgrading a user's hardware?

I too think M$ is just looking for a new way to suck money out of businesses. With solutions like Citrix and Linux out there making headway, M$ is looking at potential problems in future growth.

4.1.1. cost...

Jaqui - 07/12/05 to go with linux.. free for the software.
as all complete distros have the software for "thin clients" ( aka dumb terminals ) included. and can be downloaded with only internet access as cost.

( with mandriva, a single floppy and install over the internet, so not even cost of cdrom )

4.2. Linux can be had for free!!! Unless they bring it to market under $39.95...

sleepin'dawg - 05/15/05 c/w full support I don't really see the point. Someone at MS is dreaming in technicolor, again.

Dawg devil

4.2.1. Another stealth move by Bill....

RipVan - 05/17/05 Great. I can see the sales pitch now... Buy this, we removed our bloat!!! As punishment for buying a product (even ours) that costs less, we are going to make sure that you will have to buy add-ons!

(Please don't tell me that this [so called] minimalist OS only runs exactly as described and CAN'T RUN additional software. You will be proved wrong by the marketing department's long term strategy team!!!)

4.3. Yet another unstated reason

4nier - 05/25/05 M$ at it's best trying to "steal" another product under the guise of being a trimmed OS. The thinclient market (I think) is making waves underground. M$ wants to emerge as the "hero" here. Someone posted http://thinstation.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/as an alterrnative to upgrading PC's. It's an open source program that works under Unix or Windows. After a little reading, makes ya wonder what M$ is up to. How many things has M$ really created? Seems most they stole, copied or purchased.

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Microsoft tries to breathe life into older PCs