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View Full Version : The $$$ of Microsoft Windows

CraigSca
01-02-2005, 11:46 AM
Soo...I have bits and pieces of old PC's and we decide to put them altogether so my 6 year old can play Reading Rabbit software circa 1998 that we received for $5. Well....the problem is - I don't have a copy of Windows, and I can't justify spending $199 so my son can play Reader Rabbit on his own PC.

Does anyone have any cheaper alternatives to Windows? Linux isn't an option, is it?
cthomer5000
01-02-2005, 11:51 AM
you can easily get XP for under $100 on eBay from a reputable seller.
SirFozzie
01-02-2005, 11:52 AM
Linux with the WINE Windows Emulator.
Tekneek
01-02-2005, 11:58 AM
Linux with the WINE Windows Emulator.

This is certainly worth a shot. I haven't worked with it enough to run much. Somebody here in the office has managed to get Microsoft Office up using it before, though...
SirFozzie
01-02-2005, 12:00 PM
why would you run Microsoft Office with OpenOffice (free :)) runs all the MS formats and the like? :D
CraigSca
01-02-2005, 12:02 PM
Is the Windows XP on Ebay the full edition or the upgrade? Unfortunately, there's nothing on the PC, so I'd need the "full" version - and that's the one I only see for $199 :(
Tekneek
01-02-2005, 12:04 PM
why would you run Microsoft Office with OpenOffice (free :)) runs all the MS formats and the like? :D

Ya got me. I think they just wanted to prove they could do it.
Tekneek
01-02-2005, 12:05 PM
Is the Windows XP on Ebay the full edition or the upgrade? Unfortunately, there's nothing on the PC, so I'd need the "full" version - and that's the one I only see for $199 :(

Any chance you could get Windows 98 and the XP Upgrade for less than $199? Just an idea...
Dutch
01-02-2005, 12:19 PM
You can get XP Home on Ebay for cheap. You can get Millenium or 98SE for cheap as well. I mean, for Reading Rabbit circa 1998? You don't really need to wait for the 64-bit edition of XP. :D
Surtt
01-02-2005, 12:21 PM
Try here

http://www.directdeals.com

They have cheep oem versions.
Tekneek
01-02-2005, 12:31 PM
Try here

http://www.directdeals.com

They have cheep oem versions.

Jackpot. I'm bookmarking this one. Thanks for sharing that.
cthomer5000
01-02-2005, 12:36 PM
should have specificed. OEM, not retail versions can be had for under $100
CraigSca
01-02-2005, 01:40 PM
Is purchasing an OEM version legal? Ethical?

Edit: Not casting aspersions on anyone regarding ethics, just wondering...
k0ruptr
01-02-2005, 01:59 PM
run linux and wine.
Tekneek
01-02-2005, 02:09 PM
Is purchasing an OEM version legal? Ethical?

There seems to be some debate in this area. The common interpretation I have found is that as long as you buy a piece of hardware (any hardware) with OEM software it will be legal.
sterlingice
01-03-2005, 09:47 AM
One problem: with Windows XP, it's basically tied to the mobo/chip (OEM Windows). So, if you swap out mobo's then your OEM software will no longer run and Microsoft will not reactivate it- you'll have to buy a new version.

SI
Surtt
01-03-2005, 10:27 AM
Jackpot. I'm bookmarking this one. Thanks for sharing that.

Just be careful you get a disk if you need one.

The cheepest copies are licensees only (no disks).