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

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

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?

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

why would you run Microsoft Office with OpenOffice (free

) runs all the MS formats and the like?

Ya got me. I think they just wanted to prove they could do it.

Tekneek · 01-02-2005, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CraigSca

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.

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surtt

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by CraigSca

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tekneek

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).

01-02-2005, 11:52 AM	#3
SirFozzie Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: The State of Insanity	Linux with the WINE Windows Emulator. __________________ Check out Foz's New Video Game Site, An 8-bit Mind in an 8GB world! http://an8bitmind.com

01-02-2005, 12:00 PM	#5
SirFozzie Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: The State of Insanity	why would you run Microsoft Office with OpenOffice (free ) runs all the MS formats and the like? __________________ Check out Foz's New Video Game Site, An 8-bit Mind in an 8GB world! http://an8bitmind.com

01-02-2005, 12:02 PM	#6
CraigSca Pro Starter Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Not Delaware - hurray!	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 __________________ She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah! She loves you, yeah! how do you know? how do you know?

01-02-2005, 01:40 PM	#13
CraigSca Pro Starter Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Not Delaware - hurray!	Is purchasing an OEM version legal? Ethical? Edit: Not casting aspersions on anyone regarding ethics, just wondering... __________________ She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah! She loves you, yeah! how do you know? how do you know? Last edited by CraigSca : 01-02-2005 at 01:41 PM.

01-02-2005, 01:59 PM	#14
k0ruptr Pro Starter Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Las Vegas	run linux and wine. __________________ Xbox Live Gamertag: k0ruptr My Favorite Teams : Chicago White Sox - Carolina Panthers - Orlando Magic - Phoenix Suns - Anaheim Ducks - Hawaii Warriors - Oregon Ducks

01-02-2005, 12:19 PM	#9
Dutch "Dutch" Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Tampa, FL	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.

01-02-2005, 12:21 PM	#10
Surtt College Benchwarmer Join Date: Nov 2003	Try here http://www.directdeals.com They have cheep oem versions.

01-03-2005, 09:47 AM	#16
sterlingice Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Back in Houston!	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 __________________ Houston Hippopotami, III.3: 20th Anniversary Thread - All former HT players are encouraged to check it out! Janos: "Only America could produce an imbecile of your caliber!" Freakazoid: "That's because we make lots of things better than other people!"

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