Windows 7 is free, well kind of

todd_h86 (Cornerstone member):

They have screwed the pooch! I knew it!!!!!

I only hope they come to their sense and have a price drop, or a multi user discount!

Ryan Hothersall (New user):

Will there be a an academic upgrade like there was with Vista?

$199 for the upgrade is gonna cost me a bit as I have two machines that I want to upgrade.

Hemma (User):

Way, way too expensive. When are the OEM prices coming in?

FindTheWalrus (User):

Windows 7 is good but it's back to Linux for me(after my RC expires)
The pricing is insane

marovinjian (New user):

Yeah well if you think your going back to linux we will see in due time. From Macrosoft HaHaHaha Hahaha. if you buy Windows 7 we will make millions and billions. hahah. Dr evil Gates. That company has really gone to far. I really though i would have spent at least 250 more for windows 7 BUT considering the amount i just blew On My System. Bugger Macrosoft they can go suck eggs. Now really I have supported the software Pirate Microsoft for the last 17 years buying only the full retail release of Win 7 Ultimate But I have already gone back to linux and am about to wipe this machune and Install Ubuntu Ultimate Os From this months PC user magazine. I already installed it in my latest System Intel I7 965 Extreme ,Gigabyte P55-UD6 12GB DDR3 16000 Stock Kingston HxperX 2000MHz timings of 9-9-9-27 1200W PSU 3X295GTX 1792MB It runs extremely well better than 6 and its just as easy /Not recommended for a noob but of you are new to computers alltogether it just as easy but much cheaper to start with Linux.

marovinjian (New user):

Yeah well if you think your going back to linux we will see in due time. From Macrosoft HaHaHaha Hahaha. if you buy Windows 7 we will make millions and billions. hahah. Dr evil Gates. That company has really gone to far. I really though i would have spent at least 250 more for windows 7 BUT considering the amount i just blew On My System. Bugger Macrosoft they can go suck eggs. Now really I have supported the software Pirate Microsoft for the last 17 years buying only the full retail release of Win 7 Ultimate But I have already gone back to linux and am about to wipe this machune and Install Ubuntu Ultimate Os From this months PC user magazine. I already installed it in my latest System Intel I7 965 Extreme ,Gigabyte P55-UD6 12GB DDR3 16000 Stock Kingston HxperX 2000MHz timings of 9-9-9-27 1200W PSU 3X295GTX 1792MB It runs extremely well better than 6 and its just as easy /Not recommended for a noob but of you are new to computers alltogether it just as easy but much cheaper to start with Linux.

Phred (Regular user):

That pricing is obscene! Truly if they're wanting to drive the consumer away, they've done it!

Hello Apple!

Tin (Senior Forumologist):

Apple's no better. They're just a different look.
If you really want to start moving away from MS products to avoid the company behavior, look to a Linux distro.

Phred (Regular user):

Quoting Tin:
look to a Linux distro

I already am... Ubuntu City, but was hanging out for a ray of light from Micro$oft, but once again let down. Pitty really, because Windows 7 is actually a good product.

McBanjo (User):

Quoting Tin:
Apple's no better.

Wrong, it's $380 better. (Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade: $429 vs. Snow Leopard Ultimate Upgrade: ~$49.)

Even at its worst it's $150 better (Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade: $199 vs. Snow Leopard Home Premium Upgrade: ~$49.)

Anonymous_3965468486051569 (User):

Quoting McBanjo:
Quoting Tin:
Apple's no better.

Wrong, it's $380 better. (Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade: $429 vs. Snow Leopard Ultimate Upgrade: ~$49.)

Even at its worst it's $150 better (Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade: $199 vs. Snow Leopard Home Premium Upgrade: ~$49.)


Well, if you look at the price of the Apple HARDWARE, you are definitely getting ripped off by (C)rapple. And their Snow Leopard is virtually FEATURELESS so it IS around two times cheaper to get Windows 7 on a new computer than it is to get a new Apple Mac.

So APPLE'S NO BETTER.

Sp33d d3mon (Cornerstone member):

Really?

Apple Hardware is quite affordable. The Mac mini has pretty decent specs for the price (you try finding a PC without discrete graphics at that price without building it yourself), and the latest MacBooks are more affordable than ever.

Hell, I even run the Windows 7 RC on my MacBook (Pro), runs superbly, but nowhere near as responsive as on Leopard! If Snow Leopard actually delivers the speed boosts it promises, then I know what I'll be spending my next $49 on. I won't pay ten times that for just an OS upgrade.

So APPLE'S 10x BETTER.

Oldmarovinjian (User):

Yeah mioght run slow besause of emulation. use your head. Or even easier use google and typi in why does windows 7 run slow on a Mac than a PC. lots of answers.

TV Bis (User):

Quoting Phred:
Hello Apple!

So you are willing to pay more for your computer then?
Doesn’t make any sense!

Tin (Senior Forumologist):

Where does one find info on how to become a participating computer builder?

The Big Baboo (Advanced Forumologist):

Quoting Tin:
Where does one find info on how to become a participating computer builder?
You may well ask that "Tin" :) Now back in my younger days I knew all kinds of shady characters that could help you out with just anything you needed :) Unfortunately most of them are dead or not in circulation anymore :( Ah well That's life.

Raindog (Senior Forumologist):

Quoting Tin:
Where does one find info on how to become a participating computer builder?

What, you don't know the secret handshake? Next thing Tin, you'll be expecting a fair and equitable access to price regimes.

Even with access to the participating builder secret handshake you'd soon find that participating builders are neither treated or regarded equally.

Aubrey (Advanced member):

Are they actually trying to keep XP alive now? Surely they will have to get those people to move sooner or later - perhaps they have another scare campaign in store.

I have been using the RC and it is certainly an improvement on Vista but, like others, I will probably just let it die when the time runs out.

PALADiN (New user):

EDIT: Disregard this comment. A better one is below.

PALADiN (New user):

Do MS seriously think that Aussies are going to pay that much compared to the US?

Expect to see a lot of Windows 7 piracy in Australia when it comes out MS. I know I'll be one of the people pirating it.

You want to rip us off? We'll rip you off.

Phred (Regular user):

Quoting PALADiN:
You want to rip us off? We'll rip you off.

Yep, the only thing that this does is encourages you to not pay for it.

The Big Baboo (Advanced Forumologist):

Quoting Phred:
Yep, the only thing that this does is encourages you to not pay for it.

Yep ;) I won't be paying for it because I'm not even going to bother getting it :) Now all I have to do is figure out where I can get this damn Linux .iso burnt to a disc :) And then I'll be a pure Penguin.

TV Bis (User):

Quoting PALADiN:
I know I'll be one of the people pirating it.

It's very simple - if you don't want to pay for it then don't use it.
It's you and many others who steal that causes the high prices in the first place.



Quoting PALADiN:
You want to rip us off? We'll rip you off.


Yes a very sensible attitude shown here..................
The line should read "You want to rip us off? We'll steal from you.

Oldmarovinjian (User):

If you want a Full copy of windows 7 Ultimate X32 Or X64 One or the other not both Contact me I can tell you where to get it for $257

DeadLetter (New user):

I feel screwed by M$ I own a copy of vista Basic64 and have had no problem since SP1 :P and the start timings are just as fast as win7 personally faster after I had tweaked it allot.

But I think I'll be joinging the pirating bandwagon, I refuse to spend 200-300 on a OS when upgrading an OS for apple is under 100 and Linux, BSD are FREE!!! and have nicer desktop effects.

Halcon (Cornerstone member):

This is the most insane move by Microsoft!
With this pricing, nobody will go from Windows XP to Windows 7, to make the switch a better pricing and licensing would be necessary to attract most users to buy the software.
I am against the upgrade package, when the full version can be much better when in times of dire situations may require to do a re-install of the operating system and related applications; with the upgrade there is a lot of hassle, that can be avoided if the full version could be bought instead.
Death to Microsoft!

ickyboo (New user):

What a load of BS! the ETR expires on 31st June 2009, Thats only 5 more days. I do not accept this as a excuse from MS! . This will be a god send for me as I plan on actualy buying a notebook tomorrow for my cousin (lets hope HP allows free updates). On a dif note, M$ is using the ETR as a excuse to bend the Aus public over yet again! ETR gives you 50% or upto $750 back from any of your buys so if you know someone in highschool then do the dodgy and get them to buy a PC for you but as I stress, IT EXPIRES on 31st June 2009!! Shame on you MS for misleading people

itd (User):

Quoting ickyboo:
What a load of BS! the ETR expires on 31st June 2009


Quoting ickyboo:
IT EXPIRES on 31st June 2009!!


I don't think the tax department would accept a purchase date of 31st June 2009 ;)

ickyboo (New user):

Sorry, Double post. deleted

Martin Gifford (User):

Let's see...

$470 for the full version (Ultimate).
$430 for an upgrade of the full version (Ultimate).
$300 for the nobbled version (Home).
$200 for an upgrade of the nobbled version (Home).

Go for it if you have money to burn, or if you love Microsoft.

I fall into neither camp.

AnthonyBrisbane (Regular user):

And what about those who aren't eligible for the ETR? Not everyone has children Microsoft. This is the exact reason the ETR shouldn't exist, as just like the private health rebate and first home buyers grant, it's just an excuse to put prices up, because people will still be willing to spend the same amount of money. Meanwhile people who aren't eligible end up paying more.

Rohun (New user):

My Wifes a dot net developer and her workplace is giving her a MSDN subscription for free, But I Will still be using Linux as my main OS and Vertical Boxing MS and its software.

Rohun (New user):

Just logged in too MSDN, About to abuse the bandwidth :-)

Raindog (Senior Forumologist):

You do all realise that these prices are the usual new release numbers that Microsoft runs out. Rabid fan-boys would and will pay these prices, they'd pay double for the bragging rights and Microsoft knows it.

The bundle price witha a new Dell or HP will be very different (something I've always wondered why trade practices didn't pay more attention to) but even at 25% 0f these numbers it's not looking like value.

I'll buy Windows when I have to and use alternatives at every opportunity. When I am forced to use Windows I wont be paying these prices.

Halcon (Cornerstone member):

In case you still don't get the message, head to this page and see for yourselves what is going on with this chaotic move of Windows 7 pricing.

http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/309031/analyst_120_windows_7_way_too_much?fp=2&fpid=1

Then get back here and post your comments.

Halcon (Cornerstone member):

There is more in store for you, a serious disaster if you have Windows XP.
To get more details head to:

http://www.infoworld.com/d/windows/microsofts-looming-windows-7-licensing-disaster-xp-shops-639?source=fssr

I am sure you will not like Microsoft doing this to its legion of followers around the world.

The Big Baboo (Advanced Forumologist):

Quoting Halcon:
I am sure you will not like Microsoft doing this to its legion of followers around the world.

Well "Halcon" it's sorta good to see that nothing has changed at Redmond even after Bill's gone but how does this affect one computer, single use punters like meself :) Just remember you can always rely on The Penguin :) Now if I can just get that program installed :)

useless (New user):

About time Mr Rud and the tresurer tell Microsoft where to go.

Sp33d d3mon (Cornerstone member):

I do believe that's Mr RUDD, not Mr RUD.

useless (New user):

are we politically correct? spell check please!

mtarm1 (User):

haha i got two home premium upgrade plus release date delivery for $133 AUD ha! suck on that MS you cant steal aussies money anymore well just buy it from us. lol

anonymous_1234567 (New user):

This is just way too expensive.

marks11122 (New user):

I think they should replace for that buggy piece of crap they sold us called vista. Should never have been released. So they did and it turned out to be Mircosofts BIG FAIL! And there customers is the one that suffered buying the failure and instead of fixing it they release another. FAIL!

Teddykhil (New user):

Another bloody rip off for those that are less likely to be able to afford an upgrade or full version of Windows 7. In April 2009 I was the victim of a break and enter and a lot of my video, laptop, Digital SLR and some other items where stolen. I was thankfully covered by contents insurance which replaced 80% of what was stolen. The NEW laptop that I had replacement, was pre-installed with Vista Ultimate, but now I may have to fork out $429 Upgrade or $469 Full version. I'm only a pensioner and do a TAFE College course here in Ballarat, Victoria, but it's going to be bloody hard to find over $430 odd dollars for updating my laptop. No wonder some people look towards pirated software. NO, mines not, all legal. Thankfully being a student was able to buy the Ultimate version of Office 2007.

Tony23 (Cornerstone member):

If it meets your needs, give Ubuntu a go. If you can get yourself off the Microsoft treadmill there are substantial savings to be made and the capability of Linux is good.

That said, most people don't need an upgrade until they really have a _requirement_ to do an upgrade or buy a new computer. As a recent Ubuntu switcher, I'm possibly not in an unbiased position to talk, but I wouldn't buy a new operating system if the one I had was a) working and b) real productivity benefits weren't able to be identified.

Also, you might be able to get a seniors and/or student discount...if you must have it.

If you do try Ubuntu on your computer, try a live distribution to make sure all the drivers work - I have a laptop which just won't work with Ubuntu. It's a very crappy laptop....I look forward to using it as a wheel chock.....

mtarm1 (User):

Quoting Teddykhil:
but now I may have to fork out $429 Upgrade or $469 Full version. I'm only a pensioner and do a TAFE College course here in Ballarat, Victoria, but it's going to be bloody hard to find over $430 odd dollars for updating my laptop.


1 you dont have to uppgrade to 7, vista is fine now...

2 you dont have to get ultimate you can just get the home premium upgrade for whatever it cost...

MS isnt making you do anything, vista is still being supported so your fine for at least 5 years ro so.

and if you really dont like it go to ubutnu as someone else mentioned

ywlaw (New user):

Well, at least the Ultimate version didn't cost $777.77.

Faustino (New user):

Microsoft does not "antagonise European Union regulators," the latter have a vendetta against US hi-tech companies which understand how modern economies work. The EU has pursued MS in areas where there is no consumer detriment and no benefit from its decisions except to the EU coffers and the regulators' egos.

Do the upgrade prices relate to XP users? What about the netbook version, which is of immediate interest to me?

The Big Baboo (Advanced Forumologist):

Quoting Faustino:
Do the upgrade prices relate to XP users? What about the netbook version, which is of immediate interest to me?
I doubt it "faustino" The upgrade price only applies if in fact you do "upgrade" to Win7 :) If like you're happy with XP,keep it for as long as you can and then decide if you want to go for a new flavour of Windows with all it's associated cost or perhaps you might like to try a Linux OS which could cost you nothing but which means you're going to have to learn a whole new way of doing stuff :) Cheers mate

Oldmarovinjian (User):

Yeah F***the European Union regulators go to linux then you can be on your own. because of alot of the eu crap the prices of computers have gone up.

Tin (Senior Forumologist):

Since when is fining companies for abusing their monopoly-like status going to drive prices up?

Oldmarovinjian (User):

Well seriously speaking who is the monopoly and who drives the prices up.
If you were talking about Microsoft you would officially be wrong.
A company that has a monopoly in the market would not waste its time or recourses making a quality product. Most people are saying in this case that Microsoft Windows 7 is a quality product so I would say that Microsoft has either lost a great heap of market share and or its perceived monopoly in the market place and have decided for once they have to do something drastic to regain a little confidence.
If the people are dumb enough to keep buying crap let them. It is obviously good enough crap to buy. I am not disagreeing with the people about the fact that a particular system may appear to have a monopoly but it is the people who drive the market. So 1) either get out or stop driving it in the direction you dislike or 2) give your monopoly to someone else. Most of the population is really dumb and think that because you pay for something it is going to be better quality than something that is perceived to be free.
Also in saying free what is free money or time? None they both cost something. Either people buy a Microsoft OS pre installed and have a bit easier time using their new PC to start with and then lose time and as the OS degrade and start to crash more and more often time gets lost you become more and more unproductive and lose time and or money. Or you ask that Linux be installed and Start of slowly and learn how to use new modules and other new software that is not really that different to windows apart from Stability and occasional command lines in some Linux Distributed OS’s. BUT In the newest version of windows Namely WINDOWS 7 WE don’t see that we see that it is good and stable and has been stable and there have been no major complaints for some time now.
When there is a complaint Microsoft addresses the complaint usually caused by malicious code compromising the system or other promptly.
Why is this? How can this be happening? What nothing to complain about. Cause if that’s all some people are good at you will never be happy with what you got.
Microsoft did the right thing by allowing their customers to join in the BETA and RC testing and the goodness went both ways. Microsoft gained valuable input from their customers as to how the OS was going to be used by and on what sort and power platforms. Customers got a new and good taste of what Microsoft now has to offer. Microsoft has obviously sorted out most of the driver problems from the past and good for that helps me and I assume others. I installed Win7 On a system that was designed to run Windows XP a Dell Optiplex GX260 with 2.26 GHZ CPU 2 x 512MB DDR266 and a 128MB AGP. So some people think that buying a Mac is cheaper than PC they are crazy but when it comes to operating systems I know for a fact that most people are very much ill informed. For instance when these people that get their so called free copy of windows 7 from their PC manufacturer is it going to be what should for most of the windows PC community be an Image dedicated to their particular system that has all their drivers and software that is installed from factory except it has windows 7 as the new underlying OS. Here is another problem the people would not know this and sales people from Harvey Normans aren’t going to tell them this they just want to get the PC out the door. BUT in October when all the new Vista Systems capable of running windows 7 get their new shiny disk and upgrade and install Windows 7 are they going to do an upgrade clean install or a upgrade that leaves their files and folders unchanged?. It should be the latter for the uneducated newbie’s.
THEN WE WILL HEAR IT AGAIN (“WINDOWS 7 SUCKS WINDOWS CRASHES I UPGRADED AND IT ATE ALL MY ICONS I HATE MICROSOFT NOTHING WORKS.)Some of us know this is going to happen but why would this be?) I can hear it now.
Why? Because a huge amount of people out there have absolutely no idea what they are doing when using a PC except that of moving a mouse around typing in applications going to face book and navigating the Web.
I know a vast community of computer user who until I physically pulled a hard drive out of their PC case theses people didn’t even know there was a little silver and black spinning hdd inside that box. Oh they knew about the cd but how whatever the software that was on that cd got into whatever it is in that magic box is amazing and colourful and Awe until it doesn’t work anymore.
When asked where the software is I said it is on the hard drive. Most reply but I thought it was on the CD in the cardboard box. Follow along with “I am confused”. Most people that talk about software and windows would not have a clue what some geeks are talking about but this is all now slowly changing only in the last 5 or so years now that kids are educating most parents on how a PC works and what makes it work
They actually thought the hard drive was the Box. And the stuff they saw on the Display/TV was the Software and in some respects it is but only GUI/Graphical User Interface But then we could go on forever.
My point being here is this People will never wake up to (what is a computer) until they are Fully educated and with the Majority Not all But The Majority of sales people and companies that we have are only interested in one thing Sales. Everything is sales driven even so with Mac But they do offer a training course that shows people how to use their new Mac when they buy it.
I do believe that Microsoft should For the Price that they charge for an OS.
So until Linux is prepared to put a price on their Open source software it will always remain a Unique OS. And might not ever become a fully main stream OS. Unless like the EU the Governments of the western nations wake up this would not be a bad thing it would like other things drive competition and reduce prices.
THE TRUTH IS ALL PEOPLE WANT NOT WHO IS BETTER BUT WHAT IS BEST. APPLE LINUX & MICROSOFT ARE ALL GOOD FOR SOMETHING BUT WHAT THEY ARE GOOD AT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
The Biggest problems are The Uneducated Majority.
Don’t be a computer user who claims to know all!!
Why? because there is no such thing.
We are always still learning. I will often ask my colleagues for opinion as they do me and where I am not sure or if I am being guarded in judgement or decision to make sure my decision is not self motivated but for the good of the project.

Raindog (Senior Forumologist):

Quoting Oldmarovinjian:
Well seriously speaking who is the monopoly and who drives the prices up.

Well seriously in the case of Windows sale prices that would be Microsoft. Any fool can do the sums. :>

Oldmarovinjian (User):

Oh yeah the question If you finned me i would try to find a way somewhere else to make my money from the fines back. Charge other countries more for their OS's. Thats exactly what has happened.

straker135 (User):

The Family Pack price for 3 seats sounds very attractive. It is about time but the catch is that this will only be made available in selected markets and for a restricted time. Anyone wanna bet that Aussie-Zealand aint in the select few? Afterall the US$49 deal to 'thank' Beta Testers didn't extend outside North America, parts of Western Europe and Japan. Nice one Microsoft!#!

The Big Baboo (Advanced Forumologist):

There's something weird happening here :( It's showing me as being signed in so I'm able to submit something here but in the profile box on the right it has me as an anonymous user who has to log in ? What gives ?
Any suggestions ?

Teddykhil (New user):

Some of these prices quoted are getting a bit over the budget of most home users that have 'tight' budgets. Thanks to some unwelcomed intruder/s into my flat a couple of months ago who took the liberty to take my photography gear but most of all my lovable and faithful ASUS XP pro laptop. I have a replacement with Vista Ultimate, 32bit/64bit in recovery partition. I wont be upgrading to the newer Windows 7 in the near future with the price of what it may cost me to upgrade. Good on you MS for slugging us ozzies again for being faithful to purchasing your legal type software. It's no wonder why a lot of piracey goes on with those that can't afford it, and worse, those mungrels that just want to make huge profits. I have purchased legal Home Premium as well as MS Office Ultimate 2007, which with Office '07 I've made a back up copy for my own needs when needed. Just want for things to get cheaper than they are and I'll pay the extra for legal software from the high named companies. BUT, good on Sun for giving us OpenOffice = price = FREE and UBUNTU = price = FREE. Both of these I loaded on my new laptop and made a dual boot system and works a dream. Hopefully soon both will be totally compatable to each other in the not too distant future.

Tony23 (Cornerstone member):

Office compatibility is unlikely to ever be 100%. Every so often MS changes the file format (because of "improvements"). Regretfully, it also makes it hard for competitors to say they are 100% MS compatible.

I woudl be very interested to see who is/will buy Windows 7 at the full price, vs some subsidised price - be it OEM, " subsidised upgrade", "student" or whatever. It's just sill to expect people to pay these prices. Especially now. MS may get corporates to pay this, and for them it's cheap, but for retail customers, it far from realistic.

I hope Linux gains market share, because only then will there be a reason for MS and Apple to cut a little closer to the bone. As it is, monopoly profits all the way.

Tony23 (Cornerstone member):

Office compatibility is unlikely to ever be 100%. Every so often MS changes the file format (because of "improvements"). Regretfully, it also makes it hard for competitors to say they are 100% MS compatible.

I woudl be very interested to see who is/will buy Windows 7 at the full price, vs some subsidised price - be it OEM, " subsidised upgrade", "student" or whatever. It's just sill to expect people to pay these prices. Especially now. MS may get corporates to pay this, and for them it's cheap, but for retail customers, it far from realistic.

I hope Linux gains market share, because only then will there be a reason for MS and Apple to cut a little closer to the bone. As it is, monopoly profits all the way.

Tony23 (Cornerstone member):

Office compatibility is unlikely to ever be 100%. Every so often MS changes the file format (because of "improvements"). Regretfully, it also makes it hard for competitors to say they are 100% MS compatible.

I woudl be very interested to see who is/will buy Windows 7 at the full price, vs some subsidised price - be it OEM, " subsidised upgrade", "student" or whatever. It's just sill to expect people to pay these prices. Especially now. MS may get corporates to pay this, and for them it's cheap, but for retail customers, it far from realistic.

I hope Linux gains market share, because only then will there be a reason for MS and Apple to cut a little closer to the bone. As it is, monopoly profits all the way.

Tony23 (Cornerstone member):

Oh hell! That worked well!!!! Sorry guys...damn Commodore 64!....HEY MOD!!!! Can you delete two of these entries!!!!!!! Ta!

The Big Baboo (Advanced Forumologist):

Hi "Tony23" I used to have the same problem and still do occasionally :) You have to be very careful only to click once when you reply to one of these posts. Be well my friend and prosper :)

Tony23 (Cornerstone member):

G'day TBB! My very public stuff-up was caused by no-script in firefox. As I reactivated the scripting it submitted each time. Oh well. If you're gonna look like a twit, may as well do it in a stylish location!

reprah1991 (New user):

most of us old age pensioners on a basic pension will not be able to afford upgrade at the pricers on offer

Tony23 (Cornerstone member):

You might want to check out Linux. It costs nothing and will stretch your hardware further. I've got some really ordinary hardware which weren't good for doos stops until I put Linux on them. now there are useful again. If you have an old second machine laying about, give it a go!

marovinjian (New user):

I realy think windows 7 is a great OS its faster than XP and well vista is not really a bad OS BUT if you have vista or you did purchase a full retail version of vista when it was released or later you should be entitled to do a swap for a small shipping fee price at a local reseller (all except for home basic)(pay extra again to upgrade to full version of Home Premium. providing you can supply the version you purchased intact.
I have 6 retail 3 Unopened retail boxes of windows Vista Ultimate. and I have noticed how all the people who buy Vista now get a Free upgrade to windows 7. Hey microsoft that is a bit backward I think that you should be looking after those of us who purchased windows vista way back when it was released not all these jonny come latelys that are just buying your old vista just cause they know they are getting the free upgrade. comeon microsoft look after the people that have always been their.

The way i see it if they want it bad enough the market hype will sell it anyway cause windows 7 really does rock but your looking at targeting the wrong audience.

marovinjian (New user):

further to my earlier comment. When will the multiple home licence packages be available. does any one know if we are getting them in australia.it would be a great idea and even better for packaging purposes 2 packs 3 packs 6 packs 1 4 pack should cost the same as buying 2 2 packs. makes sense. what does everyone think.

marovinjian (New user):

Oh I have just doscovered that I can get OEM Copies Of Windows 7 On the day Of release. Adelaide.
Thats all good but for how much. x64 Only.
I will post price and shop as soon as i find out.

Tony23 (Cornerstone member):

I am using linux now. I would consider Windows 7 (for my main machine, which is running Linux), but my version of Vista was OEM. The upgrade prices, as said by other, is insane. I can justify a sub $40 upgrade cost, for a Vista that runs properly, but I can not justify any higher than that because i can't see any additional features that are really that valuable to me. The main thing that craps me about Vista is that I think hardware runs slowly with it. My hardware runs sensationally with Linux. I want Microsoft to produce OS's just as good, particularly as MS charges for them!!!!

Oldmarovinjian (User):

Just stay with linux then dont try to keep up with the jonses.

Raindog (Senior Forumologist):

Quoting Oldmarovinjian:
Just stay with linux then dont try to keep up with the jonses.

Ah the bitter rantings of the clueless consumer, it's one of lifes simple joys to see the ill informed getting hot under the collar over issue they know next to nothing about.

Go ahead keeping up with the other consumers you can swap tales and compare spending whille the rest of us actually do something productive. Happy shopping and do keep an eye on that blood pressure. :)

marovinjian (New user):

Windows 7 retail apparently willot be available for a few weeks after the october 22 release. When XP was released it was released on the specified day and i coul;diteraly walk into a harvey norman store and buy it. i know this was a bit different with Windows Vist aBut Windows Vista was a bit different if you catch my drift
I have read that Win 7 will be late into Australian stores link.

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9134830/Microsoft_details_free_Windows_7_upgrade_deal

Martha (New user):

50 percent back is for only people paying income tax. I am a single mother of 2, who just got new computers for her kids with vista on it, thinking it was going to be the latest thing going for awhile. I do not work because one of my children is handicaped - so what do we do Microsoft Australia? Microsoft are just corporate pigs grabbing for the dollars. I should have gone for Apple computers after all.

Tony23 (Cornerstone member):

Check the website of the manufacturer - there might be a reasonably priced (~$35) upgrade to Windows 7.

mtarm1 (User):

Quoting Martha:
50 percent back is for only people paying income tax. I am a single mother of 2

well you do qualify, my mum is in the same position as you except only one child (me) and she is eligible and she dosnt pay tax... i bought win 7 with my own money but we used the refund for my laptop. how bout you do some research...

useless (New user):

Get Windows 7 from APC Mag to experiment with until it times out, at least you know about it, to me I found it to expensive with hardware updates, Keep your old xp for Microsoft stuff and use Ubuntu Linux to surf the net let it automatically update all securities, once you get used to it you be pleasantry surprised how easy to use it, Add Remove software give all the opportunities to experiment with lots of things

Oldmarovinjian (User):

A few apple owners all ways have to turn this into an argument into what OS is better. Windows will always be better but the price will always be worse for starters to go and buy apple compatible hardware to run apps as fast as we can in windows we have to outlay extreme cash amounts that wipe out any savings that we would have otherwise made by using a Mac OS 10.whatever so stick that in your Apple and smoke it Work it out it matters not how much the OS costs it does however matter when hardware upgradeability comes along. Until apple has an OS with full hardware support that can be easily installed onto a PC Apple will stay at the bottom of the whitegoods table where it belongs. Also Microsoft does not charge 50 to 70 dollars every time they ad a few extra functions to their service packs apple however does. I use apple and since the release of OS10 jaguar I have seen very little in the way of functionality added to the OS X 10.1. But have payed for .1.2.3.4.5.6 at 70 dollars per upgrade and the interfaces have changed very little.
Mac OS X version 10.5 "Leopard" is the sixth major release of Mac OS X
I would hardly call it a major release. Its just an upgrade or a service pack. So you don’t know what your talking about your an apple fangirl.

kegga1 (New user):

Tried the free release very good would be interested in buying but not paying prices wanted in australia its ok for microsoft australia to say u can get it on etr but what happens if u dont have kids under 30 its a joke that americans can get it for one price and we in australia are stuck with paying these huge prices DOWN on MICROSOFT australia typical big corparation rip the little guys off Thanks Kegga1

Ralph Dillon (New user):

What about Pensioner's like me?

MetalRenegade (New user):

Windows 7 should be either very cheap or free to people who currently have Windows "Complete Trash" Vista. I still don't get why US get it cheaper, even if there are excuses for it.

Oldmarovinjian (User):

Well Even if I don’t get another copy of windows 7 RTM because I have one now and I will probably need another 3 for the other 2 laptops 1 desktops. I got a copy with A Toshiba Qosmio G50 But I am not allowed to install it until October 22. Yeah I can wait bllsht. I have the RC anyway I will just wear out that rather than wear out my copy LMFAO. Did anyone here enter the Windows 7 Release Party website? I also won a Windows 7 Release Party Host pack. I can't wait to see what is going to be in that. Hopefully a copy of Windows 7 ultimate. That what allot of members are saying. I hope you all find a way of getting it for free whether it be cunningly legitimate. Or just a Bonus for doing something. But I still believe anyone who has gone out and purchased a legitimate copy of Vista when First Released/6months should be entitled to a free Copy of Windows 7. Just bring proof and the Packet and disk with OEM Sticker to a retailer and swap it for the same of Windows 7.But only those who have a first release Of Vista. Others that got Vista long after the release cannot really say it was a piece of crap otherwise you shouldn’t have purchased it or agreed to the license. Do you think that’s fair. Come on we are looking for a fair solution and not every one that has Vista is complaining I know people that are happy with Vista now and don’t want to change because they say there is not enough new features to change.

Oldmarovinjian (User):

Well Even if I don’t get another copy of windows 7 RTM because I have one now and I will probably need another 3 for the other 2 laptops 1 desktops. I got a copy with A Toshiba Qosmio G50 But I am not allowed to install it until October 22. Yeah I can wait bllsht. I have the RC anyway I will just wear out that rather than wear out my copy LMFAO. Did anyone here enter the Windows 7 Release Party website? I also won a Windows 7 Release Party Host pack. I can't wait to see what is going to be in that. Hopefully a copy of Windows 7 ultimate. That what allot of members are saying. I hope you all find a way of getting it for free whether it be cunningly legitimate. Or just a Bonus for doing something. But I still believe anyone who has gone out and purchased a legitimate copy of Vista when First Released/6months should be entitled to a free Copy of Windows 7. Just bring proof and the Packet and disk with OEM Sticker to a retailer and swap it for the same of Windows 7.But only those who have a first release Of Vista. Others that got Vista long after the release cannot really say it was a piece of crap otherwise you shouldn’t have purchased it or agreed to the license. Do you think that’s fair. Come on we are looking for a fair solution and not every one that has Vista is complaining I know people that are happy with Vista now and don’t want to change because they say there is not enough new features to change.

webby (New user):

What a load of crap! They say that their prices are so high becaus of the ETR scheme, my parents aren't eligible but that dosen't mean they have enough money to go "here son have a new overpriced OS on us", Not saying i will but i will probably just get windows 7 from "alternate" sources. Nice job Micrsoft you are simultaneously ripping off customers AND promoting piracy.

Oldmarovinjian (User):

I can get full versions of X32 and X64 Windows 7 Ultimate With Genuine Validation Product key and COA for $290 Delivered.
Can also get Home premium and Professional. about $30 cheaper.

Noons (New user):

Let me see:
I run XP. So I must pay for a Vista upgrade, and THEN the W7 upgrade.
Or else buy full W7 and re-install ALL my software.

That is soooooooo going to happen...
(NOT!)

Oldmarovinjian (User):

Well as you can see none of the prices that are being displayed on the internet are correct as I just got a Full OEM (Origional Equipment Manufacturer) version for 205 of windows X64 In a Windows 7 Ultimate OEM Box that looks like the retail buy curvy and all but thinner.

Martin02 (New user):

Buy 3 user online from overseas????

Oldmarovinjian (User):

Where is the 3 user license from overseas

todd_h86 (Cornerstone member):

Just so people are aware

http://www.microsoft.com/australia/windows/offers/windows-7-student-upgrade.aspx

$50 upgrade for people with .edu.au email address or a recognised educational insitute. Very Very Affordable! You get the download of the dvd image for $50 or you can order the DVD for $15 extra.

Hope this helps some people!