Windows "Vista" -- 'greed knows no boundaries'

[mobbsey]

Hi all,

Just when it's clear we need to cut resource and energy consumption what do Microsoft do?? They make their new operating system the "greediest" computer OS yet. E.g.:

"At last year's WinHEC, developer sources said that Microsoft was going to
recommend the "average" Longhorn PC feature a dual-core CPU running at 4 to 6GHz; a minimum of 2 gigs of RAM; up to a terabyte of storage; a 1 Gbit built-in, Ethernet-wired port and an 802.11g wireless link; and a graphics processor that runs three times faster than those on the market." (from PC Mag -- http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1790683,00.asp)

So, apart from paying a few hundred quid to get their 'digital rights management' enabled (i.e., locked up) software, you're going to have to
upgrade all your computer equipment too.

The solution? -- switch to Linux (and whenever possible use recycled computer parts).

If anyone is interested in finding out more the Free Range Network is looking to organise some events in November to look at these issue in detail. We can provide the content, but we need help to find some venues around the UK.

If you'd like to help organise a 2 hour-ish workshop in your area on
Microsoft's new operating system, the implications of digital rights
management, and how you can avoid these problems, then email fraw@gn.apc.org



P.

[isenhand]

I?ve been using Linux since ?96. Although it has improved over the last few years it?s still tricky to set up and there are still programs that are note available for Linux.

However, the thing I like most about Linux is people work together to do something positive. That?s a good model that gives me hope for the human race. I hope we could extend that model to other projects.