Windows 7 Starter Ed. for Netbooks - 3 concurrent apps limit
Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 12:59 pm
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/246859/wind ... books.html
Another little reminder to value the importance of "free", as in freedom, in "free software". Will the software control you? Or will you control the software? Things like this reinforce my decision to not use the phrase "open source", since it never stresses the importance of freedom.Microsoft's decision to limit Windows 7 Starter Edition to running only three concurrent applications could force up the price of netbooks in the UK.
The company announced last week that it was launching Windows 7 Starter Edition as a low-cost option designed specifically for netbooks.
However, the company's decision to impose a three-app limit could force many manufacturers to opt for the more expensive Home Premium.
The three-app rule includes applications running in the background, meaning that a user running Windows Messenger and Skype, for example, could only use one further application on their machine. Antivirus software is excluded from the app count.
Microsoft says the restriction is designed to ensure that users get the best possible performance from limited netbook hardware. However, it admits it will encourage netbook manufacturers to install the unrestricted Home Premium in the UK.