[fremont_steve]

Kind of an interesting bit of conduct by a convicted monopolist - eh what!

[darkwing104]

I prefer bare-bone systems without an OS. That way I control what goes on my systems instead of Microsoft.

[6SJ7]

"We want to urge all system builders — indeed, all Partners — not to supply naked PCs. It is a risk to your customers and a risk to your business — with specifically 5 percent fewer opportunities to market software and services," wrote Alexander.

Sounds like the ol' mafia protection racket; "we'd hate to see somthin' happen to your business".

[Echo Talon]

MS has no way of stopping people from selling "naked PC's"

[SamAdams76]

I miss Windows 3.1.

One of the very old computers in my basement has Windows 3.1 and when I fire it up, very fond memories of the early 1990s are revived. I have a copy of Wolfenstein 3-D on it as well as some postings from the old Prodigy Whitewater BB. MP3s were unheard of. Google was not yet born. Ebay and even Amazon were yet to be.

[mtbopfuyn]

I don't have a problem with MS, but I don't appreciate all the garbage (AOL, Tangent, etc.) they add to the basic.

[BenLurkin]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1609830/posts

[philetus]

Sam Kinison would say:


I don't buy PC's. I make my own and PUT &^(^%$^@e^&^^ LINUX IN THE &*(&%$##$^%^&* THINGS.

[Echo Talon]

CyberPower and United Micro both sell "naked PC's" if you want. Thats just 2 companies look at pricewatch.com they have a search for PC - No OS

[CrazyIvan]

You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.

[Petronski]

It is a risk to your customers . . .

Oh please, Mr. Ballmer, don't throw a f***ing chair at us. Protect us from ourselves with your mandatory bloatware.

[garyhope]

So, if I buy a raw mobo and a cpu, is that a "naked PC or just semi nude?

Someday will there still be a Microsoft or computer brands? Will they be relevant or just about as important as a brand of toaster or phone? Will you even care.

Someday there will be no PC's or OS's, just some kind of meaningless communication device.

Remember Aston Tate, Lotus, Borland, IBM, Amiga, Radio Shack, DEC, Wang, etc? Where are they now, where will Microsoft, HP, Compaq, Gateway, Apple, etc. be in 5 or 10 or 20 years?

[Right Wing Assault]

Hey, MS! None yo damn bidness what I buy for a computer.

[Windsong]

Oh where oh where are the corporate-world-can-do-no-wrong Freeper brigade?

LOL!

[WoofDog123]

system builders can sell whatever they want, but as far as the piracy element goes I can actually understand where microsoft is coming from. Anyone who can install Linux or whatnot can build a system from components as well.

[putupjob]

Oh gee, I remember when there were these boxes out there with a 8086 or 8088 and nothing really on it and you got DOS for $80. Junk DOS.

And now, 20 years later, it's work to get a box with nothing on it. I say like the rest of them here, how about if I decide what is on my own machine?

[DeFault User]

Microsoft may be attempting to use its powerful position in the market to hamper competition.

Never, jamais, mai, nie..........nunca...do you think?