vincevincevince - 10:16 am on Jul 9, 2006 (gmt 0)

Good for Microsoft. Lose those who refuse to pay and gain a smaller but more loyal following, just like Apple have. I don't think this is spyware as it is part of Windows. You install software and hence you take the bad with the good.

Having used Linux for a few years (cygwin + kde initially, then dual boot, now single boot) I can honestly say that those who tout windows as the better OS are just fearful of the transition.

Think of someone who feels themselves 'good to advanced' in the use of Windows XP, ask yourself how long it took for them to get to that level. Did they install a brand new OS having never used a Microsoft product before and found they could do every thing they wanted easily within a day? Or did they adapt their knowledge of Microsoft systems gained from years of experience with windows 3.1, windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, etc..?