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View Full Version : Easiest / cheapest way to get windows (legally I mean)..?



Thunderbird8
Jan 30, 2008, 01:43 AM
I need a copy of windows simply to run one or two PC games such as flight simulators. I have no other need for windows at all and therefore am looking please for a recommendation of the minimum and cheapest option I will need.

All my professional work is done in OSX so the windows OS will only be loaded when I'm off duty and relaxing.

Is XP 'Home' the way to go?

Thanks guys!


ravenvii
Jan 30, 2008, 02:11 AM
Yeah, XP Home is all you need. All I use Windows for is gaming and ExamSoft (law school exam software) and Home is just fine.
dwright1974
Jan 30, 2008, 02:21 AM
I need a copy of windows simply to run one or two PC games such as flight simulators. I have no other need for windows at all and therefore am looking please for a recommendation of the minimum and cheapest option I will need.

All my professional work is done in OSX so the windows OS will only be loaded when I'm off duty and relaxing.

Is XP 'Home' the way to go?

Thanks guys!

And the cheapest way to buy it is via. the OEM route. eBuyer.com have it for a shade under £55. Here it is (http://www.ebuyer.com/product/114048). Exactly the same as the 'retail' version except no box and no support from Microsoft. It is designed for system builders but it is fine for a 'punter' to buy it!

HTH

- D
Thunderbird8
Jan 30, 2008, 03:28 AM
Hi,

When you say 'no support' does this mean that the software won't update with the latest drivers etc? (Like OSX does..)

Sorry - I have not used windows for years...!
MacHipster
Jan 30, 2008, 03:48 AM
Hi,

When you say 'no support' does this mean that the software won't update with the latest drivers etc? (Like OSX does..)

Sorry - I have not used windows for years...!

I believe that means that MS won't support the product if you call and ask about it. I'm sure updates are included.:)
Osarkon
Jan 30, 2008, 06:05 AM
Hi,

When you say 'no support' does this mean that the software won't update with the latest drivers etc? (Like OSX does..)

Sorry - I have not used windows for years...!

Updates are included, they just don't provide you with the phone support as far as I'm aware.
dwright1974
Jan 30, 2008, 06:26 AM
Updates are included, they just don't provide you with the phone support as far as I'm aware.

Sorry, yes that's what I meant, they won't provide you with technical support however Windows Update, etc. still works so you can keep it patched up.

Also, from a licencing point of view, you can only use the copy of XP on the machine you buy it for, i.e. if you upgrade your Mac in the future you should buy a new OEM version of XP.

Hope that clears it up!

- D
Thunderbird8
Jan 30, 2008, 07:34 AM
Yes it does thanks a lot - saves me about a hundred quid!
weckart
Jan 30, 2008, 10:17 AM
You could try ReactOS

http://www.reactos.org/en/index.html

It is already capable of running a couple of games.
cogsinister
Jan 30, 2008, 02:11 PM
You could try ReactOS

http://www.reactos.org/en/index.html

It is already capable of running a couple of games.

Never seen this one before......a Windows clone sort of based on NT5.......crazy stuff....
aiterum
Jan 30, 2008, 03:18 PM
its still in development stages and it will most likely have a lot of problems with drivers and such considering that it still doesn't have a lot of features implemented/bugs worked out.

i'm waiting for a good stable release of that though in the future, and if it comes out as good as it is supposed to, i would consider switching to it
GavinTing
Jan 31, 2008, 12:24 PM
its still in development stages and it will most likely have a lot of problems with drivers and such considering that it still doesn't have a lot of features implemented/bugs worked out.

i'm waiting for a good stable release of that though in the future, and if it comes out as good as it is supposed to, i would consider switching to it

Theres that beta software on the mac that lets you run windows progs natively, but hey.. :rolleyes:

Anyway, as mentioned above, just guy an OEM version. It comes in a cardboard sleve, as opposed to the boxes you see in product shots. No manual, just a CD and cd-key stickers. It usually says "ONLY FOR DISTRIBUTION WITH NEW COMPUTER HARDWARE SYSTEMS" and etc. This applies to the macbook/whatever, as it is technically a new computer system =)