Microsoft to stop Linux, older Windows, from running on Windows 8 PCs

[Nok]

now that you mention it crow, i never used a microsoft keyboard, will try to replace my no brand keyboard for a microsoft one if it doesn't cost much, anyway, last time i heard, logitech or a similar company made those devices

about win 7 and printers, haven't seen it happen, will try to see it happen

I posted a couple of years ago that Microsoft's "Natural keyboard" was the one thing that Microsoft got right. Somebody replied that even if the keyboard was sold under the Microsoft brand it was neither developed nor produced by Microsoft. But it was the keyboard I used for several years, and once you get accustomed to it you won't want to switch.
 

Still using mine, the 1998 elite model. I have two other keyboards, used prior to getting this one, that are packed up back in their original boxes and haven't seen the light of day since I got this one back in 1998. I need to get another (they can still be found) as a back up for when this one finally fails.

I use a MS "Natural keyboard" too. The only drawback is when I use someone else's pc. It feels really odd having all the keys in a straight line with no gap in the middle.

[µT6]

i was checking a somewhat recent model, still has that weird curve and shape, not sure if i would use one comfortably

especially knowing that the cheapest one i can find costs 50 dollars and won't be a good gaming keyboard 

[Alfred]

So Alfred, what is lacking in Unix/ Linux, that your corporation is stuck with Microsoft ? Mainly compatibility issues between your Corp., and others ?

Nothing is lacking with Linux/Unix (we already know that).
I work for a large government owned corporation, which after multiple mergers has become large enough for the government to stipulate Windows only, which they have a contract with.
As a Comms Tech, I deal with lot's of UHF/digital/Spread Spectum and Micowave radios, including mobiles (not phones).
Add on top of that, PABX's, voicemail systems etc.
Just about all the vendors supply windows applications only to access and program their equipment.
So we are heavily tied into Windows...like it or not.
What I meant before is that I am just starting to see the newest equipment to show up with their own build in Web servers and Network ports, which makes them cross platform compatible.
Funny enough, one of the biggest problems I have seen over the years with Web access Comms equipment, are Java problems. 
The Webserver on the device requires a specific Java version, which then clashes with your version installed on your Laptop.
Usually that Java on the devices is outdated, as the equipment might be 6~12 months old from day of manufacturer to the time we have purchased it, while your Laptop's version is the latest one, causing compatibility issues.

Back to the main topic:
Let's face it, the Desktop is slowly disappearing while the Laptop takes over.
I used to run multiple Servers (Linux) at home, using Desktops and the PC's were mainly Desktops as well.
Now the whole family is Laptops only.
Any Laptop you buy now will be Windows8 and the hardware will have the secure boot etc installed. (Unless you purchase an outdated version).
Now most of us that use Linux for a while either purchase or donate towards their chosen Distros.
This IS a serious issue, because if Users can't install Linux anymore, then donations will drop off and the popular distros will just disappear.
They might be done mainly by volunteers, but Internet access and Serve space is a true ongoing cost that somebody has to pay for.
So as quicker this can be resolved as better we all will be for it.
I would like my PCLinux back as dual boot, so that I can use it 95% of the time as I have always done.

[Bald Brick]

i was checking a somewhat recent model, still has that weird curve and shape, not sure if i would use one comfortably

That weird curve and shape is the whole point of it, but if you aren't a touch-typist that won't be very important to you. It's a good keyboard even for hunt-and-peck typing, but if you don't use all your fingers when typing you'll probably find cheaper alternatives with good tactile feedback.

especially knowing that the cheapest one i can find costs 50 dollars and won't be a good gaming keyboard 

Why wouldn't it be a good gaming keyboard?

[µT6]

"That weird curve and shape is the whole point of it"

i know, i understand that it is a design meant to avoid weird hand positions and help avoid carpal tunnel syndrome

in the way i map my keyboard to play games i use only some keys, not wasd, i use arrows and numeric keypad in almost every game i play unless it uses a gamepad

in that ergonomic design i can use those buttons too but the price is too expensive, i consider a keyboard expensive after $15 so $50 is a no for me

[Bald Brick]

"That weird curve and shape is the whole point of it"

i know, i understand that it is a design meant to avoid weird hand positions and help avoid carpal tunnel syndrome

in the way i map my keyboard to play games i use only some keys, not wasd, i use arrows and numeric keypad in almost every game i play unless it uses a gamepad

in that ergonomic design i can use those buttons too but the price is too expensive, i consider a keyboard expensive after $15 so $50 is a no for me

That makes sense.

[parnote]

FWIW,

I try everything I can to avoid buying ANYTHING with a Microsoft name on it ... mouse, keyboard, pencil, etc. The last thing I want to do is put more $$$ into Microsoft's coffers.

[Lone Stranger]

FWIW,

I try everything I can to avoid buying ANYTHING with a Microsoft name on it ... mouse, keyboard, pencil, etc. The last thing I want to do is put more $$$ into Microsoft's coffers.

I feel the same way but I have the M$ 4000 ergonomic keyboard and I do not regret getting it.  It is the best keyboard I ever owned.  It is the only Microsoft item I own.

[Nok]

I was given my MS keyboard about 6 or 7 years ago, so I don't feel too guilty.   

[Tony]

Yeah, three cheers for the 'Microsoft Natural Keyboard'.
I asked:

So Alfred, what is lacking in Unix/ Linux, that your corporation is stuck with Microsoft ? Mainly compatibility issues between your Corp., and others ?

Nothing is lacking with Linux/Unix (we already know that).
I work for a large government owned corporation, which after multiple mergers has become large enough for the government to stipulate Windows only, which they have a contract with.

Please don't take this the wrong way, Alfred; I'm trying to think outa the box I feel stuck in; but say the Corporation you work for, or a fictitious Industry/ Corporation was openminded, do you feel any Linux Distro has the infrastructure to deal with a large Corporation ?

I'll probably make this a project that I'll search out later, I know there's some whopping big super Computers that use UNIX based systems, because they need the Software flexibility.

I also guess that if the Australian Government, who are spending 34 Billion dollars building a Fibre Optic National Broadband Network said tomorrow we want to make a deal with PCLinuxOS, Not Microsoft, PCLinuxOS wouldn't be up to the task.
However given such an offer, money would be available, people could be employed to support the needs of the Australian government, and this Distro could become a lot more dynamic. It's all a fantasy that I find important, I do hear people moaning about MS; does any Linux distros go out and push their product to Corporations, or Governments ? I'm just interested.

I realise we're gonna be stuck with Hardware, compatible with Win 8, which doesn't allow Linux or other Systems to boot. I'm sure that wont be the case for long, pretty sure have read and heard whispers that Linux will be ok. I imagine the fuss this will cause in the Euoropean Union already. 'MS Monopoly'

Few themes rolling along.
1.) Damn, Hardware, and Certification for Win 8 aint gonna allow us who use Linux to jump on board the latest Hardware.
2.) Microsoft 'Natural Keyboards' are fantastic.
3.) Is any Linux Distro ready to take on a big corporate contract/tender ?

Dreaming time ...

[sammy2fish]

now that you mention it crow, i never used a microsoft keyboard, will try to replace my no brand keyboard for a microsoft one if it doesn't cost much, anyway, last time i heard, logitech or a similar company made those devices

about win 7 and printers, haven't seen it happen, will try to see it happen

I posted a couple of years ago that Microsoft's "Natural keyboard" was the one thing that Microsoft got right. Somebody replied that even if the keyboard was sold under the Microsoft brand it was neither developed nor produced by Microsoft. But it was the keyboard I used for several years, and once you get accustomed to it you won't want to switch.
 

Still using mine, the 1998 elite model. I have two other keyboards, used prior to getting this one, that are packed up back in their original boxes and haven't seen the light of day since I got this one back in 1998. I need to get another (they can still be found) as a back up for when this one finally fails.

I use a MS "Natural keyboard" too. The only drawback is when I use someone else's pc. It feels really odd having all the keys in a straight line with no gap in the middle.

I also have a MS natural keyboard 1.0A.  Two things I like about it.... 1) it conforms to the way your hands come to the keyboard, 2) it let's you know which fingers should be pressing which keys.

My ps2 keyboard is at least 5 years old.

[Just17]

3.) Is any Linux Distro ready to take on a big corporate contract/tender ?

You are not outside that box .... yet 

Why would a large corp/gov/etc need a particular distro?

They already have more resources and money than most distros out there.

There are suitable business orientated distros that could be used as a base to build their own.

If they build their own then they have complete control over it.

Some corps/gov agencies have already gone this route ... with considerable success if reports are to be believed.

[Jalbindi]

1.) Damn, Hardware, and Certification for Win 8 aint gonna allow us who use Linux to jump on board the latest Hardware.

Well there are two options here. Use older hardware and maximize the drivers for those or build custom machines that are modern and will run the latest hardware or I suppose as a third option wait until someone in the Linux community gets around that issue.

Older hardware I find in Linux is much better and with fewer hiccups. That's just my take on it of course from my own personal experience. What I do think is often with latest hardware you have to wait a few months until Linux drivers are made for them anyway in that time a lot could happen. Linux doesn't need to run on the latest hardware to work, it's what I love about Linux so any current machines for a business could continue for another long time just with a change of OS.

[Lone Stranger]

I suppose you could buy a custom machine with the oldest hardware you can find off the shelf.  I usually go the used computer route and it works.  Just yesterday I bought a desktop tower with a dual core processor to replace a dying PC that had a single core P4 processor.  I wasted no time in removing W7 and installing PCLOS KDE MiniMe.  It runs very snappy and  there are no errors.  That should last me for 4 or 5 years when I hope I have enough funds to buy a new custom tower.

[sammy2fish]

I suppose you could buy a custom machine with the oldest hardware you can find off the shelf.  I usually go the used computer route and it works.  Just yesterday I bought a desktop tower with a dual core processor to replace a dying PC that had a single core P4 processor.  I wasted no time in removing W7 and installing PCLOS KDE MiniMe.  It runs very snappy and  there are no errors.  That should last me for 4 or 5 years when I hope I have enough funds to buy a new custom tower.

Right on!

So you are good for the next 4 years.  I'm in the same boat.

After that... what will those ***** come up with......?