[Johnny B.]

Here is a dirty little secret....Win XP SP, which I use, is available for free from several download sites. It has stood the test of time and hacking and keeps on going strong.

Win 7, in many of its apparitions, is also available, for free, at these sites.

Nice. That way the viruses com pre-installed.

Aside from the questionable safety of downloading Windows from some random download site, there is the fact that this is is stealing.

If you are unwilling or unable to afford to buy a legal copy of your operating system, I would recommend switching to Linux, which works fine for most purposes, and is a legal and ethical choice.

[2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten]

Not to mention the fact that MS is likely to be able to detect this sort of piracy and lock you out from using the illegal product.

[Tainan]

Nice. That way the viruses com pre-installed.

No Johnny...they do not. Sorry for your mis-preception.

If you are unwilling or unable to afford to buy a legal copy of your operating system,

Neither of which is applicable in my case. I have 3 valid XP Pro licenses on my machine. Again, sorry.

Windows from some random download site, there is the fact that this is is stealing.

Again, 3rd time, sorry Johnny...XP is, and has been for a year or so, available and fully supported by MS from DL on the web.

Nice that you're a Linux fanboi, nothing against them. I have a free Linnux disc setting on my desk. Ubuntu 8.04.1 LTS...screwed up my entire computer and I had to re-format the entire Hard Drive when I tried to install it.
I'm just not geeky enough....and don't want to be. I use my computers...I don't like them to use me.