Further evidence that Microsoft just WANTS to lose its dominance in the marketplace. The Chinese may use counterfeit copies, but they are using the Microsoft products. That Microsoft is doing this means that Microsoft will be replaced by Linux in a lot of boxes there. I don't mean to say they can't assert their property rights any way they see fit, but I can certainly understand why the average Chinese guy operating a basement PC room doesn't wanna pay $200 for a single box's Microsoft commercial use "license."
Until they figure out a better way to move product (perhaps lowering their licensing fees in growing markets) Microsoft is just pushing people into Papa Linus's waiting arms. Communists ought to be predisposed to prefer communitarianism anyway.
I even dare say we would see a more robust, compatible, and yes more secure and virus-resistent OS if Micro$oft would just get past that one big hurdle.
Microsoft is struggling STILL to make having an OS like having to pay electric or water bills. MS wants a monthly bill to go out to every owner of a computer.
Of course it is not going to happen since the monopoly is still there but the POTENTIAL exists to chip it away.
I think the largest PC maker in CHina, Lenovo, is already using linux.
I run WINDOWS because I have to.
I run LINUX because I can.
My TIVO (self built) can record 1 week even more with more hard drives and it runs Mandrake.
My VIA mini runs SUSE AND Mandrake. I also have WIN98 on a second drive on that one for work.
I but used Pentiums and PII's and PIII's at Goodwill for 20 bucks they run usually have 95 or 98 still on them. I remove and put Linux, Mandrake usually, and make MP3 boxes, routers, firewall boxes outta them.
Go Penguin. And for those who are Scared of LINUX Mandrake has Mandrake MOVE. It runs fully from a CD no install. And can use the Internet. Pick up or download a copy. Show your friends it is not scary.
What difference does it make to Microsoft if the Chinese guy is using a pirated copy of Windows or a legit copy of Linux? It's not an issue until user/owners of legit copies of Windows switch.
In those countries, people whose copies are found not to be legitimate can get a discount on a genuine copy of Windows, though the price varies from $10 to $150 depending on the country.
That Microsoft is doing this means that Microsoft will be replaced by Linux in a lot of boxes there. I don't mean to say they can't assert their property rights any way they see fit, but I can certainly understand why the average Chinese guy operating a basement PC room doesn't wanna pay $200 for a single box's Microsoft commercial use "license."
Why do you think Microsoft is varying the price depending on the country and it's GNP per person ?