Re:Reasons to prefer Linux over Windows (2014)
by snazz on Sunday November 15, 2020 @08:52PM
(#25107071)
Many PC builders just don't activate Windows at all—other than a few occasional nags, Microsoft doesn't really enforce Windows activation anymore. It's just like how Apple doesn't crack down on Hackintoshing. Both the build-your-own PC market and the Hackintosh market are small enough that it's not worth the time.
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Re:Reasons to prefer Linux over Windows (2014)
by Qwertious on Sunday November 15, 2020 @09:30PM
(#25107306)
Plus, Microsoft is better off having the few prospective Linux-users to have experience tinkering with Windows rather than Linux, even if they don't pay for Windows directly either way. It means they're more likely to be happy using Windows for business IT infrastructure, which is where Microsoft makes its real money.
Re:Reasons to prefer Linux over Windows (2014)
by toyg on Sunday November 15, 2020 @09:49PM
(#25107428)
> Microsoft doesn't really enforce Windows activation anymore
Except an unactivated Windows, once past its trial window, will shut down after an hour of use, without warning. That's very annoying.
MS absolutely does enforce activation. They likely won't come after you for using cracks (unless you have hundreds of corporate machines using them), but they will make your life awkward remotely, as they are entitled to by the EULA.
Re:Reasons to prefer Linux over Windows (2014)
by omg_ponies on Sunday November 15, 2020 @11:02PM
(#25107853)
This has not been true for some time. You can continue to use un-activated Win10 installs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Product_Activation#A...
You just can't change the wallpaper away from black, and there is a notice displayed on it.
Re:Reasons to prefer Linux over Windows (2014)
by snazz on Monday November 16, 2020 @08:58AM
(#25111644)
You can change the wallpaper by right-clicking on an image file, just not through the personalization preferences.