Virtualization Disallowed For Vista Home

Maxx writes to mention a ZDNet article about Microsoft's dictum on Vista as a virtual machine. The software giant has declared that home versions of their upcoming OS may not be run virtually, because 'virtualization is not mature enough for broad adoption.' From the article: "'Microsoft says that consumers don't understand the risks of running virtual machines, and they only want enterprises that understand the risks to run Vista on a VM. So, Microsoft removes user choice in the name of security,' says Gartner analyst Michael Silver. 'The other option is to pay Microsoft US$300 for Windows Vista Business or US$399 for Windows Ultimate, instead of US$200 for Home Basic or US$239 for Home Premium,' Silver suggested."

Yes

[skingers6894]

'virtualization is not mature enough for broad adoption.'

Well, neither is Vista probably.....

Finally Microsoft admints

[Anonymous Coward]

"...enterprises that understand the risks to run Vista.."

It's good that finally MS admitted running their OS has risks.

The other option is to pay Microsoft US$300

[Threni]

Hehe!

"So you can't use virtualization, unless you can..ahem...demonstrate your understanding"
"Demonstrate my understanding? How would I do that?"
"Well...everything has its price. If you were to, shall we say, *invest* in some understanding, then I could let you use it"
"Ah - I understand. Is this enough of a demonstration?"
(Counting.."Yes, you appear to be sufficiently qualified" (flicks switch)

Re:Understanding

[omeg]

The risk of everything turning out okay if you accidentally delete all your files or format your hard drive, perhaps (given that you are able to undo this in some virtualization software). Oh, what about the risk of being able to revert quickly if you get infected by a virus? Those are all terrible risks, and it's imperative that home users don't touch virtualization because of it!

Re:Or, ya know..

[G-Licious!]

So this is how Microsoft achieves such a low TCO.

Er?

[Wrexs0ul]

The article's point is that plenty of companies can do this, so long as they spend $60-$100 MORE for a business-class license. Apparently only those capable of spending more money have the cognitive capacities to understand risks involved in VM, and is a kick in the pants to home users who don't buy the same version as their office.

Which makes about as much sense as buying a more expensive copy of Windows for the coolness factor... A route their MS spokesperson maybe should've gone instead. Just imagine the black-on-colour iPod-esque commercials touting how you'll get laid dancing to your Virtual PC!

-Matt

Re:Er?

[Dunbal]

commercials touting how you'll get laid dancing to your Virtual PC!

      Or virtually laid, at any rate...

This just in...

[laughingcoyote]

Microsoft has recently added to the EULA of its upcoming "Vista" program, disallowing users from installing the operating system.

"We see this as a very positive move for our customers," stated Microsoft chief public relations officer Benja Overr. "While the Windows CD is perfectly safe when being used, for example, for a game of Frisbee or as a very attractive coaster, it's well-known that when most of our customers place the CD in a computer, they end up with viruses, rootkits, and all other sorts of issues. We just don't feel the Windows operating system is mature enough for the average user to be playing with on their computer."

Microsoft stated that the UltiCruftcrapGigantoNightmareRameater version will be available to actually install in a computer. Tentative pricing for this version is set at $1000.

Re:B.S.

[Anonymous Coward]

it could be the other way around -- vista is useless for many if itunes doesn't work on it.

Re:Understanding

[DrLex]

I dont understand, what risks?

Don't you know? You can die a horrible death while running an OS inside a virtual machine! It's like learning to fly a plane in a flight simulator, those things kill people!

Re:B.S. (NOT!!!)

[LiquidCoooled]

You need a legal department to setup a VM?

Strange how I've never needed one of those for any other OS I have created a VM for in the past.
Which repository do I need to add to get a legal department?

Re:B.S.

[Fred_A]

And how exactly is using a VM unsafe?

Because it's not mature enough, it's in the blurb right at the top of the page! And you certainly don't want to deal with anything underage on a computers nowadays!
It's about time MS thought of the children I say.

Either that or it's one of the lamest excuses ever, I'm not completely sure yet.

Re:Sick of moderation abuse

[giorgiofr]

At first I thought "slashdotprod" was some kind of daemon that turns you into a /. professional moderator... then I got the joke. Brilliant idea BTW.

I think you mean...

[Digital Vomit]

I think you meant to type Microsoft true motto:

"Where do you think you're going today?"

Re:B.S. (NOT!!!)

[walstib]

Which repository do I need to add to get a legal department?

apt-get install leeches headache ulcers loss_of_income