MS Windows: on the eve of default

 Microsoft Windows continues to rule the world of personal computers. Eight out of every ten PCs, according to some estimates, and more still are running different versions of the OS (7, 10, XP, etc.). But how long will it last?

The classic rule of thumb in this situation is to bet on a continuation of the trend: to think that MS Windows will retain a dominant position for at least another half of the period which it has rights, i.e. the next 10-15 years. However, some nuances of behavior of Microsoft and the reaction of users to the latest version of its system, are entitled at least to assume a different scenario.

The first year of Windows 10 has turned out scandalous. I will not repeat here all (a detailed discussion has been recently: see "a Dozen" at any price"), but in short: the software giant has used all fair and foul means to force users of previous versions of the system to be updated. And how honest, no trick, turned out to be much less. Such incentives as a free update (by the way, the stock is over: now the new thing is 120 dollars), of course, could only please. But Intrusive offers updated non-installer disable), the interpretation of a click on the "x" in the window title as agree to the system update and similar things — it's obviously "over the edge".

Surprising that a tooth is on the "top Ten" had many, especially active users. Some even dare to sue Microsoft and won: this summer, for example, 10 thousand dollars of compensation was awarded to American Teri Goldstein — the man-to-man which is established without demand Windows 10 has brought in the off state. All the more curious that by the end of the year-long campaign, the new system captured only a quarter of the market, and many see her share even fewer (one-fifth). But then it was even more interesting. 

 If you're interested, to upgrade to the "Dozens" is still free. They say it's enough to put on the upgraded system date to July 28. No one knows how long Microsoft this loophole will save. But considering the modest success of Windows 10 to win audience, it can be assumed that for a long time. 

 It was logical to assume that following a year of active updates, forming a no Foundation, Microsoft could weaken the grip, gives up the most aggressive techniques will give users a break. But this hope did not materialize. It turned out quite the contrary: the company has reinforced the push. And it caused a scandal erupted now. Today, August 2, comes a large update for Windows 10: version 1607, also called Anniversary Update letters. "Jubilee"). In another situation, such a release would be holiday, but in the case of "Ten" it was painted in dark tones. And it's in the same overly aggressive.

The upgrade, which was promised in the spring, and that many have been waiting for the nice additions were made possible of the Edge, an intelligent assistant Cortana can now torment even before login into the system, redesigned UI, improved stability, etc.), brought something else. In summary, Microsoft has made some (previously optional) feature binding, without the possibility of choosing to change. For example, the same "Cortana" is now impossible to disable (at least in versions of Pro and Home). Yes, already suggested at least a dozen ways to hide the office assistant, depriving him of the opportunity to eavesdrop on a user and to intercept keyboard input. But this is only camouflage, which does not disable Cortana completely.

Similarly, from the Pro version disappeared the ability to edit some group policy. Group Policies is a convenient way to customize the look and behavior of the operating system at once on multiple jobs. But now, at least in Windows 10 Pro, some things need to be configured only maykrosoftovskie and nothing else. For example, you can now prohibit the installation of apps from Store or select from the preset programs, you cannot turn off the system prompt (Windows Tips), disable or configure the lock screen.

Why was it made? Microsoft clear answer was not given, but among the expressions of assumptions seems most reasonable continuation of the policy of squeezing of the users, sorry, bubble. Denying administrators the usual functions, the software giant is pushing them to the more expensive versions of the system (particularly the Enterprise), where the functionality is retained in full. And personally, I don't remember the other new things in Windows that would cause the same stream of comments in the spirit of "good reason for switching to Linux. 

  It is hard to imagine, but there was a time when PCs could run an operating system, written in Microsoft office packages, was not written by Microsoft, and it was not considered bad form or "hacking." This screenshot was taken much later, however, in the first half of the 90s it could be so. Are you ready to go back to those glory days? 

 But now try to step back, assess what is happening through the eyes of an outsider. Isn't it weird, how does Microsoft? Windows 10, which was assigned a key role in the fate of the eponymous family of operating systems were supposed to be soft, respecting user product — to take functionality, fresh finds, interesting solutions, and thus to prepare the ground for prosperity platform for another decade at least. Instead, the software giant has chosen the tactics of the imposition, coercion in everything. Why?

One of the possible explanations: the company is teetering on the brink between despair and panic. Watching as the market loses interest in its products and (even worse!) her vision is a segment of mobile devices there are quite a safely without Microsoft, there it is not a single application from the software giant, without which it would be impossible to do — it rolls down to a desperate, inadequate actions (common for corporations caught in such a situation, remember the last years, Research In Motion or Nokia). The stronger it puts pressure now on the user, more interesting, more attractive look Google and Apple.

I will say, fiction? I will not insist: to me personally, has long been living without Microsoft, the former leader softostroeniya does not seem neither indispensable nor invincible. But there is a way to test this theory. If the events of the last ten years have really turned the software giant into a "wedding General", the next act of the drama will be a mass migration to a new office Suite. I don't know what package it is, I only know that MS Office will lose the status of a de facto standard, to become "one of", as it was in the early 90s.

And then, with all the inexorability of the mechanics of the free market, you can wait and first significant loss for MS Windows share on the desktops. On the browsers we have recently seen (and participated). The time has come of the OS.