Just thank your lucky stars it's not Gusty Gibbon.... on curried cabbage.

The way I read it is that Win 7 upgrade installations do not write over the top of previous OS but it repackages them into a "Windows Old" folder prior to writing new the files to the drive/partition... that it is in fact a clean install of the new OS, which 'should' mean that users can upgrade from 32 to 64 bit if they wish.

I may be wrong, but that's the way I understand it.   According to a magazine article I read somewhere, MS requires an installed OS to prove a user qualifies for the cheaper upgrade of Win 7, unlike XP, where users could merely insert a borrowed 95, 98, ME or 2000 disc (when requested) to continue the installation.

Um, probably for the same or similar reasons as I described above... many stores do not actively support the sales of 64 bit editions because they simply do not stock/won't get them in.  It's a case of what's most popular and feeding the market with it.

Also, pre-builts have predominantly come with 32 bit OSes in the past, though hopefully that will change to encourages devs to support and develop for x64.

Referring my previous post(s). That is true with non-Windows 7E-versions - as well, but i am not sure, can you upgrade 32-bit to 64-bit in any cases. After all, 64-bit  WILL allow 32-bit programs, but i am not sure, does installer create this famous "Windows.old" folder, when you change from 32 to 64-bit.<br>

64-bit is very secure... but 32-bit aka x86 is much more popular, because [insert linux/mac user comment here] it will allow almost millions different programs. Even unsigned...and yeah, viruses as well... hence my comment about 970.000.000 users... based MS press release... That's why i suggest UAC always, because same architecture is available in Ubuntu, MAC OS's, but Vista abd 7 version still sucks. I use UAC (with non-dim tweak), because there is a lot's of reasons to use UAC, but most people hate it, and when i got Vista on 2007 - March, i also hate it and disable then. But now i get it. No more TweakUAC-program, because even Stardock programs will require permissions in some cases. Not sure, was that WB 7, who require UAC prompt, to transfer files to another place (public folder). <br>

like DEP, UAC, etc will make your system very secure. And when i know Linux-distro's and Mac systems, Windows is resource hog, but also allow millions programs, unlike competitors. Hence the monopoly, etc. But MS fault, no and yes... but mostly you can blame, (even MAC, Linux, etc users) the programmers. Most don't still get it, what is UAC, so how on earth they will understand e.g. Ubuntu or any MAC system. Hence, i have couple programs, who will suggest to turn DEP and UAC off. And got reply, how UAC is useless, and DEP... after my statment, they were surprised, they actually didn't know... but they "afraid" losing their customers, so nothing changed, and gladly my trial period is over. I still use Vista Manager by Yamicsoft, even they abused my help - i can proof that. They gave 7 license keys, but disable all, after latest release + no replies. Gladly i found their own systems. So some useful tweaks are available. But do i suggest to buy their product - NO! Like Yamicsoft, thousands others will not understand new systems, and most likely, you may harm your system, if you believe their suggestion "useful, but use resources - recommend: disable"<br>

I like Ubuntu, i Love Mac systems.... but to execute many great programs, you need Windows. Or even if you use Virtual mode... you still need it. darn, why i pay to MS, ....ok, ok... in "theory", they gave some programs for free... and so on... and i may get Windows 7 Ultimate for free... but who asked to use it or help them anymore... BUT.... ok.... The End.

Eek....I need a beer.

I have a feeling that typed better than it read....

Yup.... it reads 'pisspot'

Probably. You know how Jafo is.

pffft $200?

I refuse to pay more than $50 for a game...which entertains me, i'll be damned if i'm going to pay $200 for an OS that will (without fail) cause me grief time and time again.

Most PC's in the world are old, they are old because people either don't enjoy spending hundreds on constant upgrades or simply can't. The majority of sane people arn't going to want to pay that sort of money for an OS and will just pirate instead. You'd think MS would cotton on that their constant loss of ground to linux et al isn't because their products are inferior (though they are!), its because they charge extortionate amounts. They need to start doing digital downloads for $25-50 and realize they'll make a hell of a lot more money that way.

That's true, Linux needs to get rid of the "You have to be this nerd to use me" reputation. Besides , if you play games, windows is the only choice because of DirectX, there not many OpenGL games on the market nowadays..

How is someone "brainwashed" to use Windows? 

Lets see the Title/Subject of this thread is 'Windows 7 Pre-orders at 50% Off'. 

Damn those Microsoft folks duped and brainwashed me again.

Reverse brain washing....intriguing. Either one's brain gets soiled or cleansed....depending on your viewpoint.

Isn't anything simple anymore?

Well I read confirmation from Microsoft that we ARE allowed to order 'foreign' copies op Windows for the reduced price, just as long as you have it delivered at a 'local' address (read: an address in the country that has the reduced pre-order price). All you need is a friend in one of those countries you can send the Windows copy to and he can then send it to you and/or just give you the key and you can install it yourself (with any provided copy of the DVD). Just make sure you trust that person, or you're screwed