4 ms·

I can only imagine from their apparent course that they'll lock out Win32 apps at some point and only allow installation/execution of software from the Windows

by Lev1a 10y ago

I can only imagine from their apparent course that they'll lock out Win32 apps at some point and only allow installation/execution of software from the Windows store (and maybe some "partners", i.e. some companies that are too big to just lock out, like Valve, although they would probably have to pay a "fee" to have access to the Win10 audience). Blocking of Win32 apps/apps not from the Windows Store already exists today [0], although who knows how long until it is not "voluntary" anymore. The text in the message from the linked article kind of gives one of the future "reasons" Microsoft will probably use in the future for this kind of shit away ("Limiting installations to apps from the Store helps to keep your PC safe and reliable"). This development presents a VERY slippery slope. [0]: https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/02/windows-10-creators-update-can-block-win32-apps-if-theyre-not-from-the-store/ https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/02/windo...

vlan0 10y ago
It's questionable whether this is currently a slippery slope. There is no precedence for this move on the PC platform. That alone weakens the argument that Microsoft will eventually make that move. To be clear, it is still possible, but there is not enough evidence to build a case that guarantees your conclusion. Edit: You could argue that the ChromeOS platform is an example of a completed locked ecosystem. I've never really considered Chromebooks to be a PCs, but I'm sure under some context they meet the classifications of a PC.
- Dylan16807 10y ago
  Under what context would a Chromebook not be a PC?
  - vlan0 10y ago
    By the broad definition used to define a PC, a Chromebook is a PC. My perception of a PC is just skewed.
    - Dylan16807 10y ago
      Okay, but what I'm curious about is what more narrow definition would exclude it. I'm wondering if it's something I haven't thought of, or whether you're underestimating them. For example, there are Chromebooks that can run most win32 programs.

by Lev1a 10y ago

vlan0 10y ago

It's questionable whether this is currently a slippery slope. There is no precedence for this move on the PC platform. That alone weakens the argument that Microsoft will eventually make that move. To be clear, it is still possible, but there is not enough evidence to build a case that guarantees your conclusion. Edit: You could argue that the ChromeOS platform is an example of a completed locked ecosystem. I've never really considered Chromebooks to be a PCs, but I'm sure under some context they meet the classifications of a PC.

Dylan16807 10y ago
Under what context would a Chromebook not be a PC?
- vlan0 10y ago
  By the broad definition used to define a PC, a Chromebook is a PC. My perception of a PC is just skewed.
  - Dylan16807 10y ago
    Okay, but what I'm curious about is what more narrow definition would exclude it. I'm wondering if it's something I haven't thought of, or whether you're underestimating them. For example, there are Chromebooks that can run most win32 programs.