There are some guys out there who are trying to make a Freeware Windows compatible OS that should be able to handle all drivers and programs windows offers. It sounds cool and there is a runnable beta. I do not have the means to try this out right now but maybe someone else can. If this ever gets fully functional it would be a real threat to MS. Could beat the pants off Linux in terms of functionality. Maybe it can even be an alternative for DOSBox. Quake2 runs already in ReactOS as it is called.

http://www.reactos.com/en/content/view/full/62

That would be quite a feat, I doubt however that they'll be able to threaten millions of dollars invested in development of windows, but who knows, linux is at it's peak of popularity...

You don't have to install it. Uses 'live cd', which will load at startup, without editing your HD. ;)

Nice idea, but will take much more effort to complete it.

Let's hope linux is not at its peak right now. For some reason I am not able to download the "live CD". I have the iso though and will try it out once I am able. Could be fun.

Yeah, I've been watching ReactOS project for a while now... but it still has a long way to tread... (which doesn't change the fact I'm very excited with its progress).

About the error concerning dl of the livecd: the file name is wrong. It says 'livecd' in the link and it's 'live' in the file... you can correct the link manually or go to project's files page on SF and download the livecd from there (the link there is ok).

interesting, Bill Gates better watch his step from now on...

I sounds like OpenOffice. Like Office only freeware.

Bill Gates will sue them into oblivion. Even if they haven't actually broken any laws, I'm sure he'll find a way.

I'm currently thinking about getting a new PC, and it's really annoying having to buy an OS- I really don't want to spend eighty quid on Windows XP (espicially since I already HAVE Windows XP on this computer), but don't really have a choice if I actually want to play games.

I mean, they're basically pinching all the good stuff from Firefox just because Mozilla have got a whopping FIVE percent of people using their browser. Who gives a crap about 5%? If Microsoft won't even let people use another web browser, do you really think they'll tolerate the existence of an OS that costs nothing and yet lets people actually use Windows-designed software?

At best, they'll force new security measures on developers to ensure software only works on real Windows.

As totally sweet as this would be, I honestly can't see it happening. Gates has too much money to let it happen. And no soul.

Somehow i don't see windows falling into oblivion... ever

Why do you say "peak"?