https://www.fsf.org/windows/upcycle-windows-7
https://www.techradar.com/news/windows- ... on-demands
https://fossbytes.com/petition-filed-de ... en-source/
Basically, now that Windows Seven is no longer supported since early of last year, and that Microsoft is trying to kill off the operating system by no longer supporting it, the Free Software Foundation demands (yes, demands) that Microsoft release it as free software to make up for the various "sins" that Microsoft has supposedly done.
The Petition wrote:On January 14th [2020], Windows 7 reached its official "end-of-life," bringing an end to its updates as well as its ten years of poisoning education, invading privacy, and threatening user security. The end of Windows 7's lifecycle gives Microsoft the perfect opportunity to undo past wrongs, and to upcycle it instead.
We call on them to release it as free software, and give it to the community to study and improve. As there is already a precedent for releasing some core Windows utilities as free software, Microsoft has nothing to lose by liberating a version of their operating system that they themselves say has "reached its end."
To the executives at Microsoft:
We demand that Windows 7 be released as free software. Its life doesn't have to end. Give it to the community to study, modify, and share.
We urge you to respect the freedom and privacy of your users - not simply strongarm them into the newest Windows version.
We want more proof that you really respect users and user freedom, and aren't just using those concepts as marketing when convenient.
We need your help to send Microsoft a strong message. We want 7,777 supporters to take a stand with us for freedom - not just for ourselves, but for future generations of computer users.
While I do like the idea of an open source Windows Seven, it is kind of obvious that will never happen. Not only does a large amount of code most likely still live on in Windows 10, and so do some of the programs, but it would also become a competitor with Windows 10, which is the last thing that Microsoft would want. All in all, while a neat concept, is not something that is ever likely to happen.
What do you think NSG?
I know this petition started a year ago, but I found it interesting, and just read about it recently. I also would NOT sign a petition like this.