Good news: Vista is free since SP1

[Leonard]

Here is the link: http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=334.
After SP1 is released, you can borrow a genuine Vista installation DVD from
a friend (I do not recommend to download Vista DVD from the web since it may
contains malicious code) and install it on your machine. Then apply SP1. OK,
all you have to do is to click 'activate later' if it appears and enjoy free
Vista experience.

 

[Kurt Herman]

Not really.

I quote the article....

" If your copy of Windows is flagged as â€non genuine,†you’ll have to deal
with some minor annoyances: the desktop background is a solid black (the
better to see the “non genuine†label in the desktop’s lower right corner).
If you change your desktop to something less stark, a scheduled task will
paint it black again one hour later, and you’ll see a small “Activate Nowâ€
alert in the same location, which you’re free to ignore.

Restrictions on Windows Update will remain unchanged. If your system is
flagged as “non genuine,†you’ll still get critical security updates, but
you’ll need to pass a WGA validation check before you can download optional
updates and new, signed drivers."

Of course, if you want to run Vista so much that your willing to put up with
those limitations, knock yourself out.

I know I wouldn't

Kurt