Steam user Windows 10 market share closes in on 50 per cent

[ik9000]

So you have to buy a new OS per 5-10 years, not a bad thing.

the big mess ups was stuff like windowsME, Vista, windows 8-

I don't mind buying an OS every 5 years. I do mind them forcing me to have automatic updates, no control over when they happen, trying to force me to share files with "other computers in your location", demanding the right to access whatever they want on my computer, whenever they want, and demanding I permit them to make copies of my files in the EULA. If it wasn't for that I would be buying multiple copies of win10 for all my machines. Instead I am sticking to win7, downgrading my new laptop to win7 and using the next 3 years to get more familiar with linux, starting with ubuntu - for which my machine has all the drivers and OS image available from the manufacturer.

[Dashers]

Maybe you've confused my use of the term "features" to mean features related to the x86 instructions, if so that would be incorrect as those would be extensions, features on the other hand would be things like the IGPU, the various management (thermal, voltage, clock) features, you know everything not an extenstion to the x86/x64 instruction set.

None of these 'features' require explicit Operating System support for the CPU to operate. It is also unlikely any existing features from previous packages would be any less supported - only new features would run in default/fail-safe configuration without any new configuration or adjustment from the manufacturer supplied driver in the OS.

And I'll reiterate, Intel have made no statement of not supporting older versions of Windows - that would be relevant as they are the ones who supply drivers and firmware for their components.

I'll also reiterate, I encourage everybody to upgrade their OS, you're going to get the latest greatest support - but that doesn't mean we should let FUD go unchecked. Your Windows 7 will still work on Intel's next round of x86 processors.

[Corky34]

None of these 'features' require explicit Operating System support for the CPU to operate. ....

Doesn't that depend on how you're defining operate, if i can't use 100% of a product is it operating as intended?

And I'll reiterate, Intel have made no statement of not supporting older versions of Windows - that would be relevant as they are the ones who supply drivers and firmware for their components.

Unless they've done a U-turn that's exactly what they've said...

Both Intel and AMD representatives who were contacted also confirmed that the policy was in place for future processors like Kaby Lake and Zen.

AMD said its CPU roadmap was "fully aligned with Microsoft's software strategy", and Intel clarified: "No, Intel will not be updating Win 7/8 drivers for 7th Gen Intel Core [Kaby Lake] per Microsoft's support policy change."

....

I'll also reiterate, I encourage everybody to upgrade their OS, you're going to get the latest greatest support - but that doesn't mean we should let FUD go unchecked. Your Windows 7 will still work on Intel's next round of x86 processors.

Somethings very wrong when you refer to support as great.

Also it seem odd saying this is FUD as that's exactly what it is until we get confirmation on what is and is not going to work with the new generation of CPU's on old operating systems.