Bill Gates To Come Out Of Semi-Retirement

Our intrepid Microsoft insider has just informed us that there is rumbling that good old Bill may be coming out of semi-retirement to take over Microsoft, à la Steve Jobs. Apparently Bill has been feeling that his old pal, Ballmer, screwed things up royally with Windows Vista and Microsoft needs an inspirational leader like himself to helm it through the current economic crisis.

According to the sketchy details, Ballmer will remain Microsoft's CEO, but Gates will directly take over the Windows 7 programme and correct "fundamental problems" with its marketing and new features like Windows Anytime Upgrade and the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program. Amongst those changes being proposed are :

• Offer free upgrades (to Windows 7) to dissatisfied Windows Vista users, based on Microsoft's database of users who had earlier lodged complaints with Microsoft Support Services about performance or compatibility issues.
• Reduce shelf prices of Windows 7 by 30-50%, depending on geographic locations.
• Extend Windows Anytime Upgrade to Windows XP and Windows Vista users, but only to allow them to purchase Windows 7 at 50% off shelf prices.
• Provide free Windows 7 licences to certified educational institutions.
• Provide free Windows 7 licences for netbooks destined for emerging market.
• Donate at least 10% of Windows 7 sale proceeds to charities in each country.
• Make at least part of the Windows 7 code base publicly available.

Whether any of the above comes true remains to be seen. Certainly, they are amongst the most common wishes of Microsoft users worldwide - to have a better, open and more affordable operating system. So, come on, Bill! Make our wishes come true!

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