Believe it or not, but i am sure in 10 years, you will have no other choices than microsoft software... Open Source software will die due to software patents and the help of microsof, except for a few hardcore users, but will certainly die in the commerical areas :-(
And you will end up only being able to boot microsoft products on x86 hardware, except for if open source boards/chips will become produced.. sigh what a bright future.
Athens [Update 9 May 2003]: Microsoft has now specified the "next generation PC", code named "Athens" (R13) in precise detail. The specification ties PC design tightly to Microsoft's Windows initiatives and DRM (Digital Rights Management) plans, leaving no options for differentiation among PC vendors (R14). Athens is a "Microsoft Branded" PC in every detail except the label on the front.
Details of the specification raise questions as to whether any other operating system will be able run on this new machine, which will include Palladium chip based "security" features. As they now do with XBox (R15), Microsoft may be expected to pursue legal action against anyone who modifies Athens PCs to enable use of "unapproved" software.
http://www.aaxnet.com/editor/edit029.html#mspath
