Reliance upon an Internet Connection

Not all of us, especially in Rural or remote areas, have the benefit of a Broadband connection fast enough to stream or utilise Apps to their fullest extent. We pay for an OS we can't fully use. This got me thinking as to how much 8/8.1/10 are increasingly reliant upon this facility.

Being a computer user for over 30 years, I have seen the massive changes which have taken place and am now questioning whether or not it is time for a re-think about what is in a supplied OS.

So this is what I have come up with....

All computers come with a basic operating system....something similar to Windows 7./Linux.

For those who have a good Internet connection, they can download and pay seperately for Apps. The download would also include the necessary software to enable the OS to use them.

Computer shops start stocking software disks/usb sticks and not just a product activation code within an otherwise empty box.

The superb integrated OS' with fast Internet are fantastic for those of us who can utilise them. However, globally, not all of us can use them nor need them.

Your thoughts please?

It's already the way you are proposing, all versions of Windows are completely usable without a fast internet connection. The only thing you really need a connection for these days is to receive updates.

As far as shops stocking software, that won't change since those without a fast connection are the minority. Packaging and distribution of physical software packages costs extra to produce so companies prefer electronic delivery. Those with a fast connection prefer electronic delivery (I know I do).

Sorry to say but those without access to broadband internet will be left behind.

We tend to think in location terms that everyone lives in a city of town. Even in the UK, if you live more than a couple of miles away from an Exchange, then you will not receive an adequate speed sufficient to even stream a Radio station!

It may be a commercial 'fact of life' that Software rarely these days comes in the box. It makes the assumption that everyone has a fast Internet.

You state that all versions of Windows are completely usable without a fast Internet connection....so lets examine this a bit further. Take for instance an App or cloud based storage. An App or cloud based storage won't work unless it has a connection. A slow speed connection gives access to that facility, but so slow as to render it virtually useless.

My entire point is that 'rural' users are paying for something that they can never use.

willington said:

We tend to think in location terms that everyone lives in a city of town. Even in the UK, if you live more than a couple of miles away from an Exchange, then you will not receive an adequate speed sufficient to even stream a Radio station!

It may be a commercial 'fact of life' that Software rarely these days comes in the box. It makes the assumption that everyone has a fast Internet.

You state that all versions of Windows are completely usable without a fast Internet connection....so lets examine this a bit further. Take for instance an App or cloud based storage. An App or cloud based storage won't work unless it has a connection. A slow speed connection gives access to that facility, but so slow as to render it virtually useless.

My entire point is that 'rural' users are paying for something that they can never use.

Click to expand...

No, 'rural' users are not paying for something they'll never use since they aren't charged extra for those non-used features. An example of someone paying for something they'll never use would be when a typical Home user buys a Pro or Ultimate version of Windows because they think it's 'better'. They're paying extra for features like the ability to connect to a domain which they will never use.

Apps and cloud storage do require a connection, that doesn't mean the OS isn't fully usable. I used computers for quite a few years before the internet came along (although I did login to BBSs back then).

I'm sure whatever software you choose, there are features within it that you personally don't use, that doesn't mean someone else won't use those features.

I know many users that have MS Office installed on their computer but only use Word and only use a fraction of it's capabilities. Most user's word processing needs can be met using notepad or wordpad yet they insist on having a full office suite installed.

Up until 6 months ago, I was a 'rural' user so I know what you're driving at but I think the solution is to make broadband internet available to everyone rather than hamper all because a few don't have a fast connection.

As an outcast,
I am running windows 8.0 out of the box with NO updates and zero nada internet.
I have no network device on my home system and am as happy as can be
Using this device for multimedia playback and television viewing and recording only.
Occasional spreadsheets, video editing, video conversions, and word processing.

All drivers needed came with the motherboard and the NVIDIA drivers were included with the device.
I don't need any updates. This system is not even activated ! and works fine (occasional nag screen)
I did, however, get a product key, when it was bought way back when build 9200 was released.
... activated by phone


Also use build 10240 having no connection to the internet.

Paid $199 US plus taxes / shipping for Windows 10 Pro on a thumb drive
I do not use the internet (never) from home.


Posted on a Surface 3 with activated 10240 using free WiFi at a donut shop