In addition to providing new releases of OS X for free, Apple is now giving free access to beta builds as well. Previously they required a $99 developer subscription to access these builds. The benefits for Apple are clear because more bugs will get reported and more developers will have pre-release access to foster a stronger software ecosystem at release time.
Via Slashdot: http://apple.slashdot.org/story/14/04/23/1334252/you-can-now-run-beta-versions-of-os-xfor-free
Does Microsoft do anything similar with Windows? Do you think they should?
I know the windows previews were free I tried out both 7 and 8 a few months before the final release. they were usually bad for compatibility but still "Free" for a trial of the new system.
I see if more as they are using you as unpaid beta testers. In that case I avoid these.
Would either of you have a link to help me find those? I looked a bit and came across the MSDN page for evaluation copies of software. I'm downloading Server 2012 R2 now. The 180 day trial period isn't quite as nice as an unlimited license like with OS X (not to mention the free upgrade to the release once it's out), but should work well enough for evaluation at least. The stuff in the evaluation center looks like it is software that is already released though, and I'm more interested in the previews you guys are talking about. I guess maybe I'm not finding anything because the next version of Windows just isn't in beta yet. If you know of something with some info though, a link would be great :)
I know the windows previews were free I tried out both 7 and 8 a few months before the final release. they were usually bad for compatibility but still "Free" for a trial of the new system.
Completely agree, Zibob, I don't like being fooled in any way, so I refuse such "free" proposals.