Like the Windows 7 starter netbook wallpaper? You'd better; there's no changing it.

By David M Williams
Tuesday, 23 June 2009 04:40

Technology

Microsoft seems bent on making netbook users know they’re running the cheapest version of Windows 7. After relenting on the previous restriction only three apps could run at one time the company now will lock the operating system desktop so the default wallpaper can not be changed.

When many people receive a new computer one of the first things they do is personalise it, generally by choosing desktop wallpaper that reflects their personality or interests. Microsoft says netbook users shouldn’t get this option.

Windows 7 Starter Edition, the release of the upcoming Microsoft Windows 7 intended for netbooks, has already been controversial for original plans to restrict users to only running three applications at the same time.

This plan was scrapped by the software giant but it appears Microsoft still wants netbook users to be conscious that Microsoft operating systems cost money and you trade off features against price.

The latest move was subtlety announced on a Windows team blog declaring that Windows 7 Starter does not include features like domain support for businesses, XP mode and some other items – including “personalization features for changing desktop backgrounds, window colors, or sound schemes.”

That’s right. While enterprises already know they need the professional or higher versions of XP and Vista to connect to corporate domains it’s unprecedented to deny the user of lower-end home or ultraportable systems the fundamental ability to personalise their own environment!

It seems, to Microsoft, personalisation is a privilege. It’s not a right.

Not only can end-users not change their background but Microsoft have also stated OEMs are similarly forbidden from replacing the Windows-provided background for the Windows Welcome, the login screen and the desktop.

It is yet to be seen just what the Windows-supplied mandatory, immutable, wallpaper will be but no surprises if it contains the words “If you paid more money for Windows 7 Home you wouldn’t see this message.”

Alternatively, Ubuntu Netbook Remix offers all the features of its big-brother release for free.