Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Off-Topic
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451

https://www.computerworld.com/article/3293429/microsoft-windows/with-daas-windows-coming-say-goodbye-to-your-pc-as-you-know-it.html

So my surrogate grandpa down the street (who built mainframes for IBM back in the day) told me this was coming two years ago. He said Windows 10 was a piece of.....well, you know, and that Microsoft's agenda is subscription services and total domination, control and daily ownership over your computer life. And as much money as they can squeeze out of you per second...because they are really unhappy with pennies per day. They want at least $1 a day from all of us. And now. And then $10 a day. And then more. Forever. As for Windows 10 being more "secure"--it never has been. Not from the second it was released. That's why every new update is a Holy Mess.

Huh. Some people said he was like a crazy old prophet with a bee's nest in his hair.

Now, I am going to go ahead and call him Jeremiah.

Should I go ahead switch to a Mac, Mac people or is it the same story over there?

Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,485
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,485
Same story over there. In fact, Mac went that way first.

And once in Mac, it's harder to switch back. Windows computers are compatible across several brands, Mac does many things to keep you from switching back so that they can extract money from you forever.

Google, Facebook, Twitter, and almost everything that is free on the Internet is extracting money from every search, every profile item, every game played, and any other info you enter.

The Cable TV company, Internet provider, bank, insurance company, phone service, electric company, and everybody else is out to get your money.

But IMO it's an extreme viewpoint. Instead of buying a product, with a computer OS you are buying a service - or perhaps somewhere between buying and renting. As long as you get what you think is your money's worth out of it, they are trading you something for your money.

You can buy a computer with Microsoft or Apple OS on it, update it once, get off the Internet, and use that computer for years. I have a 2002 IBM Think Pad on stage that went off the Internet in 2002, and has been making me money on stage since then. It still works fine.

Of course you can go open-source Linux if all the apps you want are there, but if you want BiaB you need Win or Mac.

So if and when Microsoft becomes a subscription company, then I'll evaluate if the price is worth it to me.

Insights and incites by Notes


Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,033
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,033
Apple is a cloistered world...folks either love it or hate. We love it. Our integrated world of an iMac, iPhones, an iPad and Apple TV works well for us. I've now had two iMacs over the past six years and migrating from one to another was absolutely seamless as are OS updates that occur overnight with no user input needed. There are plenty enough of Apple haters and you can find write-ups contrary to this but I used PC and Windows from their inception until switching to Apple and I have NEVER looked back. YMMV.

Bud

PS I have IT friends who work on PC based systems all day but personally are Apple users. FWIW.


Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more.
If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks!
Our Videos
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Interesting article. I guess the success of DAAS windows depends on how much complaining happens or people abandoning Windows altogether. If there's enough of an uprising to this change maybe M$ will back down a little. We shall see...

So far those of us that are hard core Windows and IT geeks have still been able to control our systems the way we want with the various incursions of Win10.




Steve

BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
Off-Topic
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451
Steve,

I will rely on your consulting advice to help me do that 10 years from now when the secret police finally come to take my desktop away from me.

smile

By the way, I went to your website and read the pig latin stuff.

Pretty racy for a PG audience don't you think?? It made me blush.

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Originally Posted By: David Snyder
By the way, I went to your website and read the pig latin stuff.


Ha! Yeah, that's the default crap from the HTML5 template I used.

I guess I need to finish populating my content, oops!




Steve

BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,485
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,485
Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud
Apple is a cloistered world...folks either love it or hate. <...snip...>

I'm pretty indifferent. I have both PC and Apple products.

The computer is a tool, the software is an extension of the tool, whichever gets my particular tasks done well is the one I choose.

There is only one thing I dislike about Apple, and that's the fact that they put too many stumbling blocks in your way to using more than one platform. Like the lightning port. If I want to transfer pictures from my PC to my iPad, why can't I use a standard USB to USB cable instead of that $35.00 USB to Lightning cable?

One of my main tools for making a living is writing styles for BiaB. I've tried it on the Mac, but the StyleMaker for PC has more features and allows me to make better styles. Therefore PC is it.

Making backing tracks for my duo can be done easily on either Mac or PC. There is plenty of software available on both platforms, but since my BiaB work is on the PC, why not use it for the rest of my music apps.

If the software I need was better on the Mac than on the PC, I'd switch in a minute, but so far it isn't. I suppose if I was in the graphics/printing business I'd be Mac based, as they have a better hold on that industry.

I find I like some things better on Windows OS and some things better on the Mac OS, but I use the computer for the available apps, not the OS.

To get back on topic, they are both headed towards either the subscription model, the spyware model, or both.

Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with liking one OS better than another, it's personal taste. But don't count me as being a fanboy of either.

Insights and incites by Notes


Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
https://www.howtogeek.com/360938/no-microsoft-isnt-turning-windows-10-into-a-paid-subscription-service/

According to this article, subscription services including hardware are for business'.


Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Thanks sir. That should calm some people's minds.




Steve

BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,475
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,475
Originally Posted By: sslechta
Thanks sir. That should calm some people's minds.


This assumes that you believe everything Microsoft says.

Personally I hope it is true.


The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,485
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,485
If and when the day comes, I'll reassess:

I've spent money on upgrades in the past.

Would the subscription fee be more or less than the upgrades?

How much?

What are the alternatives?

And so on.

Right now I don't see any reason to be concerned about it.

Insights and incites by Notes


Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
This is all about business not individuals. Here's the ZDNet link in that HowToGeek article:

ZDNet

The internet is so much fun. Whatever your personal prejudices are you can find something very well written and believable that fits those ideas perfectly. When an article really rings your bell as in "I knew it, don't trust Microsoft they're a bunch of greedy [*****]" do a little extra research to find out if it's really true or not.

Bob


Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
Off-Topic
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451
But Bob,

If you can't trust an Internet forum what can you trust???

smile

Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,184
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,184
Who knows? By the time all this rolls out to the consumer, ReactOS might be out of alpha and in beta! smile


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,475
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,475
Originally Posted By: dcuny
Who knows? By the time all this rolls out to the consumer, ReactOS might be out of alpha and in beta! smile


David, please keep us posted on this as it looks very interesting.

(edit) - I just DLed it and will put it on a CD to try. Hopefully sometime next week.

Last edited by MarioD; 08/04/18 01:09 PM.

The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Originally Posted By: David Snyder
But Bob,

If you can't trust an Internet forum what can you trust???

smile


I know you're just being funny David but actually good forums like this one are great. Stuff like this gets hashed out and people can understand what's going on. I've learned a lot here over the years.

Bob


Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
Off-Topic
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451


Hey Bob (and everybody else):

https://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2018/08/04/microsoft-windows-10-subscription-cost-price-upgrade-update-windows-7-8/#3d3ef5e472c1

Looks like Forbes and CNet are on the trail of this one too now.

Can I trust Forbes, Bob?

Ok, I am being funny again. Just goofin'...sort a...you know, like a good forum is supposed to goof.

smile

Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,184
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,184
Originally Posted By: MarioD
David, please keep us posted on this as it looks very interesting.

It's very cool, but it's been in alpha development since 1996, and it's still not stable enough for daily use.

More recently, they've been focusing on running on real hardware instead of a virtual environment, which is good. I believe that audio support is limited to Windows DirectSound using the ICH AC97 Audio Controller, but I've not tested it myself. I know that Reaper can be installed, but the last I saw, audio support wasn't there.

I'm curious how it will work for you. laugh


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,475
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,475
David, after I DLed it I found out that it was only 32 bit. I'm going to wait for the 64 bit version.


The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
I read that article earlier David and what they know now they're saying the same thing, it's for businesses. The idea that it could wind up with individuals is possible but it's really just speculation at this point.

This is where a person's attitude about MS come in. If you just don't like them, don't trust them then you'll take the position "See? They're going to screw us again". As for me? I think it's overblown.

Bob


Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.

The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

Order now!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.

Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.

If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe

This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,989
Posts798,680
Members40,004
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
bttywhtes01, brendcrns01, Jacko192, Punam, Caminerin
40,003 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 173
DC Ron 117
rsdean 99
Noel96 96
DrDan 81
Today's Birthdays
zigor
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5