Word from Microsoft insiders is that Windows pricing is being revised. Big corporate customers will be paying a little less, everyone else significantly more. Actual prices are not settled yet.

Analysis

Well, why not? Ability to raise prices is one of the 7 deadly signs of monopoly, but, hey, they're convicted of that now, so why hold back any longer? Get the bucks before the penalty ax falls.

Microsoft intends to close the gap between corporate volume licensing and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) licenses, mostly by raising the OEM price. That's the price consumers pay, since they normally get their Windows as part of a computer purchase.

What exactly big OEMs pay for Windows is secret, but is probably around $40 for the largest computer makers. Small builders pay about $98. Retail, it's about $185 ($99 for upgrades).

- Andrew Grygus