A good question!

I would like to see this happen, an OS based on the Windows format, but entirely Stardock's own code, to hopefully prevent lawsuits from the likes of Apple.  It would be a huge undertaking, however, and I don't know that Stardock has the personnel to man/woman such a venture,.  I mean, it takes Microsoft 3 to 4 years and more, with thousands of staff at its disposal to develop a fully functional OS... and then there's the enormous cost to consider as well.  

As much as it would be nice, Bryan, I think maybe we're asking a little too much of Stardock at this point in time.

Um....barely functional ....

Bryan.....there's miles of code involved in an OS, and yes, it's more than a shell....that bit's "easy".

The kernel is the issue...

Orright, until Win 7, that is... tho I do believe you're being facetious.

And sadly, with Win [butt ugly] 8 on the horizon... BOO!!! , it was the last fairly decent [passable] OS.... EVER!!!!!

Anyhow, my point was that Stardock, even to replicate even a poor facsimile of Win 8 [with or without Metro, which btw, we're not allowed to call it that anymore] would require a much larger staff than it has [and probably could afford], and capital that would equate to the annual budgets of several small countries.

And no, BoXXi. You can't have Bara.

Ooops... sorry, Jafo.

Thought you said, "The Colonel is the issue."

It would be an excellent idea IMO. Unfortunately both Apple and Microstuff would have a shit-fit! Imagine an OS that does everything it claims it can do with hands on support from its creators.

Step 1- Make an O/S

Step 2- Make something so people can tolerate the O/S created in Step 1

I vote Stardock stays focused on Step 2.  Seems like a full-time job

It's not just the OS itself, you have to have developer support, support from other 3rd parties,etc.

Apple still barely scratches the surface when it comes to market share against Windows.  

It would be well beyond our capability.

The best we'd be able to do is create our own custom Linux-based distribution.

As it stands, we're pretty happy with Windows.  Even Windows 8, minus "Metro" is pretty outstanding IMO.

The biggest worry we have remains the attempt to merge a desktop experience and a mobile experience into a one-size fits all solution complete with its own walled garden.

Not for much longer if Microsoft carry on the way they are right now...............

Even that would be a welcome addition to desktop users should MS not relent on this Metro UI thing.... and Stardock would have a vested interest to develop ObjectDesktop, etc, for Linux based PC's.  Yeah, I know it's unlikely to happen, but the dream is free.

Yes, that is the concern I have, that MS seems determined we'll use Metro, like it or not. Win 8 has several advantages over Win 7, and I really like them, but I really do not want to have to deal with that interface at boot, have no access to a start button/menu or be dependent on MS' app store to gain access to useful tools not included in the OS.  These issues are what stand between me and purchasing a Win 8 license, so if MS remains intent on disabling all 3rd party apps that provide a Win 7-like experience, then there will be no sale.

But you're not going to be able to do that, are you..... or... are you? 

Stay tuned.

What can the folks who develop/make games for Windows do in order to keep the walled garden from happening?  Metro doesn't concern me too much, the walled garden does.

You just gotta love SD. 

Thanks for the reply Brad, I'll wait and see what you guys can do with Win8 before I switch to Macs........ 

Good thinking, Bry, it could save you quite a bit of money at the end of the day.  If Stardock can enable booting directly to the desktop and restore the start button/menu in the final release of Win 8, it will be just like working in Win 7 only faster... 'cause underneath Metro there's a very similar and slick OS with a few advantages over its predecessor.

  I'm here hoping and with fingers crossed.

Someone stick up for skinners by god!  There is no end to attractive posted here daily by many in the skinning community. As for easy to use, what is wrong with seven that is not user friendly?  Bottom line, people like change and new. So stardock has already accomplished the greatest idea yet, a software that tweaks to any individuals liking. Just a thought, if you do not know what goes into a skin, maybe some computer training is in order to make your computer os easier to use, just a thought. Happy with what I have, DoorTech1.

1.) Design OS on paper

2.) Begin coding

3.) ???

4.) Profit!