In the past, various companies have released free, ad-supported versions of their software to differing degrees of success (such as Opera’s web browser). The Febuary 2006 issue of Smart Computing mentions an internal memo from Microsoft that hints at the possibility of them releasing ad-supported versions of some their most popular software.

Clearly mentioned in the article were Windows, Works, and Money. No mention of Office, which Microsoft is alleged to be developing for Web use. It would be interesting to see where Microsoft goes with this, particualarly on the free version of their Windows XP operating system. Odds are that it will feature rotating ads on the desktop or random pop-up ads that can’t be turned off.