So you're OK with companies updating their software, but you don't want to pay for it? Or am I misinterpreting you?Hardly think C++ is an old language.
The problem relates to this. Windows 7 works fine, it will boot, it will work, no problem.
The problem is those who are greedy, like Microsoft. Need to make more pieces of paper that hold value.
Just as an FYI; I paid for a TechNet subscription a few years ago when it was still around. Got a bunch of Windows 7 licences for cheap, and every upgrade since then has been free. I haven't paid for a Windows licence in over a decade.