. `` The scalable performance level components may include a processor , memory , graphics controller , etc. . Software and services may include word processing , email , browsing , database access , etc. . To support a pay-per-use business model , each selectable item may have a cost associated with it , allowing a user to pay for the services actually selected and that presumably correspond to the task or tasks being performed , '' the abstract continues . Integral to Microsoft 's vision is a security module , embedded in the PC , that would effectively lock the PC to a certain supplier . `` The metering agents and specific elements of the security module ... allow an underwriter in the supply chain to confidently supply a computer at little or no upfront cost to a user or business , aware that their investment is protected and that the scalable performance capabilities generate revenue commensurate with actual performance level settings and usage , '' the application reads . ' A more granular approach ' According to the application , the issue with the existing PC business model is that it `` requires more or less a one
-LRB- CNET -RRB- -- Microsoft has applied for a patent on metered , pay-as-you-go computing . Under a Microsoft proposal , consumers would receive heavily discounted PCs , then pay fees for usage . U.S. patent application number 20080319910 , published on Christmas Day , details Microsoft 's vision of a situation where a `` standard model '' of PC is given away or heavily subsidized by someone in the supply chain . The end user then pays to use the computer , with charges based on both the length of usage time and the performance levels utilized , along with a `` one-time charge . '' Microsoft notes in the application that the end user could end up paying more for the computer , compared with the one-off cost entailed in the existing PC business model , but argues the user would benefit by having a PC with an extended `` useful life . '' `` A computer with scalable performance level components and selectable software and service options has a user interface that allows individual performance levels to be selected , '' reads the patent application 's abstract . The patent application was filed June 21 , 2007