[Sderby] This thing called Windoze.

[Graham Hamblin]

Hiyer Mike

Thanks for your reply.  My present box is a home build and I do wonder 
why I ordered a new one because only 333Mhz it does the biz.

Thank you for the info on refunds, I guess I won't get one but it pees 
me off that I can't get the OS of choice instead.   I just wonder if 
the EU Commision getting the most recent Windoze worm may concentrate 
minds in our favour.    Some public authorities are turning to Linux so 
it's all to be played for and it is a cause for me which I have a 
positive outlook on.

All the best and thanks for the reply

Graham Hamblin

On Wednesday 05 May 2004 2:20 pm, hemstock at tiscali.co.uk wrote:
> > Hiyer
> >
> > The other day I ordered a new box from Dell.   They refuse to
> > supply it without Windoze pre-installed and I am awaiting delivery.
> >
> > I don't want Windoze in any shape or form having used Linux
> > exclusively now for about ten years.
> >
> > Just wondering about the options.   When I boot the thing up will
> > it give me the option of refusing the Microsoft licence?   If it
> > does can I return it and get some dough back?   This stranglehold
> > by the Gate's lot on the supply of new computers really pees me
> > off.   Dell supply servers with RedHat installed and I would have
> > gladly accepted RedHat without strings as an alternative to
> > Windoze, not an option.
> >
> > Not a member of the man-lug group so any replies from there I would
> > appreciate a CC to my address, thanks in anticipation.
> >
> > Regards
> > Graham Hamblin.
> >
> > --
> > Graham Hamblin
> > S.u.S.E. Linux
> > ==============
>
> Graham,
>
> As I understand it in order for the manufacterer to use windblows,
> they need to sign an agreement with microshaft that they will buy a
> windows licence for every PC they build, regardless of whether that
> PC ships with windblows.  Although the machines you buy from Dell or
> whoever come with Red Hat, you are still buying an OEM windblows
> licence, the cost of which is hidden in the cost of the PC.
>
> According to the MS EULA, if you do not agree with the T&Cs you can
> return the product for a full refund.  If you goto Dell they will
> tell you to take it up with M$, if you goto M$, they will point you
> at Dell.  A few years ago there was a windows return day in which
> Linux users all polled up at M$ and demanded a refund.  Although M$
> laid on refreshments, I don't think anyone saw a refund.  M$'s
> defence for this practise is to stop piracy.  In which case I guess
> they should force manufatures to buy an M$ Office licence, a Visio
> licence, an M$ content management server licence, you get the
> picture.
>
> Your only options are firstly to search the web for a manufature
> which deals exclusivly in non M$ PCs or to build your own.
>
> Mike.
>
>
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-- 
Graham Hamblin
S.u.S.E. Linux
==============