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Windows Refund Day Coverage 37

Posted by Hemos from the all-across-the-world dept.
Kit Cosper sent some local coverage of the Windows Refund Day over our way-the article also talks about Linux, and its' relation to the Refund Day.
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Windows Refund Day Coverage More

Windows Refund Day Coverage

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  • Posted by elfin1:

    People complain about paying the windows tax for software they will never use. Has nobody ever considered doing what I did when I set up my servers? I built them. They cost less than premanufactured crap from Slackard Hell or Compuke, they have better parts, they are sturdier, studlier, more macho, AND they have never in their lives seen MicroSlut software. I installed RedHat.

    And for those who don't know how to build a machine? Local computer tech shops can build you one cheap as blazes, and most of them will even pre-install Linux for you if you don't know how to do so already.

  • If they refuse to give my money back, I know exactly what I would do. I would inform them right then and there that I /still/ didn't agree with their licensing clause, that I couldn't be bound by it, and that I was going to set up a warez site with my copy of Windows, which I was forced to pay for against my will, available for anyone to download for free.

    And I would do exactly that.

    - Sean


    - SeanNi
  • This is a contractual issue. Failure to follow through on the clause on Microsoft's or the OEM's part means they are open to a class action suit, something they don't want at this point in time. Believe me, some enterprising lawyer will smell blood and help set up one against the OEMs and Microsoft if they don't honor it on the 15th.
  • This article appeared on the front page, rather than just in the business section, of the (Raleigh, N.C.) News and Observer, which is published in the capital city of the state, which is in the Research Triangle Park area, where a whole bunch of computer, bio-tech, pharmaceutical, and other big-time companies have headquarters or important branch offices. Also there are 3 major universities in the area (THE University of North Carolina, Duke, and North Carolina State University). So, In spite of a few mistakes and inaccuracies, this is a Good Thing.
  • "improved over the years through gang-programming by a handful of enthusiasts"

    A handful?! Yuhuh. Sure.
  • If you are making this happen in your area, please email me so we can get you on a list with other coordinators. :)

    _Deirdre
  • Sure, one (or a couple) people managed to get refunds, but I have my doubts that an organized drive will get anywhere. Not yet, anyway.

    People who would be interested in this (eg Linux users) make up a rather small percent of the people who get Windows preinstalled on their PC's. Even so, that's quite a bit of money! And whatever else you say about computer venders (and MS for that matter), they are not stupid enough to let a revenue stream slip through their fingers without fighting for it.

    - Slarty
  • At the very least, it's horrible publicity for Microsoft to look as though the only way they can get users to use their operating systems is by stuffing said operating systems down people's throats, especially while trying to prove that they're not a monopoly.
  • The note that the Windows contract is between OEMs and the end user doesn't bode well for this protest. If this is in fact the case, MS can, and probably will, just tell those involved to go deal with the company from which they purchased the computer.

    This is a great idea, but I think it should be directed at OEMs, the ones who are actually bound by the contract. I'd recommend using the LFD site and its resources as a way to put extra muscle on OEMs for customers, perhaps organizing concerted efforts against specific suppliers. They're the ones who're ultimately responsible for this mess for agreeing to MS's licensing terms, and they're the ones who're going to have to protest to Redmond directly.

    Another way of protesting, which could do more to get OEMs' attention is to take advantage of our semi-free market and vote with our dollars by buying preinstalled Linux machines. Two of my friends have computers from the wonderful folks at VA Research [varesearch.com]; the machines are great, and I'm planning on buying my next desktop computer from them.

    For those for whom VA's prices are a little high (i.e. buying those bargain Compaqs and the like), I'd encourage them to, even if the response is negative, ask that all MS software be removed/not installed and try to get the refund right away. If they won't get rid of Windows, perhaps you can save some cash on Works, Office, McAffee, or whatever they're pushing on you.

    That said, I wish everyone luck. May you get your refunds.
  • Personally I give 2:1 odds that this particular Anonymous Coward actually works for Microsoft. This looks exactly like the kind of post that they tend to post-- namely the 'other companies do the same thing, just Microsoft is better at it', and 'Microsoft makes the best products in the world'. Both of which are of course total $#!+. 'nuff said in response to a lamer like this.
  • I agree that people need to go directly to the Manufacturer.
    I have a page set up specifically for Dell at
    http://ibis.home.texas.net/dell.html [texas.net].
  • I won't argue with you about flamers except to say that it's about equal on both sides of the fence and only shows the mental capacity of the flamer. They tend to be less technologicaly adept. Either way, your entitled to your opinion. However, I do notice you are an anonymous coward, Your comments give some light to that respect.
    I detect that you think windows to be scalable, ;-) and Linux not? You obviously have little experience in this respect.
    I too occasionally run through a quick game of Quake on my linux boxes, however my performance is on average much better than what you were getting on your Windows machine. You must have some bad/inferior H/W. Probably the latter, as I have never experienced this "lag" that you refer to.
    As to better code, well, It has been written, Linux / FreeBSD are two such examples. At least there is the ability to fix and clean up the bugs.
    Unfortunately for MS, that is no longer possible, If they tried to Fix the code the way it should be then they would without question, break what is left that curently limps along, not to mention the apps, that were developed on/for MS platforms by third parties. Chew on this for awhile the next time your staring at a BSOD. ;-)

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