>From Benton Communications: PROTESTERS SEEK REFUNDS ON WINDOWS Issue: Computers On Monday, over 100 protesters marched in front of Microsoft sales offices around the world to demand refunds for unopened operating systems. The marchers are upset over a clause in the Windows license that states that users who do not agree to the terms can receive refunds for the preinstalled software on their personal computers. Several users, however, have reported difficulty in obtaining such a refund from Microsoft. "People pay extra money for software they don't need, they don't want and they're entitled to a return," said Rick Moen, one of the protest's organizers. Microsoft's Windows runs on over 90% of all personal computers sold in the world. [SOURCE: New York Times (C6), AUTHOR: Amy Harmon] <http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/02/biztech/articles/16windows.html> See also: SEEKERS FOR REFUNDS FOR 'WINDOWS' WARE FIND THE DOORS SHUT [SOURCE: Wall Street Journal (B10), AUTHOR: David Blank] <http://www.wsj.com/> Note that the summary doesn't mention Linux -- MSFT is spinning this as "see, we have competition" ... despite this (from the NYT) <quote> But several testimonials published on the Internet in recent months recount the difficulties users have encountered in obtaining a refund for Windows, which runs on more than 90 percent of all new personal computers sold throughout the world. For instance, most new machines are set up to boot Windows automatically when a user turns them on. And in a classic Catch-22, that in itself apparently constitutes an implied acceptance of the license, even though there is no way to get rid of the Windows operating system without turning the computer on in the first place. Spokesmen for Dell Computer and Micron Electronics, two of the major manufacturers, said their policy was to give refunds within 30 days to customers who are not satisfied with their systems, but they said they did not give refunds for Windows alone. </quote> > Kathy E. Gill > DCAC/MRM Methods Communication -- 425.965.6901 > Continuous effort -- not strength or intelligence -- is the key to unlocking our >potential. ~ Liane Cardes > Microsoft Exchange: the perfect name for its users' greatest desire! > ____________________________________________________________________ -------------------------------------------------------------------- Join The NEW Web Consultants Association FORUMS and CHAT: Register Today at: http://just4u.com/forums/ Web Consultants Web Site : http://just4u.com/webconsultants Give the Gift of Life This Year... Just4U Stop Smoking Support forum - helping smokers for over three years-tell a friend: http://just4u.com/forums/ To get 500 Banner Ads for FREE go to http://www.linkbuddies.com/start.go?id=111261 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
