FemmeFatale wrote: >A V Flinsch wrote: > >>On Tuesday 30 April 2002 11:13 pm, you wrote: >> >>>On Tue, 30 Apr 2002 14:43:37 -0700 >>> > >>What ms considers to be illegal is the following: >> >>I buy a machine with preinstalled windows >> >>I uninstall windows and install a real os >> >>I sell/give the version of windows that came with the machine to someone >>else >> >>What ms wants is that when I sell or give away the machine, I must >>also hand the original version of windows to whoever gets the machine >>also. >> > >What M$ wants isn't fair still IMO. That means that you don't own that >OS. Your example is *considering this is M$'s logic & if it is true* >flawed. > >Basically taht means my Pre-loaded OS isn't mine to sell, keep or give >away with my hardware or w/out it. Thats absurd. > >Its like saying, I bought an apple & I have no right to give it away >w/out giving away the piemakings I had ready to use with it too. >
That's right. You do not own your computer if you use windows because you can do only what is permitted by the EULA. Some versions of the EULA that you click to agree to allow Microsoft to modify the EULA without notice. This happened to many folks who bought NT workstation planning to use it as a server with Netscape Enterprise. In the blink of a Microsoft attorney's eye, the EULA was changed to permit no more than 10 simultaneous connections, and NT workstation users "had to" upgrade to NT server (which, incidentally came with IIS for 'free'). I was one of those who said to myself "Have to?" while rubbing the egg off my face for not reading the EULA before clicking it. I turned to linux and never looked back. But actually if you read earlier EULAs, the rub is that if you don't agree, you must return the software. I have done that. I know others have done that. One woman managed to get a refund of the microsoft 'tax' after six months of wrangling with eMachines. When that splashed in the news and others started to move toward returning the windows, Michael Dell popped up and said with Dell you have to return the whole system. I haven't bought a Dell since and I never recommend them, not only for that reason but also because they are short-cutting the real hardware and making their boards proprietary. Many times I have tried to help someone with Aureal drivers only to learn they have a Turtle Beach card from Dell which is just different enough not to work with anything but Dell issue drivers. And Yes you do have power. Build your own systems. Let the manufacturers who ship Windows and support Microsoft so steadfastly twist in the wind. Buy from their competitiors if they offer pre-installed linux. Anyway, the important point is that you CAN remove windows and return it provided you never have used it or clicked OK to the license agreement. Only Dell requires the return of the entire system AFAIK. Civileme >
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