Monday, April 30, 2001

MS: Install Windows or Else -- 1:52 pm CST, Update by A.T. Hun

Aaxnet got a hold of a Microsoft email offering rather lame prizes for computer builders or resellers to turn in the names of people who order computers without an operating system. The Register has its usual calm, well-reasoned response to this. Here's a snip from the email:

It has come to our attention that many organizations that are sending out bids believe that because they have enrolled in a Microsoft volume license program (i.e. Select Agreement or Enterprise Agreement), that operating systems for newly-acquired PCs are automatically enrolled in the volume program as well. There is no volume licensing program at Microsoft that covers operating systems for new PCs. Therefore, we strongly advise that each new PC that will be running a Microsoft Operating System be pre-installed with an OEM version of the Operating System. The alternative would be to purchase retail product, at greater cost and inconvenience to your customers.

Of course, they neglect to mention that installing Linux or OpenBSD would be equally legitimate. Basically if your company gets turned in, guess who is going to get a license audit? I also wonder if computer builders would be opening themselves up to lawsuits if word got out.

The Master comments: It doesn't have to be a Free OS to be legitimate, how about Sun, or AIX, or UnixWare, or (shudder) OS2? But, since Microsoft owns the universe, you'd better watch out when you wanna use some other OS other than the almighty and awful Windows.

J.t.Qbe comments: Come on, take the vow: "I will never pay Microsoft another penny." Microsoft is facing troubled times and a shrinking revenue stream, so it's trying to pull in cash from any and every source it can. Time will tell whether it succeeds or implodes. With arrogance and tactics like this, Microsoft is facing quite a backlash. For more on Microsoft and software licensing, check out this interesting article, then start your move to free software. Fight the future!

News for 04/30/2001

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