Microsoft battles over refunds with Linux users
Microsoft spokesman Robert Bennett says the computer giant doesn’t force anyone to buy Windows, yet 90 percent of all new personal computers sold come with Windows pre-installed. Microsoft claims these PCs come with an end-user licensing agreement, which makes it simple for consumers to get refunds. The purchaser is instructed not to run Windows and to reject the MS-Windows license. However, those who use Linux, a free alternative to the Windows operating system, and have bought a new computer with Windows pre-installed have repeatedly requested refunds and been denied them by Microsoft. Microsoft advises Linux users to ask for the refund from the store that sold them the computer. But, many individual computer retailers don’t offer refunds and send customers back to Microsoft. Those retailers who do offer refunds require the entire PC be returned within 30 days. According to the Internet publication Wired News Report, this ineffective process has become a consumer’s nightmare. “How many rounds of Catch-22 do we have to go through?” asked one angry Linux user. Support for the “Windows Refund Effort” is growing as the number of Linux users (currently 8 - 9 million strong) increases. In February, Linux fans stormed Microsoft offices demanding refunds. Microsoft welcomed the demonstrators whole-heartedly, greeting them with refreshments (instead of a refund) and a 3-meter banner reading “Microsoft Welcomes the Linux Community.” It was, perhaps, not the reaction Linux users had hoped for.