Linux man gets his Windows money back

According to Linux World, Dell has given freelance programmer Dave Mitchell, of Sheffield, UK, a refund of £47 for an unused copy of Microsoft Windows XP Home SP2 he didn't want.

The operating system came with his Dell Inspiron 640m laptop. Dell also kindly refunded the tax Mitchell paid on the software.

There has been a long running battle between Linux users and the OEMs about supplying Windows with machines.

OEMs are a bit unhappy about supplying computers without an operating system because the likes of Microsoft are a little worried that people will install pirated software on them.

But dealers have also been a bit reluctant to give refunds to Linux people who want to hand back their Windows operating systems. This has resulted in what the Linux forums have dubbed a Microsoft tax.

The legality of doing this is somewhat questionable because Vole's licence does allow for refunds.

Mitchell told Linux World that he was careful to document that he did not run the Microsoft product or accept the EULA. This included photographing every step of the boot process including clicking on the XP 'no I don't accept' button. µ

L'INQ
Linuxworld