On Tue, 22 Oct 2002 10:21:59 +0100 Michael Sage wrote:
The problem is the software is considered as much a part of the package as the hardware. You don't buy a computer from Dell without a processor, so why should you be "competent" to install a processor or indeed an operating system.
Agreed - the operating system is an essential part of a computer, otherwise you'd have an expensive doorstop on your hands.
End of Point
Unfortunately this is the way it is. I recommend buying a machine with Windows 98 rather than 2k/XP that way you can either give the license to a local school (although this too is deemed illegal by MS as they have decided that an OEM licence is bound to hardware, go one prove it! :o) ) or similar.
Microsoft are now tying OEM copies of Windows XP to the BIOS of PCs now, so it can definately be tied to the hardware now :) How many people actually supply Windows 98 as an option for new hardware? It's an obselete operating system by Microsoft's standards, and even Windows 2000 has been a reprieve by Microsoft as that was due to have support for it stopped relatively soon (whereas now MS will stop supporting it around 2006).
There are still a number of suppliers who supply 98, Most "home-office" machines come with an option of '98, Fujitsu Siemens machines almost certainly still do, any way that doesnt help, some companies will preload RH providing you buy from source (Dell, i think are one), mind you it wont get you a discount, if anything it costs more for configuration etc. With the new bread of sub £200 machines are going to be hitting the UK early Q2 2003 with Lindows preloaded, not ideal but maybe a step in the right direction?!?!
Regards,
Michael
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