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.
I also seem to remember M$ threatening OEMs a few months ago about shipping a PC without an OS, they called it an illegal machine and wanted all OEMs to report it too them immediately, with this kind of thing is it any wander OEMs wont refund anything on the OS.
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.
Any way, that's the way I see it.
Regards,
Michael
P.S I don't think I can make the 3rd.
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.
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).
Regards,
Martyn
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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Martyn Drake -
Michael Sage