5 years ago... Linux users demand Microsoft refunds

22.01.99 Linux users are ganging up on Microsoft again - this time to demand refunds for pre-installed, but unused, Microsoft software on their machines.

Technology news site http://www.slash.org reported this week how Geoffrey Bennett, an Australian techie, managed to get an A$110 refund from Toshiba after buying a laptop and immediately removing all Microsoft products on it. Bennett discovered a clause in the end user licence agreement saying consumers not happy with the terms could get a refund if they returned the software to the manufacturer of the machine. After a three month battle with Toshiba, Bennett secured his reimbursement last August.

Within hours of the story being posted, a website had been set up, offering advice on licensee rights and calling for an International Microsoft Refund Day on 15 February.

Grant Crawley, MD of Linux dealer D Grant Crawley, welcomed the move, saying: "I think it is a very good idea - [it means that] basically, Microsoft is paying customers for our software. The refund in the UK is about £55. Linux costs £30, so not only do you get a great operating system but you make £15, too."

22.01.04 Microsoft went on to call this approach "a PR stunt". In some ways it was; in some ways it wasn't.

However, the issue is more complex than this rather humorous tale from the archive indicates. Other attempts to 'strip off' Microsoft software at source have been met with mixed responses. Look out for a similar story any day now...