It is now possible to order a PC from Dell but upon receipt of the machine reject the Windows End User License Agreement and install an operating system of your choice (say Linux).

You can then ask Dell for a refund of the unused Microsoft software.

In a recent example a user had a PC shipped with Windows Vista Business and Microsoft Works.

They asked for a refund on both Windows and Works and were given a total of 30.94 +VAT.

I personally think the relatively low refund value actually hurts the future use of the PC.

What you are saying is this computer will never, ever be a Windows PC. Imagine 3 years down the road and you want to give the PC to a Friend/Family or donate it to a Charity/School. That 30.94 + VAT saving will severely hamper the core audience who will be able to use it.

Don’t confuse my point, go ahead and install any Operating System you want on your PC but give a thought to the future user and use of the technology.

If a computer is well maintained it can last for a very long time and  a PC bought today will very likely still be in service well into the next decade.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 22nd, 2007 at 11:53 am and is filed under Blog Entries, DELL, Windows Vista. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.