hello,

you may qualify for a refund if you purchased a computer with windows but
don't use it.   the following news is an edited version of a story on the
new york times web page.   additional information can also be found at:

http://www.linuxmall.com/refund

the following is copyright by the new york times:

www.orthodoxinfo.com

     Proponents of the Linux software operating system would rather not
     have Microsoft Windows on their personal computers -- and would
     most definitely rather not pay for Windows, which is standard issue
     on most PCs. Now, with a militancy that seems to be part of the
     movement, a band of Linux users plans to demand its Windows money
     back.

     The users are hoping to use a loophole that they say they have
     found in the end user licensing agreement for Windows, which says,
     in effect: If you do not agree with the stated terms and
     conditions, do not use the software. Those who do not agree to the
     terms, the agreement states, should "promptly contact manufacturer
     for instructions on return of the unused product(s) for a refund."

     A handful of Linux aficionados has started the Windows Refund
     Center (www.linuxmall.com/refund), taking inspiration from Geoffrey
     Bennett, an Australian PC customer who got back $110 (Australian)
     last year after refusing to accept the terms of the Windows
     licensing agreement.

     In Bennett's case, the refund came from Toshiba, the maker of his
     PC. But the folks behind the Windows Refund Center would like to
     simplify things by having Microsoft supply the refunds. So on Feb.
     15, which they have declared "Windows Refund Day," they are going
     to present their case to Microsoft, en masse.

     "We're going to quietly walk up to the Microsoft office and people
     are going to turn in their disks, manuals and certificates," said
     Don Marti, a leader in the Bay Area Windows Refund campaign. "And
     they're going to get a check."

     Microsoft is not so sure about that. Tom Pilla, a spokesman, said
     the Windows end user licensing agreement is intended only to insure
     that people use Windows properly and do not make illegal copies.

     "PC manufacturers are free to ship any software applications and
     operating systems they want," Pilla said. "By the time they're
     reading the end user agreement, they've already purchased Windows,
     presumably consciously." And besides, he said, so far "we've gotten
     no requests for refunds."

     -- LAURIE J. FLYNN


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