History Is Made By Rejecting Windows

Graeme Cobbett was finally paid $115 from Dell for rejecting Windows Vista and the free upgrade to Windows 7. He purchased a Dell Studio 1555 from Dell and when he started the computer for the first time was greetd by Microsoft's EULA agreement or End User License Agreement. In the agreement is a paragraph that allows for the refund of the cost of Windows if the user doesn't agree with the EULA. Here is the now famous clause:

"By using the software, you accept these terms. If you do not accept them, do not use the software. Instead, return it to the retailer for a refund or credit. If you cannot obtain a refund there, contact Microsoft or the Microsoft affiliate serving your country for information about Microsoft's refund policies."

Most of use never read the EULA. I have read one or two way back when but I must admit I really don't read them. I do use a utility called EULA Analyzer. This tool will look for possible misleading or unusual wording.

It turns out that Graeme had to be a bit persistent and kept after his refund for two months before Dell finally came through. Instead of Windows he installed Linux Mint. Chalk one up on the Linux scoreboard. Head over to the Linux Mint Blog to read Graeme's story.

The mint leaf I created shows the $112 dollars he was refunded. Graeme then turned the money over to the Linux Mint Project. That is the coolest part of the whole story. Something I plan on doing if and when I buy a new computer.