Windows Refund Day turns into sad joke

Windows Refund Day turned into more of a joke than even I predicted, with less than 100 protesters showing up at the biggest get-together, the Microsoft offices in Foster City, California. While the group was hoping for refund checks from the software giant, what they got was some refreshments and a sign welcoming Linux users to Microsoft. They also received pamphlets with the following statement:

"It's disappointing," said Don Marti, who organized the event. That's an understatement: Despite a nicely orchestrated media blitz designed to heighten awareness of Linux, the number of protesters--and Microsoft's friendly, yet check-free, response--showed that hatred of the software giant and its dominant Windows products is easiest from the comfort of one's own home.

At issue here is the bundling of Windows on over 90% of PCs sold around the world. Linux backers--and, to a much lesser extent, users of other alternative Oses--believe that they should have to pay for an OS (Windows) that they'll never use. They also point to a clause in the Windows licensing agreement that suggests they are entitled to a refund if they never use the OS. But let's be serious: Most of these people couldn't have been expecting a refund, which would have to come from the system maker, not Microsoft. What this event was really about was publicity.

Microsoft Windows Group Product Manager Rob Bennett concurs, calling the event a "publicity stunt." He met the group in the parking lot and told them that Microsoft can't stop PC makers from giving them the refunds they desire. The amount of such a refund is unknown, though it's probably in the $50 range. Moreover, most users won't qualify for a refund anyway.

"It's fairly clear that if a customer does want to request a refund on the version of Windows that comes with their PC that they should contact their PC manufacturer," Bennett says. "It's funny. These customers have bought Windows PCs and it's almost like being surprised that the cherry pie you bought has cherries in it.