Italy: High Court shoots down Windows tax

https://fsfe.org/news/2014/news-20140912-01.en.html

by lelf • 12 years ago

14 11 12 years ago

viggity2• 12 years ago

If you don't like it, don't buy it. It really is that simple.

It is not so simple. Often you like some hardware and want to buy it but you get no option of getting it with GNU/Linux or at least without paying for Windows which you will then replace with GNU/Linux anyways. You can choose other laptops but often they don't offer what you want, hardware wise.

CurtHagenlocher• 12 years ago

What if I like the iPad's hardware but want to run Android on it? Is Apple similarly obliged to make that possible? There's a slippery slope here when it comes to forcing manufacturers to offer choices to the consumer, particularly as politics inevitably get involved.

Disclosure: I work at Microsoft.

viggity2• 12 years ago

I'll repeat. If you don't like it, don't buy it.

If you don't want to pay the windows tax, don't buy the computer. They don't have any obligation to you unbundle hardware and software. Likewise, you have no obligation to buy it. It is a voluntary exchange.

harty65• 12 years ago

Is this a real issue in some countries? I live in the UK and unless you are buying from the High Street there is usually always the option to purchase without Windows included.

imrehg3• 12 years ago

A few years ago I went around to buy a laptop without Windows here in Taiwan. 5 places I asked, the general answer was "There isn't a laptop without windows" up to the point where one clerk told me "It's illegal to sell a laptop without windows!" (in all seriousness).

After a few weeks, I've found 1 place that was selling no-OS Lenovos, I got better specs than available for Windows versions, and I'm very happy with it. Still, it was difficult, and as much as I can see, it would be still difficult here in Taiwan, even if more people start to use on-Windows systems, there's just fewer people who demand change like this, because "well, just remove Windows after you bought the computer".... Soon I'll need a new machine and not looking forward to the search. Makes me sad.

Italy: High Court shoots down Windows tax

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