While it's not strictly relevant from a Mac perspective, we've just got to point out the fantastic story of a Linux user who tried to return the copy of Windows that came with his Toshiba laptop. See, Microsoft's got these deals set up with many computer manufacturers, Toshiba included, that requires all computers to include a copy of Windows pre-loaded on the system; we've discussed in the past how it's extraordinarily difficult to buy a PC without a Microsoft operating system these days. But the gentleman in question had no use for Windows, and so he set out to return the bundled software for a refund. The odyssey he went through makes an interesting point about how tight a grip Microsoft has on the personal computer industry.

The basis for the software return was sound; the Windows license agreement states clearly that if the end-user doesn't agree to the terms and conditions of use, he or she should "promptly contact PC Manufacturer for instructions on return of the unused product(s) for a refund." After lots of letters and email back and forth, Toshiba finally grudgingly cut a reimbursement check-- but only after it became clear that their only other option was to take the whole system back for a full refund, which would have cost them significantly more money. And one gets the distinct impression from the story that Toshiba ate the cost of the software return themselves; Microsoft didn't lose a penny.

Now, many of you have brought up an important point when this subject has arisen in the past: you can't buy an Apple computer without the Mac OS, either. But think about the difference: Apple makes the Macintosh, a synergy of hardware and software. They make the physical machine and the operating system, which combine to form what we know to be Macs. (This became all too clear to us when we bought our PowerTower Pro-- it runs the Mac OS, but it's definitely not a Mac.) It makes perfect sense to us that Apple should be able to decide how they sell what they make. Microsoft, on the other hand, makes the Windows operating system, and "persuades" the hardware manufacturers to sell a copy on every computer they ship. The end result might be similar-- after all, if you buy a Mac just to run LinuxPPC, you're not very likely to get reimbursed from Apple for the Mac OS, especially since part of the Mac OS is still in the hardware-- but the distinction is an important one: Apple controls the way that it sells its own products, while Microsoft controls the way that dozens of PC manufacturers sell their products. It's a wacky world, to be sure...