Thanks to Matthew Wright
for this link.
“US lobbyists who don’t want Windows will be demanding a refund
this week.”
“While Compaq offers customised orders for large corporate
clients and alternatives to Windows on its servers, it’s an
all-or-nothing deal for PCs.”
“Consumers not willing to accept the end-user agreement have the
option of returning the hardware and software for a refund.”
“Some believe this practice may contravene the Trade Practices
Act. “It appears that it may be a case of third-line forcing,” says
Patrick Fair, a lawyer with Philips Fox specialising in computer
issues.”
“Section 47 (6) of the Act makes it illegal, he says, to “refuse
to supply particular goods or services if the purchaser has not
acquired, or not agreed to acquire, other goods or services from
another person”.