Category: Computing
by Dennis Faas, infopackets editor
http://www.infopackets.com
Last week's Visitor Feedback question asked:
" When someone buys a new
computer (either brand name or clone) that is preloaded with an Operating
System (OS), is the seller obliged to give the client an original CD which
includes the Operating System? "
My Response:
I asked Gazette
Readers to send me their thoughts. The consensus was that the retailer
must provide an OS CD -- whether it is a pre-packaged "recovery" disc, an
original version of MS Windows, or an OEM version. The only problem is
that not all retailers follow this requirement.
Eddie W. from Malaysia had
this to say:
" I am relatively confident that the computer vendor must give the
buyer the original CD of the OS. One of the reason behind this is to fight
software piracy.
Microsoft Malaysia launched an advertising campaign
last year trying to educate the public that PC pre-installed with
Microsoft OS must come with the original CD, or they will be using illegal
software. "
Elizabeth S. gave her opinion:
" According to Microsoft, OEM or pre-installed software is software
that is installed on a new system and can only be used on that hardware --
it cannot be uninstalled and moved to another system.
OEM software should come with your system just in case a re-install is
ever required. I think that this is why a lot of PC’s are now available
with nothing on them because as people become more computer savvy, they
tend to want specific product for their systems. Unfortunately, purchasing
an OS or other software is still pretty much just renting the right to
install and use the product.
Elizabeth S.
Information Technologies Specialist "
Ray K. urges:
" Retailers are required to provide an original or OEM CD of some type.
Some merchants try to cut expenses by not providing the disks, and will
tell you they are not required to, but don't buy it. If they don't want to
supply the disk just tell them no sale and they'll change their tune in a
hurry.
They may also try to charge extra for the disk, but don't agree to pay
for it. "
Jay D. insists:
" I can assure you (from personal experience) whether or not retailers
are supposed to include a CD of some type, it doesn't always happen. And
yes, its a helluva problem when/if you have to wipe and re-install
Windows.
Urge all of your readers to insist upon the CD! "
There were a lot of responses to this topic, and I will be continuing the
discussion in the next issue of the Gazette.
Thanks to all who wrote in!
