OEM/Microsoft Tax Survey Established
Some of us know that Microsoft does not actually have a monopoly. Instead, the OEMs have established a distribution channel that initially defines, then attempts to control what software the majority of consumers run on their computers. For us to correct this problem, we need to stop wondering about Microsoft's back-room deals and such and start focusing on the OEMs themselves. We need to show the FTC and other parties of interest that average consumer is not presented with a choice when purchasing a personal computer. We need to stop settling for the occasional bone thrown at us when an HP or Dell preinstalls GNU/Linux on a fraction of their products and then burying the option 50 links deep on their site. This is not the "choice" I am speaking of and that I envision in order to establish a level playing field. OEMs should stop bundling software entirely and move to a service model where the software is installed because the consumer has asked for it to be done. This is not happening today. Instead, consumers are expected to pay for (sometimes multiple) copies of Microsoft's products regardless of whether or not they have any intention of using it. Currently, the OEM/Microsoft Survey has roughly 400 products listed from popular companies like HP, Dell, Toshiba, and more. This information is about 3 months old at the moment but I see no reason why it can't serve as a foundation for an ongoing effort to study this issue. Rather than trying to keep all the information up to date myself, I would like to see some of you come forward and take ownership of a particular company. You would then be responsible to keep that page up to date and would have full control over that section of the survey. So please take a look and if you are interested, send me an email and we'll discuss your involvement. All the best,
Adam Kosmin |
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