Nov 23, 2023 19:00:00

A movie conveying the large-scale demo 'Windows Refund Day' where Linux users asked Microsoft for a refund is now available

In the 1990s, Linux users who did not use Windows complained that Microsoft preinstalled Windows on commercially available PCs and included the license fee in the price of the PC.

Michael MJD , a YouTube channel that handles information on old PCs, has released a video of the demo `` Windows Refund Day ,'' which was held to ask Microsoft to refund this license fee, with commentary.

Windows Refund Day - When Linux Users Demanded Their Money Back - YouTube


'Windows Refund Day' is a large-scale demonstration on February 15, 1999 in which some users demanded a refund of Windows license fees in front of Microsoft headquarters. The detailed history leading up to the demo is summarized in the article below.

What is the 'Windows Refund Movement' in which open source OS users asked Microsoft for refunds? -GIGAZINE

In 1999, most PCs came with Windows 98 preinstalled. Since the price of a PC also includes a Windows license fee, users who want to use an OS other than Windows, such as Linux, have to pay a license fee for Windows that they do not use. Although the Windows license agreement states that ``you can get a refund by contacting the PC manufacturer,'' there were very few cases in which PC manufacturers actually responded to refunds.

Therefore, in 1999, a Linux user group called 'Silicon Valley Linux User Group' led a demonstration march to Microsoft's headquarters.

Demonstrators line up toward Microsoft headquarters

Windows 98 manual posted

The backs of the T-shirts worn by participants feature Tux the Penguin, the Linux mascot.

placard held up

More than 150 people participated in the demonstration, and the demonstration was reported all over the United States.

A Microsoft spokesperson commented to the press, ``I think this demo is a PR activity to increase interest in Linux among some Linux fans,'' and expressed the stance that PC manufacturers should issue refunds. I showed it.

Microsoft has issued an official statement to demonstrators that includes similar claims.

Dear Valued Customer

http://www.loyalty.org/~schoen/dear-valued-customer.html

Members of the Silicon Valley Linux User Group, annoyed by Microsoft's attitude, are trying to get into Microsoft's headquarters. However, because the elevator was set not to stop on the 9th floor, where the headquarters office is located, the members were unable to get into Microsoft in the end.

In addition, on the social news site Hacker News, there was also a testimony

posted that the large tax stuffed animal held up by the participant in the movie was his own.