Biggest Czech Linux Portal, AbcLinuxu.cz, Reimbursed User for MS Windows License from Lenovo ČR
The biggest Czech Linux portal, AbcLinuxu.cz, along with its operator, the Stickfish company, reimbursed a user for a MS Windows Vista Business OEM license in Lenovo ČR's stead. The paid amount is the same the manufacturer had offered for returning the license in accordance with the EULA of the Windows Vista Business OEM software that was supplied with the Lenovo laptop. However, Lenovo ČR required a non-disclosure agreement to be signed that would cover the entire negotiations with the company and its results for the compensation to be effected.
Upon buying his new Lenovo computer, Mr. Kamil Páral decided, in accordance with the EULA of the Windows Vista Business OEM software, to exercise his right to return the license for using the preinstalled operating system from Microsoft because he wanted to use Linux with the computer. The EULA specifically says:
„„By using the software, you accept these terms. If you do not accept them, do not use the software. Instead, return it to the retailer for a refund or credit.“
The customer had complied with the terms of the license agreement and after some negotiations with representatives of Lenovo ČR's technical support and management was offered financial compensation for returning the license in the amount of CZK 1950.
Mr. Páral decided not to accept the offer under such conditions, forgo the offered compensation, and keep the license to use Windows Vista. He published an account of his experiences on AbcLinuxu.cz. The editors of the website along with the owner (Stickfish, s. r. o.) decided to reward Mr. Páral for publishing the article by paying him an author's royalty in the same amount as was the offered compensation for returning the license (i.e. CZK 1950).
The editors of AbcLinuxu.cz, along with many other users of Linux, BSD, and other operating systems, believe that Mr. Páral's perseverance will lead to an improved relationship between IT manufacturers and end users, so that it will be possible to order any computer without a preinstalled operating system from Microsoft.
AbcLinuxu.cz is a web portal with a tradition of several years. From its beginning it focused on collecting information and advice for Czech Linux users. One of its main highlights are extensive discussion forums where users find help with Linux problems of all sorts. Daily articles bring tutorials, reviews, and interesting tidbits. All that, along with records of hardware tested under Linux, and records of the best applications, forms a quality knowledge base for both a beginner, and a professional user.
About Stickfish
Stickfish is an ICT company specialising in enterprise Linux and Unix technologies. Its strategy is to supply complete solutions: from analysis of requirements and the finding of the best solution, to training and subsequent technical support or outsourcing of maintenance. Stickfish provides solutions from leading vendors such as Sun, IBM, Red Hat, Oracle, or Vmware, advanced networking products from Juniper and Cisco, and also its own highly secure and fast enterprise desktop solution Raydesk. Stickfish operates popular electronic stores 64bit.cz, AbcHost.cz, and AbcFirewall.cz and technically oriented Internet portals AbcLinuxu.cz and ITBiz.cz.
