[Random-bits] Microsoft: Naked PCs - Don't Expose Yourself

[James Love]

Thanks to CL for this.  

http://www.microsoft.com/oem/nakedPC.htm

Naked PCs - Don't Expose Yourself 

WHAT IS A NAKED PC?
Naked PCs are those sold without operating systems preinstalled.
Machines are useless until customers install system software
themselves. It's like selling a house without a roof. And, in the end,
it leaves your customer just as exposed.

SELL YOUR CUSTOMER A SOLUTION, NOT A PROBLEM?
Your customers depend on you. Trouble is, if you act on your customers'
willingness to buy Naked PCs-knowing full well they are at risk of
acquiring pirated operating systems elsewhere-you expose them to legal
risks, viruses, and frustrating technical troubles. Hardly the stuff of
great business relationships, particularly when they come back to you
for help. And even if your customer manages to illegally acquire and
install operating systems elsewhere, it still costs them far more time
and money than they bargained for. No matter how you look at them, Naked
PCs are bad for your customers. Which means they are also bad for you.

      [snip]

In short, protect your customer and your good name. Sell your PCs fully
equipped with legally licensed operating systems preinstalled.
Otherwise, who knows what you're leaving your customers-and
yourself-open to?

Acquire software from Authorized Microsoft OEM Product Distributors-your
only assured source of legal Microsoft products.

        BE SURE IT'S LEGAL

-- 
James Love  mailto:love@cptech.org http://www.cptech.org
Consumer Project on Technology, P.O. Box 19367, Washington, DC 20036
voice 1.202.387.8030  fax  1.202.234.5176