Removing Windows From Computer is Illegal
I hear this statement from time to time from people that are generally misguided and from those that want to perpetuate the lie due their status as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer.
People are ignorant of things they do not understand, and should be wholly cognizant of alternate solutions, but sadly this is not the case. A good analogy would be saying, “It is illegal to change out the motor in your vehicle and replace it with a more fuel efficient engine, one that is more robust and longer lasting” See how stupid that sounds? Computers are no different.
People do not like change, they get comfortable with something and then become lazy and lethargic. Change should be welcomed with open arms!
- Change Happens (Eg. Software dies)
- Anticipate Change (Eg. New software is created)
- Monitor Change (Eg. Linux gains traction over both Apple and Windows)
- Adapt To Change Quickly (Eg. Jump in and learn Linux)
- Change (Eg. Migrate from Apple and Windows)
- Enjoy Change! (Eg. Relish that you migrated to Linux, before the masses)
- Be Ready To Change Quickly And Enjoy It Again (Eg. Lookout for the next big thing)
If you ever hear this argument then you need to say just two simple words, “Prove it.” The reality is they can’t. I was going to do a bit of research on this but there is nothing to research. Matter of fact when I did a web search at Google all I found was piracy hacks and methods to remove illegal copies of MS software.
Short run, no where in the Microsoft (MS) End User License Agreement (EULA) is there such a statement. Simply because said statement itself would be illegal under Federal Law. Do an internet search using a law search engine, nope not there.
This myth is not perpetuated by MS but they don’t discourage it either. Truth is the myth is usually spewed out as a defense by MSCE types and other MS advocates to keep the status quo going. They fear change, and any inclusion of Linux, replacement of Windows by Linux etcetera is a definite change. They don’t know Linux, don’t use Linux and feel that Linux can never be a better alternative to the current MS offering.
Here are some examples of this idiotic notion:
“Now that’s bad enough, but I gotta share this with you. I was presenting Linux to a vice-principal of a high school last month. He was all about saving money and using Open Office, but then he told me that he couldn’t because Microsoft would sue him for taking Windows off the computer. Yeah, he actually believes that it is illegal to remove Windows XP because it came with the computer. …Makes my ass hurt. It’s that kind of ignorance and laziness we are dealing with. I don’t believe Linux should be dumbed down…I believe the computer user should take some responsibility for knowing something about their computers.”
“…observed one of my students with a group of other children gathered around his laptop. Upon looking at his computer, I saw he was giving a demonstration of some sort. The student was showing the ability of the laptop and handing out Linux disks. After confiscating the disks I called a confrence with the student and that is how I came to discover you and your organization. Mr. Starks, I am sure you strongly believe in what you are doing but I cannot either support your efforts or allow them to happen in my classroom. At this point, I am not sure what you are doing is legal. No software is free and spreading that misconception is harmful. These children look up to adults for guidance and discipline. I will research this as time allows and I want to assure you, if you are doing anything illegal, I will pursue charges as the law allows. Mr. Starks, I along with many others tried Linux during college and I assure you, the claims you make are grossly over-stated and hinge on falsehoods. I admire your attempts in getting computers in the hands of disadvantaged people but putting linux on these machines is holding our kids back.
This is a world where Windows runs on virtually every computer and putting on a carnival show for an operating system is not helping these children at all. I am sure if you contacted Microsoft, they would be more than happy to supply you with copies of an older verison of Windows and that way, your computers would actually be of service to those receiving them…”
I have sat in a PhD’s office…a PhD that happened to be a principal of a school. She told me that according to her “tech staff”, it was illegal to remove Microsoft Windows from their school computers. So who is ignorant here? The “tech staffer” afraid of losing his MCSE position or the Dr. of Education that didn’t bother to check into such a statement. Ignorance isn’t the sole possession of this particular school teacher.
One thing that I can say with some certainty, is that most of the IT professionals are completely out of touch with the IT world. MOST of them could care less about the modern computing world. Heck, half of them hate computers in general! I cannot tell you how many folks are just here for the paycheck, and don’t care one little bit about what is really going on in technology.
Perfect examples of simple-brained organisms with a closed source mind.
