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View Full Version : Microsoft to be sued by EU.

ChrisNTR
April 24th, 2006, 06:27 AM
Just saw this news article on the bbc.co.uk website, so sorry if it's old news..

Article Here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4937840.stm)

To be honest, I don't see that Microsoft are doing anything too wrong, I never use/used Windows Media Player when I use/used Windows.
Sushi
April 24th, 2006, 06:42 AM
They were already sued, and they lost. This is the appeals
nocturn
April 24th, 2006, 06:44 AM
Just saw this news article on the bbc.co.uk website, so sorry if it's old news..

Article Here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4937840.stm)

To be honest, I don't see that Microsoft are doing anything too wrong, I never use/used Windows Media Player when I use/used Windows.

They violated the law, which would have been applied to any other company too.
If they do not like EU competition laws, they can always choose to not sell here...
Jazzyjazz
April 24th, 2006, 07:11 AM
If they do not like EU competition laws, they can always choose to not sell here...

Now that would be a nice thing to do :cool:
nocturn
April 24th, 2006, 07:44 AM
Now that would be a nice thing to do :cool:

Yeah, I vote for that option too ;-)
It would be nice, finally being able to buy a laptop without XP on it (the most expensive coaster ever).
megahertza
April 24th, 2006, 09:02 AM
That maybe the appeal but the EU is apparently thining of sueing them again because of VISTA. Apparently vista is following the path of XP in this matter.
tribaal
April 24th, 2006, 09:22 AM
They will release special versions of Vista that will be marketed in Europe, and that comply with european regulations. Can't find a link to their description though :(

- trib'
BoyOfDestiny
April 24th, 2006, 09:39 AM
They will release special versions of Vista that will be marketed in Europe, and that comply with european regulations. Can't find a link to their description though :(

- trib'

There are going to be like 5+ versions of Vista available. You can upgrade your version with the CD and your money. It's not something limited to Europe.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/versions/default.mspx

Sigh visiting MS pages, I hope they'll enjoy someone with firefox 64-bit on Linux visited if they check the server logs for that kind of data... :)
MetalMusicAddict
April 24th, 2006, 10:01 AM
We think the facts will show that there is strong competition and consumer choice.
I dont see how this is true when you tell OEMs that "If you sell another OS we will up the cost of windows on you". Strongarm tatics. God I hope they lose. Not that I hate MS I would just like to see 'em knocked down a peg or two. ;)
Stormy Eyes
April 24th, 2006, 10:15 AM
I dont see how this is true when you tell OEMs that "If you sell another OS we will up the cost of windows on you". Strongarm tatics.

The OEMs did sign contracts stating that they would only preload Windows in exchange for a discount. As far as I'm concerned, Microsoft has every right to take away the discount if the OEMs renege on their contract by preloading something other than Windows.
helpme
April 24th, 2006, 10:23 AM
The OEMs did sign contracts stating that they would only preload Windows in exchange for a discount. As far as I'm concerned, Microsoft has every right to take away the discount if the OEMs renege on their contract by preloading something other than Windows.
Obviously this would only make sense if there was something approaching a free market in this area. As there isn't and as MS is a monopoly it simply doesn't make any sense.
MetalMusicAddict
April 24th, 2006, 10:28 AM
The OEMs did sign contracts stating that they would only preload Windows in exchange for a discount. As far as I'm concerned, Microsoft has every right to take away the discount if the OEMs renege on their contract by preloading something other than Windows.
Yea, in the end, I know. OEMs helped create the situation but it seems they (MS) have gotten to a point that they can tell every major OEM what to do. It just seems unfair. I wish they had the balls to stand up and change things. I know its alot more complicated than this also.

As far as what a copy of windows goes for it boggles my mind why a retail copy of Pro still goes for $200. I worked at Staples for 6 months in stock. In those months I saw 3 copies sold. One was to me for $60 because we got discounts from M$.

I wonder what a OEM to say, Dell goes for?
MetalMusicAddict
April 24th, 2006, 10:31 AM
Obviously this would only make sense if there was something approaching a free market in this area. As there isn't and as MS is a monopoly it simply doesn't make any sense.
Thing is there was more of a free market. MS in large part is a monopoly now because of these OEM contracts. So whos fault is it really?