Comment 593 for bug 1

Many comments Ubuntu's missing functionalities. Indeed, the bug report suggests a better usability will fix this bug. It is just hard for techies to realise this bug is about economy and consumer rights, not about technology. Installing Ubuntu on a Windows computer will never fix the problem: Microsoft will still have 100% MARKET share even if its USER share decreases.

There is only one way to fix this bug: being able to refuse Microsoft EULAs and not to pay for it; being able to buy ANY computer without accepting a CONTRACT; not having to PAY for terms we do not agree with.

In the last few months, three French people came to court [1]. They asked to be refunded for Windows and other software according the EULA refusal conditions. They won. The courts ruled they must be refunded between 100 and 300 Euro for the software. The prices are based on OEM retail prices and amounted up to 60% of the total price.

When consumers will consider installing Ubuntu to save several hundreds Euro, they may prefer this option even if they think the functionalities are not as good.

If you are French, a how-to [2] has been released to explain refund process and proceeding.

If you live in a free country, you can similarly try to refuse EULAs and ask to send the software back such as mentioned in the EULAs. Then you may have to go to court if you cannot get a refund or a decent price or decent return conditions. If you live in a non-free country, you may be clamped to agree to Microsoft terms to buy the computer of your choice, even if you use Ubuntu.

[1] http://www.aful.org/communiques/multiplication-proces-remboursement-racketiciels/ [French]
[2] http://www.racketiciel.info/guide [French]