Slashdot runs an (unconfirmed so far though)
story regarding Dell
and other PC sellers, literally taking orders from Microsoft, that effectively from Aug, 26, are not allowed to sell PCs without an OS pre-installed. The rule does not specifically speak about not installing alternative OSes, but about having an OS always installed in the sold hardware. We should
not forget the related
Be, Inc.'s suit against Microsoft for the destruction of Be's business resulting from the
anticompetitive business practices of Microsoft.
Our Take: IF true, Microsoft is gone too far and they should answer for it or recall this rule to the hardware vendors immediately. I like some of Microsoft's technology, but their business practices continue to be as smelly as ever.
UPDATE: We contacted
MicroTel's Rich Hindman regarding their "no OS" PCs
sold through Wal-Mart, and here is what he replied for the OSNews readers: