Walmart.com ditches the OS in new PCs, Feb 22, 2002

In an unusual move for a general retailer, the Microtel computers are being offered without operating systems as part of a test to gauge the response among tech-oriented customers who may want to load their own operating systems, Walmart.com spokeswoman Cynthia Lin said.

"We decided to sell the computers without an operating system so those customers who didn't want Windows could load the OS of their choice," said Lin, adding that another attractive element in not offering an operation system is that eliminating Windows considerably drops the cost of PCs.

While Microsoft has cast its action as a means to assist system integrators, the announcement's timing suggests other factors may be at work.

Microsoft also faces competitive pressure from the open-source Linux operating system. Microsoft's shared-source concept permits integrators and developers to look at Windows code, but not to modify it or resell it. The open-source license covering Linux permits developers to modify the code at will, as long as the modifications are published openly.

Webmaster's note: interesting analysis from an economist about the MS settlement and how it may end up costing us money. As always, read with an open mind. If the nine litigating states get their wish, independent software vendors and consumers will be stuck with 80 Billion dollars in new costs over the next three years.

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