Re: Windows XP recovery legal question

Stan Brown wrote:


In theory you're right, but nonetheless I disagree. Most people buy a computer only every few years.


Then they should know that there will have been many, many changes, and that they should take nothing for granted.


Last time the OP bought a computer may well have been before this nonsense started.


Possibly, but I don't think that it's really relevant, as nearly everything would have changed since then, as well. A thinking consumer would be aware of, and on the look-out for, changes.


I'm more sophisticated about these matters than average, but I was caught flat-footed when I bought my Acer 15 months ago to replace my Win 98 machine.


Sorry to disagree, but I'd have to conclude that your getting "caught flat-footed" 15 months ago by a practice that's been common for several years means you're no more "sophisticated about these matters" than the average newbie who wonders why he didn't get a CD.


I can therefore understand how a more naive user might not know to ask about this in advance.


I do see your point, I have a hard time understanding how *any* adult consumer, exposed to today's nearly continuous mass media barrage of reports of corporate, religious, individual, and government malfeasance can possibly remain so naive. The seller is in business to make a profit, which means that he will provide in the way of material and services as little as necessary, for as much money as he can get in return. It's been this way since the dawn of time.

Additionally, I don't think one needs to be especially conversant with computers to ask pertinent questions. It takes only a few minutes product research to prepare oneself. To my way of thinking, *any* consumer considering *any* purchase is ultimately responsible for determining if said purchase meets his needs, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future (or however long the consumer anticipates using said product). A crucial factor in making such a determination is knowing exactly what one is going to get for one's money: what's included in the sale (cabling, attachments, documentation, media, etc), and -- more importantly -- what isn't included (batteries, for example).

And I simply cannot comprehend how one can call oneself an adult, make a relatively major and expensive purchase without doing one scintilla of market research, and then blame another for the natural consequences of one's own lack of preparation.


--

Bruce Chambers

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Relevant Pages

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