Under the MSfreePC promotion launched Tuesday, Lindows will process the claims for any California resident who qualifies for benefits from the recent settlement of a class-action suit that accused Microsoft of violating state antitrust laws.
Under the terms of the US$1.1 billion settlement, individuals and businesses that bought Windows or certain Microsoft applications--including MSDOS or Windows software obtained as part of the purchase of a computer--between Feb. 18, 1995, and Dec. 15, 2001, can receive a voucher ranging from US$5 to US$29 good for the purchase of hardware or software products from any manufacturer. Law firm Townsend and Townsend and Crew, which handled the suit, began distributing claim forms for vouchers early this week.
Lindows is offering to process claims on behalf of California residents. Anyone who completes a valid claim using the company's online "Instant Settlement Wizard" gets an immediate credit to buy Lindows software or hardware. The first 10,000 claims submitted also get a free WebStation, the stripped-down PC Lindows introduced earlier this year.
Lindows CEO Michael Robertson characterised the program as not only a way for his company to move more products, but to ensure maximum damage is done to Microsoft by encouraging more eligible consumers to apply for compensation. Microsoft could pay out anywhere from US$367 million to US$1.1 billion in the settlement, depending on how many people apply for benefits.
"You can send Microsoft a strong message that it's not all right to abuse their monopoly at the expense of you, the consumer," a statement on the Lindows Web site said. "Microsoft will get back some of the US$1.1 billion settlement from any portion that goes unclaimed. Don't let that happen."
Robertson, who first drew attention as founder of digital music company MP3.com, has emerged as a colourful antagonist of Microsoft since launching Lindows, which sells a version of the open-source Linux operating system intended to appeal to novice PC users. Robertson funded a US$200,000 hacking challenge aimed at Microsoft's Xbox and will go to court later this year in a trademark dispute lodged by the software giant.
