Microsoft Australia backs down in charity spat
In recent weeks, PC’s for Kids has stood firm against Microsoft’s determination to stop the charity using its obsolete software, which it installs on recycled computers which are donated to disadvantaged children in Australia and East Timor.
The charity has donated 1000 computers over a two-year period to under-privileged children.
PC’s for Kids director Colin Bayes has released a statement, saying a meeting held with Microsoft Australia had been "constructive".
“This meeting was a step in the right direction and Microsoft will inform the charity of their application outcome for assistance, hopefully by the end of the month,” Bayes said.
Earlier this month, Microsoft issued a letter to the organisation saying it had to stop downloading its operating system on to computers as it is in breach of the multi-billion dollar company’s copyright laws.
PC’s for Kids ceased the distribution of computers to children immediately until it could find a way to obtain legal software.
Bayes said, however, the charity is able to start operations again after receiving a donation of 50 packs of licensed software from an anonymous donor after the meeting was held with Microsoft.
The donation did not come from Microsoft.
Bayes has appealed to the public to help the charity by donating redundant software in the event of an “unsatisfactory outcome with Microsoft” at the end of the month.