Microsoft wants all partner OEM vendors to always ship PCs with Windows OS factory-installed. Microsoft's primary concern is that Naked PCs (sold without an Operating System) will be used to install pirated versions of Microsoft products.



Microsoft clearly doesn't want computer users buy a clean base PC and install a rival OS that is cheaper than Windows or even free like FreeDOS or Linux distros.

Naked PCs are chiefly purchased by users with some degree of expertise with computer equipment who may want to install a version of Linux or transfer an existing Windows OS license from an old computer to their new PC. Both Red Hat and Novell argue that naked PCs can be an important part of the overall market.

Definition: Microsoft Glossary: Naked PC

Graphic: Microsoft Memo in Partner Update Magazine

Source: Don't sell PC's without OS