UK vendor the first to rule out fees for discs after Microsoft's warning to consumers
Novatech has become the first UK vendor to say that it will not charge its customers to 'upgrade' to Windows 7.
Microsoft had earlier warned that while it was not charging for upgrades, computer manufacturers may for shipping and handling.
Beginning today (June 29th), all computers purchased from the firm come with a Windows 7 redemption voucher.
"We're delighted to be able to offer all our customers an upgrade completely free of charge," commercial director Kriss Pomroy said.
Installation of Windows 7 will wipe all data on the hard drive, a spokesperson told PCR. Because of this, the Portsmouth-based firm will be running several promotions for external hard drives and USB storage media closer to the time to raise awareness and assist customers in backing up data.

Customers will be able to redeem the upgrade vouchers from August 31st, but the disc with Windows 7 on it will not be shipped before October 22nd. The company is aiming to get the discs to customers within 28 days of release.
Pomroy was full of praise for the new operating system. "The new operating system is a breath of fresh air. For the first time in five years, Windows 7 demonstrates some true innovation."

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