Microsoft is always trying to work its way into new businesses. With that sort of approach, there are times that even Microsoft must admit defeat. One of those times is now. Microsoft has announced that the MSN Direct GPS service will be discontinued as of January 1st 2012.

MSN Direct is a service integrated into some GPS devices that uses FM signals to deliver traffic data, weather, stocks, movie times, and various other bits of info. The service was initially offered in 2004 when there may actually have been a need. Now, with the proliferation of cellular data connections and other digital networks, the MSN Direct service makes less sense.

The ample warning will give users just over 2 years of service to work out a substitute. Users with MSN Direct devices can still enroll in the service right up to the end date. Any subscribers wanting to cancel their accounts will be issued a prorated refund. Be honest, had you even heard of this service before now?

So you just bought a new PC, but you don’t buy into the closed-source software hegemony of Microsoft? You’re in luck. With only a few months of your time, and some technical expertise, you too can get a refund on Windows. That’s just what Graeme Cobbett did recently. Knowing that he intended to run Linux Mint on his new Dell Studio 1555, he informed Dell that he did not agree to the Windows EULA.

Cobbett blogged about his reasons for turning down the EULA saying, “Have you ever actually read the Microsoft Windows End User License Agreement? It's pretty scary what you commit yourself to.” By not starting Windows, Cobbett was legally entitled to a refund on the software.

The pertinent section of the EULA reads, “By using the software, you accept these terms. If you do not accept them, do not use the software. Instead, return it to the retailer for a refund or credit.” After two months and 14 emails, Cobbett had his $115 refund. Would it be worth it to you?