Does the pre-installed software on the purchased computer include Windows Vista, and is that something you actually need?

but when I bought a computer with a pre-installed OS, they didn't charge me extra for it.

That's what the manager told you))) But did you analyze the hardware yourself? Did you compare?

In general, it's better to assemble it yourself; I realized that a long time ago. ^_^

I realized that a very long time ago, and I do it myself, but that doesn't solve the problem.
Because most buyers don't have the opportunity to do that.
But the main question is, what about laptops? I want a laptop with this configuration - I'd rather shoot myself than deal with this - I want exactly this one and no other... but here's the catch: it comes with Vista Ultimate for $500, which I DON'T NEED, you see? What should I do if I don't want to buy Vista, but want to install a new, expensive piece of hardware with not a smart, golden Vista, but a bad and unfinished Linux, which costs nothing.

Moreover, did you read the Windows EULA (license agreement) during installation? I dare to inform you that it clearly states that by purchasing a copy of the OS, you are not the owner of that copy; all rights remain with Microsoft. You are only allowed to use this copy. Just Google it and read about it; it's interesting.

And then, the issue here is not about banning pre-installed software, but about the right to return it.

Added 5 minutes later

In most cases, the average person, whose experience with computers ends with Word/1C/Paint/Explorer, simply doesn't think about it because they don't understand the subject.

Exactly! This is what Microsoft takes advantage of! Isn't that depressing? No one will enlighten an uninformed user about this; they will simply be charged money, which will then go straight into the pocket of a foreign monopoly.