On Monday 22 January 2007 15:14, Phil Thayer wrote:
I don't think Microsoft has a monopoly.
90% of the market is a monopoly: Microsoft has a monopoly on the desktop market. Not that there is anything inherently wrong with a monopoly in itself-- its when the monopoly is abused that it becomes a big problem real fast. Microsoft's abuse of its monopoly is evident from the number of people buying and/or using Windows because they have no real freedom to choose other good options.
If someone is computer illiterate, they wouldn't recognize either. They would certainly have an easier time using a *nix OS than they would using Windows.
Most likely the little they have seen about computers is from the TV which would be windows.
Computers are rarely shown in detail in movies, and from what I've seen, there's a good variety of OS used there. Can't comment on TV as I have not watched it for at least 2-3 years.
You are *forced* to purchase Windows with the vast majority of computers. If it was optional, you *might* have a point.
Not true. HP is the largest computer vendor in the country and has the largest share of computer sales and you can order a PC from them with Linux pre-installed just like you can windows pre-installed. Pretty much every computer vendor in the country is providing that option now.
Right..... so where can I go to buy a good laptop without Windows exactly? Last time I checked (within the past year), they all mandated a Windows purchase.
We have the respect of the companies selling the hardware.
That's why companies like nVidia and ATi continue to violate the licensing terms on Linux...
Also, they see the opportunity to sell a support contract with the free Linux which means money in their pockets.
Not only do they ship computers with Linux, but they also support it? Are you writing a science-fiction novel?