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Gartner Says Linux PCs Just Used To Pirate Windows

LostCluster writes "CNET is reporting results from a Gartner Group report that claims 40% of desktop machines sold with Linux on them are being used to run pirate copies of Windows! The report goes on to say that this stat reaches as high in 80% in 'emerging markets', the same places that the stripped down lite version of Windows is being aimed at. Gartner's making a bold prediction that the number of machines sold as Linux desktops may eclipse the number of machines actually running Linux."

21 of 815 comments (clear)

  1. Shhhh! by m00nun1t · · Score: 5, Funny

    Don't tell anyone, but I'm using my Windows PC to run a pirate copy of Linux! I downloaded a copy from the internet and didn't pay a cent for it! Suckers...

  2. Nah! by laetus · · Score: 3, Funny

    That would be like buying a Maserati and replacing its engine with that of a Ford Escort.

    --

    "We're sorry, but the website you're trying to reach has been disconnected."
  3. WTF? by Too+many+errors,+bai · · Score: 2, Funny

    In other news, the Gartner Group is reporting an increase in hallucinogenic substance use among its employees.

  4. Obligitory Windows Putdown. by FalconZero · · Score: 5, Funny

    "...Gartner's making a bold prediction that the number of machines sold as
    Linux desktops may eclipse the number of machines actually running Linux."


    Funny that. Its a bit like Windows if you take into account crashes - The
    number of machines sold as Windows desktops is far greater than the number
    of machines actually RUNNING Windows.

    --
    Windows in 6 Bytes (IA-32) : 90 90 90 90 CD 19
  5. In other news by Prince+Vegeta+SSJ4 · · Score: 5, Funny

    100% of PC's sold with Windows ME, run Pirated copie s of Windows 2000

  6. In other news... by upside · · Score: 5, Funny

    Gartner finds Linux is not only a dangerous tool actively being used by terrorists to avoid detection, but a psychotrophic drug that causes terrorism, delinquency, malaria and AIDS.

    Linux is also subverting good, honest children to criminal behaviour, communism and encouraging them to move to harder drugs such as Heavy Metal music. Not to mention occultism and role playing games.

    Linux on an IBM mainframe is also less cost effective than Windows on a dual Xeon! Quick, in the Holy name of Redmond, call a priest and bring out the holy water!

    --
    I'm sorry if I haven't offended anyone
  7. Re:Not enough statistics to go on by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    No the trouble is that Gartner is simply making crap up and pulling it out of their arses this time.

    Sorry, but sitting around and guessing this crap is bullcrap, and they know it. I want to see the hard data, the full poll data and other data they used to write the report.

    I am betting that either they bought 10 linux pc's and themselves installed windows on 4 of them to make up that tidbit (and when does 40% mean a majority?)

    Gartner = a complete joke in the corperate world anyways, the director of Sales here points that out on a weekly basis to everyone.

  8. Dodgy figures by lukestuts · · Score: 3, Funny

    I'm a bit sceptical about that 40% figure - I'd say it was closer to 2 in 5.

  9. Slashdotters working for Gartner? by Bull999999 · · Score: 2, Funny

    In emerging markets, where desktop Linux enjoys wider popularity, the trend is even starker. Around 80 percent of the time, Linux will be removed for a pirated copy of Windows

    Making wild accusations without backing it up with a solid proof because of remote possibilities... When did slashdotters start working for Gartner?

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    1f u c4n r34d th1s u r34lly n33d t0 g37 l41d
  10. Re:Wow by argent · · Score: 2, Funny

    Gartner used to be a respectible organization

    When was this?

  11. Re:Yeah, but... by ch-chuck · · Score: 2, Funny

    Especially if they still have those little Mfst license stickers on the case - I have several old machines like that running PC *nix. It's like rescuing delinquent youth from a life of street crime and giving them an education and honest, meaningful employment.

    --
    try { do() || do_not(); } catch (JediException err) { yoda(err); }
  12. Re:That's preposterous! by SilentChris · · Score: 4, Funny

    "How is that any different from what the average Slashdotter does?"

    We complain about it more. Next question.

  13. Yeah, I admit it by Anita+Coney · · Score: 3, Funny

    I buy Linux machines to reformat and install a warez version of Microsoft's Windows XP Starter Edition. Merely having product activation telling me how much I can upgrade my hardware was not draconian enough. I want an OS that also tells me how many programs I can open and what resolution I can use. Damn-it, freedom is overrated!

    --
    If someone says he and his monkey have nothing to hide, they almost certainly do.
  14. Re:And vice versa by shane2uunet · · Score: 2, Funny

    Exactly,

    I just bought a new laptop from dell. Don't have the option to escape the MS tax on those, but I wiped that thing clean and threw linux on it.

    Thanks to Redmond we have a culture that accepts spyware, pop-ups, and crashes as standard operating procedure.

    --
    This space available for rent.
  15. Re:wow! by Electrum · · Score: 5, Funny

    just try getting a laptop without Windows

    That's odd, my laptop didn't even have the option of coming with Windows.

  16. Banned from buying PC components! by OwlWhacker · · Score: 2, Funny

    If Microsoft had its way, nobody would be allowed to buy separate PC components.

    Well, what if somebody puts them all together and makes a PC? Then it wouldn't have an operating system, and you'd be a pirate.

    I wonder what the other software companies will do to ensure that their software isn't pirated? Maybe you'll soon only be allowed to buy a PC if you buy a copy of Photo Shop (incase you pirate that).

    Actually, when you buy a house, you may soon find that you are forced to pay for cable, incase you start using a descrambler illegally.

    Man, things could really get expensive here!

  17. Re:Wow by hendersj · · Score: 2, Funny

    Arguably, when they used to say things I agreed with.

    --
    Insanity is a gradual process; don't rush it.
  18. piracy was bound to happen by burnin1965 · · Score: 2, Funny

    It was bound to happen. PCs with Windows preinstalled are so readily available it was only a matter of time before people started buying Windows loaded PCs just so they could install a pirated copy of linux once they get the box home. . . oh wait. Nevermind.

    burnin

  19. Re:+1 Insightful by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Not after we demonstrate the power of these copyright terms. In a way, you have determined the choice of the rights that will be destroyed first. Since you are reluctant to provide us with the location of the P2P base, I have chosen to test these terms' destructive power...on your fair use rights.

  20. Re:wow! by instance · · Score: 5, Funny
    Actually I think Gartner just knows that 3 == 5... for very large values of 3 and very small values of 5.

    If I could short every moronic "market X will expand by {number over 300%} in the next 2 years!" prediction that Gartner produces, I'd be richer than Gates. Anyone who back-checks their predictions can't take these guys seriously. In this case, past performance is a predictor of future results.

  21. Re:+1 Insightful by hazem · · Score: 2, Funny

    "Chairman Rosen, I should have expected you holding Holling's leash, I could smell your foul stench when I was brought on board."