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Why Buy a PC Preloaded With Linux?

Posted by kdawson on from the diabolically-advocating dept.

Shadow7789 writes "I have been in the market for a new computer for the past few weeks and I know that I want to run Linux on it. However, every time I look at (for example) Dell's computers that are preloaded with Linux, the question pops into my head: 'Why should I buy a PC preloaded with Linux?' They are more expensive, and it's not hard just to reformat the PC with Linux. I hate paying the Microsoft Tax as much as anybody else, but if paying that 'tax' allows companies to reduce my price by bundling with my PC products that I will never use, why wouldn't I just buy a Windows-loaded PC and reformat?"

2 of 518 comments (clear)

  1. You should definitely pay the "tax" by BadAnalogyGuy · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    If you stand on principle, you may cost Microsoft a few bucks, but in the process you will end up costing yourself a few bucks too. It's hardly worth it since it's really a drop in the bucket for MS whereas it's probably a real cost to you.

    Look at it this way, every voice probably counts for something, but in the grand scheme of things it really doesn't matter all that much what you as an individual do, so why go out on a limb and do something that is going to directly harm yourself?

    So pay the Microsoft tax and save a few bucks. Whatever money MS gets will go into coming out with a better competitor to Linux, and that perpetuates the good positive feedback cycle that competition is supposed to spur.

  2. I may be strung up for this but....... by BigDogCH · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    If you are going to install your own OS, Windows requires far more babysitting and futzing before you will end up with a fully functional system.

    Come on mods, this is moderated insightful? I know this is slashdot, but insight? Really? Insight? LowUID=Insight?

    1. Install windows 2. Toss in the CD's for any hardware that windows didn't accept on the fly (or download them from the manufacturers website).

    Anyway, I respectfully disagree. If this is difficult, I am going to have to revoke your 4 digit geek card from someone. No, I won't get off your lawn!

    Are you upset that windows doesn't ship with drivers for every printer and accessory, or are you upset that Windows doesn't ship with 400 other programs pre-installed?

    Not that MS is perfect, but I don't think it is any harder than installing any other OS.