Vista retail not sellling - surprisingly..

PROLIANT

Yes there are similarities between XP and Vista but the XP kernel is very different to Vista

robt_2

tomsolomon wrote: »

Then you've answered the question why OEM OS's are so popular, Its not becuse people want them ist because thats all that available to them, and thats why only 10% of sales are retail.......

If Linux is so good (and free), why don't more system builders offer it then?

The simple answer is lack of demand - reasons for which are, of course, debatable.

Joe public wants something that works, something with lots of support, andsomething that they don't have to fiddle with, and Windows provides all that.

What does Linux offer (other than price, which is not particularly relevant given the cost of bulk OEM Windows) that Windows doesn't, to the average man on the street?

tomsolomon

robt wrote: »

Joe public wants something that works, something with lots of support, and something that they don't have to fiddle with, and Windows provides all that.

I'm sorry but you couldnt be further from the truth.....

OK initially when you install Linux you have to do a little configuration. But after that it couldnt be any simpler.....
You dont have wizards to install programs and apps you just add the programs you want and Linux installs it for you. Even you could use it...:D

And secondly I cant ever remember a time when Ive had to reinstall Linux due to hacker, virus or malware, in fact i dont think Ive ever had to reinstall Linux for any problem I couldnt sort out with a few clicks.

robt_2

tomsolomon wrote: »

I'm sorry but you couldnt be further from the truth.....

OK initially when you install Linux you have to do a little configuration. But after that it couldnt be any simpler.....

Contradicting yourself already.

You dont have wizards to install programs and apps you just add the programs you want and Linux installs it for you. Even you could use it...:D

Whats the benefit of one over the other? I don't get it. And I have tried it, several times, and don't like it.

And secondly I cant ever remember a time when Ive had to reinstall Linux due to hacker, virus or malware, in fact i dont think Ive ever had to reinstall Linux for any problem I couldnt sort out with a few clicks.

And nor have I with Windows.

anewman

robt wrote: »

If Linux is so good (and free), why don't more system builders offer it then?

It is in fact becoming more popular in budget systems, like the Asus eee pc

robt wrote: »

What does Linux offer (other than price, which is not particularly relevant given the cost of bulk OEM Windows) that Windows doesn't, to the average man on the street?

Reliable, fast, secure - lower or no viruses, malware etc. Also free. Although I admit I use XP at the moment. I have dabbled with Linux. When I get a new PC hope to have a linux only machine (yes I know you can dual boot etc but my hard disk is full etc).

PROLIANT

Linux is built around the industrial strength UNIX platform, and because most divies who write viruses compile them to win32 construct you will find Linux/Unix very secure and not as such bullet proof but less vulnerable to attack.

robt_2

anewman wrote: »

It is in fact becoming more popular in budget systems, like the Asus eee pc

The one that has just swicthed to XP you mean?

tomsolomon

robt wrote: »

tomsolomon, your clearly a linux lover and there is nothing wrong with that. But Windows users don't make up ridiciolous arguments to try and say we are better than you. What you are doing is no better than preaching, it is almost as if you are in a cult and can't see beyond it.

Whats the benefit of one over the other? I don't get it. And I have tried it, several times, and don't like it.

Who's contradicting who........

You should try it properly and dont give up if you hit a hurdle or two.
You never know you might even begin to like it.....

At the end of the day its a hobby for a lot of people, and a welcome break from all the years of banging their heads against a wall trying to get Windows to run smoothly.

anewman

robt wrote: »

The one that has just swicthed to XP you mean?

Didn't know that. That's a shame. Obviously going for the mass market. Will put the price of the eee pc up by quite alot I'd rather have it without XP myself.

robt_2

tomsolomon wrote: »

Who's contradicting who........

No one I don't think. I haven't slagged of Linux.

You should try it properly and dont give up if you hit a hurdle or two.
You never know you might even begin to like it.....

I didn't hit any hurdles - I just don't like it - why can't people (not you in particular) accept that? It is a personal choice. As an aside I could overcome a hurdle, the mass public may not be able to.

At the end of the day its a hobby for a lot of people, and a welcome break from all the years of banging their heads against a wall trying to get Windows to run smoothly.

Exactly - it is a hobby for many - not a mass Windows replacement.