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Thread ID: 86617	2008-01-22 22:23:00	Why don't "Fair Go" have a go at Microsoft or software Companies	Morgenmuffel (187)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
632925	2008-02-17 01:56:00	I can go buy an XYZ brand computer with whatever O/S is usually installed. In this case let us say Vista. In the event I do not like Vista I can reformat and put the O/S of my choice on the computer. This means I have to find drivers etc and it would be my problem if anything went wrong in the way of software. I wonder what would be the reaction of a car retailer if I walked into the showroom for a brand new ZYX vehicle and said well, "I will buy it if you fit an ABC motor as I don't like the pre-installed version."	Sweep (90)
632926	2008-02-17 02:18:00	Yep that was the point - Kind of :) If MS could control how and when Linux (what ever distro) is produced or how it is distributed - who knows what would happen. Finding help with so many different versions of linux can sometimes be hard - and lots of people would give up. I think the issue was more about Microsoft enforcing that OEMs must sell PCs with Windows installed - rather than with a choice of Ubuntu Linux or what ever distro, XP or Vista as Microsoft doesn't own the rights to the hardware only their OS so they don't legally have a say in what you install on a particular PC of your choosing as much as they might like to. You can still make a limited number of versions of your OS available to appeal to different markets in order to make it easier for the customer as well as allowing for 2 or 3 different platforms to be installed on a 3rd party PC. The more options you create the more variables there are to throw into the mix to make it harder to cater for. Fortunately a lot of that is changing with the help of customer demand and OEMs moving to cater for that demand.	vitalstatistix (9182)
632927	2008-02-17 02:35:00	I think the issue was more about Microsoft enforcing that OEMs must sell PCs with Windows installed - rather than with a choice of Ubuntu Linux or what ever distro, I'm gonna throw a big spanner in that statement :p :lol: I run my own Computer business - I build / sell & Repair PC's, I'm also registered with MS as a OEM Builder/seller. There is NOWHERE that has ever stated I HAVE to put windows on any PC I Build /Sell to a customer. Legally I have to sell hardware to sell the OEM software, I have signed an agreement my MS supplier to that extent - but thats all. (yes I read what I was signing) If for example you came to me and said I want a PC built to these spec's - and want to install Ubuntu - then thats your right and what you would get. I don't have any right to insist you install Windows. I may not be able to support you much if Ubuntu went belly up, but thats because I don't know enough about Ubuntu - many others who use it know more than I would.	wainuitech (129)
632928	2008-02-17 02:48:00	people seem to be having a go at the wrong people here. It's not MS problem that the likes of HP, Dell etc don't sell there product without xp/vista on it. Its the fault of the HP and dells. Oh what wainuitech said	plod (107)
632929	2008-02-17 03:15:00	I'm gonna throw a big spanner in that statement :p :lol: I run my own Computer business - I build / sell & Repair PC's, I'm also registered with MS as a OEM Builder/seller . There is NOWHERE that has ever stated I HAVE to put windows on any PC I Build /Sell to a customer . Legally I have to sell hardware to sell the OEM software, I have signed an agreement my MS supplier to that extent - but . Go for it, chuck a big spanner in there . I was just under the impression that for a number of years the likes of HP, Dell, IBM, Gateway, PC Company etc could only sell PCs with Windows pre-installed (like when you walk into Dick Smith or Noel Leemings) other wise there would have been more offerings of Linux if this was not the case? I am aware that custom PC builders can install what ever the customer requests or is advised to get .	vitalstatistix (9182)
632930	2008-02-17 04:57:00	I don't wish to burst your bubble Wainuitech, but you are not a major player in the pc market. MS start with the Dells, Gateways, Compaq, HP etc of this world and then start working down. Also things should have changed since the mid 90's when if you wanted to sell pc's with DR DOS (say), Microsoft would (if they let you) insist that a MS licence fee be paid on that pc, so MS would get paid a licence fee and so would Digital Research. Now MS had all the power because if you upset them too much they would a/ put the licence fee for MS-DOS and Windows higher b/ refuse to let you put MS-DOS and Windows on your pc's and therefore your business may as well shut up shop. There was a rumour that MS forced Dell to close down a Linux research center in the mid to late nineties. How true it is I don't know. Never under estimate MS. There have left a trail of broken companies (remember Stac with their compression software). Some would say that "thats business" but MS use their monoply in some would say "unfair ways". Oh and MS can't "buy" Linux, but the latest way is to use "patents"... see the agreement with Novel.	dolby digital (5073)
632931	2008-02-17 05:54:00	I don't wish to burst your bubble Wainuitech, :) You're not, the comment was made OEMs must sell PCs with Windows installed - rather than with a choice of Ubuntu Linux or what ever distro, I sell OEM - so do hundreds of other small businesses - so that statement is not fully true. I never said anything about the BIG suppliers like HP Dell Etc. Call it " nit picking" but if someone means big corp companies then say so. But also like I posted a link before- Dell offer Linux now instead of Windows. MS can't "buy" Linux, but the latest way is to use "patents" Thats True MS must be worried - But it is also wrong for 1 company,MS to enforce big manufactures ( this may change) to use Windows , people should have the choice of the OS. EG: dell are doing exactly that.	wainuitech (129)
632932	2008-02-17 07:22:00	:) You're not, the comment was made Thats True MS must be worried - But it is also wrong for 1 company,MS to enforce big manufactures ( this may change) to use Windows , people should have the choice of the OS. EG: dell are doing exactly that. Yes, Dell offer Linux preloaded. So did DSE here with Mandrake preloaded on one of their desktops (about 2 years ago from memory). It didn't last and they dropped it (for reasons unknown to me). Of course you can get a $699 laptop from DSE with Ubuntu preloaded (cynics say because they are old model laptops that wouldn't run Vista very well!). Walmart in USA, offer a $US200 pc with Ubuntu loaded and it keeps on selling out (how many will end up with Windows on them is anyones guess).	dolby digital (5073)
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