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Thread ID: 139428 2015-04-30 09:00:00 Windows 10 Webdevguy (17166) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1399686 2015-05-01 00:03:00 People buy Laptops and tablets with pre-installed OS's and tend to mainly stick with them, there is little interest in choice once the PC is purchased. Some change OS's, some upgrade to newer versions, but most keep using whatever it came with as long as possible. If you would like to buy bare hardware and chose an OS to install you are in the minority, people want things that just work without any effort on their part. PC's are already too complicated for many, Installing your own OS makes it worse.

Perhaps it was ChromeOS for the 3rd? In any case there are only two choices, Windows or Linux. MacOS only officially works on apple hardware and you pay a premium for that so the OS is hardly cheap or free in reality and ChromeOS is not really a full fledged OS in my opinion and is actually just a version of Linux anyway meant to be shipped with low end hardware with minimal storage space. If you want an apple OS you buy an apple PC.

Of the remaining 2 Windows is the easiest option for the average consumer with Linux only really suited to enthusiasts willing to learn how to use it. The market share of Linux reflects this. Sure Linux supporters like to point out how awesome it is but it has failed to make a significant impact on microsoft to date and will continue to do so unless fixes are implemented the last few issues for the average user.

In the Consumer OS space Apple is the only serious competition for MS and not generally on the same hardware. ChromeOS is making progress and may get there but it isn't a major contender yet. Linux follows up the rear with it's tiny market share and avid supporters.

I always liked the Idea of operating systems coming on some sort of plug in non volatile medium or cartridge like games used to once upon a time. Of course that would mean no more updates or patches between versions which would likely be an issue but I love the Idea of swapping out a cartridge or similar and having a whole new fully functional OS as easy as that, no installing or updating needed.
dugimodo (138)
1399687 2015-05-01 03:20:00 You can't count OSX if you are not allowed to buy it an install it on any hardware you want, that is why Linux and Windows are real OS's because they can be. gary67 (56)
1399688 2015-05-01 03:44:00 You can't count OSX if you are not allowed to buy it an install it on any hardware you want, that is why Linux and Windows are real OS's because they can be.

That point is only relevant if you are an IT nerd :) For everyone else, what dugimodo said was pretty close.
Webdevguy (17166)
1399689 2015-05-01 03:49:00 That point is only relevant if you are an IT nerd :) For everyone else, what dugimodo said was pretty close.

Or if you have a budget of under $1400, which applies to most non tech nerds....

That's why OSX isn't more popular. I've always wanted to try it, but Macs aren't cheap.
Nick G (16709)
1399690 2015-05-01 03:55:00 Or if you have a budget of under $1400, which applies to most non tech nerds....

That's why OSX isn't more popular. I've always wanted to try it, but Macs aren't cheap.

I would too if I could install in a spare computer, my current spare is running the latest puppy Linux version6 which is very nice to use for the basic stuff I use it for
gary67 (56)
1399691 2015-05-01 05:56:00 You can't count OSX if you are not allowed to buy it an install it on any hardware you want, that is why Linux and Windows are real OS's because they can be.

I thought that is what is happening with windows 10, free upgrade if you already have windows, and only available if buying new hardware. Then again I can't see where there would be a scenario where you would want to buy a copy of windows10 as a standalone product.
plod (107)
1399692 2015-05-01 05:59:00 Or if you have a budget of under $1400, which applies to most non tech nerds....

That's why OSX isn't more popular. I've always wanted to try it, but Macs aren't cheap.

You could build a Hackintosh.
icow (15313)
1399693 2015-05-01 06:06:00 Or if you have a budget of under $1400, which applies to most non tech nerds....

That's why OSX isn't more popular. I've always wanted to try it, but Macs aren't cheap.

You can get into a Mac from $750
plod (107)
1399694 2015-05-02 04:10:00 You can get into a Mac from $750

With about a 10" screen.
paulw (1826)
1399695 2015-05-02 05:26:00 With about a 10" screen.

A 10" screen is still a computer. And suitable for a student.
Webdevguy (17166)
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