"Windows Vista includes an array of 'features' that you don't want. These features will make your computer less reliable and less secure. They'll make your computer less stable and run slower. They will cause technical support problems. They may even require you to upgrade some of your peripheral hardware and existing software. And these features won't do anything useful. In fact, they're working against you. They're digital rights management features built into Vista at the behest of the entertainment industry. And you don't get to refuse them."
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Member since:2005-11-11
The only way to break the monopoly would be to force OEMs to give consumers a choice of OS when purchasing a computer
When I bought my old Athlon around 2000 (from ABS), I was given a choice of OSs. I happily chose Windows 98se over Windows ME. I'd be very surprised if at least some companies don't offer a choice of Vista or XP. Some people just want the old standby.
Now, a choice between Windows versions isn't entirely ideal, but it's better than nothing. If only more manufacturers would offer the choice of no OS as well.. a conundrum I avoided by building my new machine from parts.
Member since:2007-01-17
Member since:2005-07-06
Member since:2006-02-26
The only way to break the monopoly would be to force OEMs to give consumers a choice of OS when purchasing a computer (including various Linux distros). Purchasing a computer should be: Step 1, choose your hardware (faster?, storage space?, frills, etc.) Step 2, choose your OS (according to your needs and what you want to pay).
This would not work. The very large majority of people who would choose Linux would be those that already know about it-- and even then, most of those people would probably prefer to install/configure it themselves rather than having it preloaded.
Breaking the monopoly requires a lot more than choice. From the perspective of Linux, it requires a standardized and coherent system, ISV/IHV support, and user education in that order. But, most of all, it requires time.
Member since:
2005-07-26
Still, if enough customers say no to Vista, the company might actually listen.
Please, stop dreaming. Not only do the vast majority of consumers not read Forbes, but they'll just take whatever is on the computer that they buy at the store or online. They'd have to be really persistant in order to refuse Vista (in future computers). The only way to break the monopoly would be to force OEMs to give consumers a choice of OS when purchasing a computer (including various Linux distros). Purchasing a computer should be: Step 1, choose your hardware (faster?, storage space?, frills, etc.) Step 2, choose your OS (according to your needs and what you want to pay).
But given Microsoft's leverage with hardware manufacturers, that's not going to happen anytime soon.
Plus, while it's possible for online purchases, it would realistically be difficult to implement at the retail level. Large corporations and businesses are the only ones who might be able to make a difference as they're more conscious of the options available (or maybe I'm dreaming too).
So we're stuck with Microsoft's bidding.