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"Many users in Asia bought the Acer Laptop with Linux pre-install. Then they reformat it and install Windows. "

Or so you say. Provide some evidence.

"If the user use superuser id and password for normal operation. It is possible for virus, worm and spyware to spread in Linux."

Noooo, really? Thanks Professor Obvious.
Btw, neither spyware, viruses or worms need root privs to function and spread.

I hear that a lot, but I never see any figures. I suspect *some* Linux PCs get Windows installed over them, but in the end the thing that matters is that Linux gets more exposition. Even if only some of the PCs keep Linux, it's a positive thing.



It is theoretically possible, yes. Most distros (including the most popular, Ubuntu) do not require the user to use superuser status. However, the point is rendered moot by the fact that there are currently *no* Linux viruses on the wild (with the possible exception of a worm targetting Web servers). There is, as far as I know, no spyware for Linux. When there is, maybe we can talk about this again.

One point that I haven't noticed among these comments is that *some* Windows PCs get Linux installed over them. I realize that the raw numbers may not be comparable, and I really doubt many people could hazard an accurate guess about the numbers. Proportionality may not even be comparable. The point is well made though that exposure is a positive thing in generally.

-OT I have to commend you for your correct usage of the word "moot" in your post. I can't remember the last time I didn't see "mute" instead. It's always sad to see how the English language seems to be deteriorating because people don't know the difference between very similar words. Another word that is often used incorrectly is "weary" (in place of "wary" or "leery").

"It is theoretically possible, yes. Most distros (including the most popular, Ubuntu) do not require the user to use superuser status."

But this doesn't mean that programs you run as a regular user have root privilege. Ubuntu and others use 'sudo' which asks you for your user password to do administrative tasks. The programs you run as a regular user don't know your password, that's why 'sudo' is about as safe as 'su'. Only Linspire does or did for some time encourage users to run everything with superuser privileges. Most distros, including Ubuntu, are reasonably secure by default.

True - lets also remember one thing - how many end users know how to install Windows? sure, there will be those who will try to take advantage of changing but for the vast majority, it'll load, there will be an office suite, browser, chat application etc. etc.

Its all about marketing - also, for the vast majority, a computer is for work - its a big thing bought, especially in regards to the third world (and developed world), and not something that should be wasted with games (I've heard that many times from parents) - so in regards to games, its a non-issue.

If for every time I saw a PC the parents bought their kids a games machine I was given a dollar, I would be the richest man on earth.