It is a good point, I freely discussed this with a student today who was interested in buying a laptop. He wondered if he really needed to buy all that software or even Windows to just use the web or office. A few hundred dollars meant a slightly better hardware choice when he was checking out the prices on a new laptop. I finally sent him scurrying off to check out some second hand prices for one that he could revive with Kbuntu / Ubuntu and a USB wireless access point. I glared at the offers of "free" software from his friends. MS are due what MS are owed.
<br><br>Regards Roland<br><br><div><span class="gmail_quote">On 20/08/07, <b class="gmail_sendername">victor rajewski</b> <<a href="mailto:askvictor@gmail.com">askvictor@gmail.com</a>> wrote:</span><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">
I read an interesting essay describing why linux is not actually in<br>the mainstream - it is because microsoft windows and office are<br>actually free. Either due to piracy or OEM installs. Piracy helps<br>Microsoft keep the monopoly - they make plenty from businesses which
<br>have to pay for it anyway, and from OEMs who are forced into<br>installing it anyway, but for the others, there is usually a geek<br>around to help them install a pirated copy. If someone was given the<br>option of paying $200 for something they are completely familiar with,
<br>or getting something for free which is close enough most of the time,<br>I suspect there would be a lot more people going down for the latter<br>option.<br><br>vik<br><br>On 8/20/07, Cameron Bell <<a href="mailto:bell.cameron.p@edumail.vic.gov.au">
bell.cameron.p@edumail.vic.gov.au</a>> wrote:<br>> Well, Charles Wright is on board.<br>> (Charles writes the "Bleeding Edge" column in Melbourne's Age newspapers<br>> Green Guide -a liftout on TV, consumer computers.)
<br>><br>> <a href="http://bleedingedge.com.au/blog/archives/2007/08/electing_ubuntu_linux.html#more">http://bleedingedge.com.au/blog/archives/2007/08/electing_ubuntu_linux.html#more</a><br>><br>> More acceptance into mainstream.
<br>><br>> :)<br>><br>> Cheers<br>> Cameron<br>><br>> Important - This email and any attachments may be confidential. If received in error, please contact us and delete all copies. Before opening or using attachments check them for viruses and defects. Regardless of any loss, damage or consequence, whether caused by the negligence of the sender or not, resulting directly or indirectly from the use of any attached files our liability is limited to resupplying any affected attachments. Any representations or opinions expressed are those of the individual sender, and not necessarily those of the Department of Education.
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<br></blockquote></div><br><br clear="all"><br>-- <br>Roland Gesthuizen - ICT Coordinator - Westall Secondary College<br><a href="http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au">http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au</a><br><br>"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." --Margaret Mead