Do they really dare?
There are some rumors going around of late saying that both Dell and HP are considering including Linux operating systems instead of Windows. Many fans of Linux software feel that this is a great thing that is going to allow Linux use to grow. There is however a potential problem that if not handled properly could result in no manufacturer daring to preinstall Linux software.
When the average person goes to buy a new computer from Dell or HP they are going to expect the standard preloaded software. They are going to expect to have Windows and some trial applications ready when the plug it in and turn it on. Now based on the nature of Linux I expect that the Linux systems may sell at a lower price. That customer that goes shopping for a computer and sees one
that is $50 cheaper makes the quick purchase based on price.
When this customer gets home and turns on the computer they are not greeted by the Windows logo they expect. In fact they are greeted by an operating system that they have never seen and have no idea how to use. What would you imagine their reaction to be? I imagine their reaction to be that they got a broken computer. I expect them to call Dell or HP and spend hours on the phone costing those companies money. I expect them to lose trust for Dell or HP costing them more money. If they start losing money because of Linux they will stop preinstalling it, and no one else will dare preinstall it.
I think if it was me and I did not get what I expected, I would return it. And to make sure I never made the mistake again I would not spend my money with that company. There are plenty of other computer companies out there that I can give my dollar to. So to Dell and HP, and to their customers, be careful with Linux.
When the average person goes to buy a new computer from Dell or HP they are going to expect the standard preloaded software. They are going to expect to have Windows and some trial applications ready when the plug it in and turn it on. Now based on the nature of Linux I expect that the Linux systems may sell at a lower price. That customer that goes shopping for a computer and sees one
that is $50 cheaper makes the quick purchase based on price.
When this customer gets home and turns on the computer they are not greeted by the Windows logo they expect. In fact they are greeted by an operating system that they have never seen and have no idea how to use. What would you imagine their reaction to be? I imagine their reaction to be that they got a broken computer. I expect them to call Dell or HP and spend hours on the phone costing those companies money. I expect them to lose trust for Dell or HP costing them more money. If they start losing money because of Linux they will stop preinstalling it, and no one else will dare preinstall it.
I think if it was me and I did not get what I expected, I would return it. And to make sure I never made the mistake again I would not spend my money with that company. There are plenty of other computer companies out there that I can give my dollar to. So to Dell and HP, and to their customers, be careful with Linux.
16 Comments:
It's not the question:
Should Dell & HP abandon Windows for Linux but do we give our customers the choice.
At this moment there is no freedom and customers are forced to buy Windows with their PC.
Dear Jake, well I am supposing that a company like dell or HP would be marketing smart enough to point out the fact that the customer is buying a computer with Linux installed and probably give a short and precise explanation as to what linux is. If thea are not they deserve to take the path you are implying. Conversely if a costumer buys a computer without knowing what is inside he/she should go to the next walmart and get himself a new brain, I hear they have used ones for sale. Seriously, people that still go through the world thinking that "computer" is synonymous with "windows" are just plain ignorant and don't deserve better than to spend money on something they don't inquire about. Of course this scenario could have it's merits. Maybe people could actually learn something and use their brains again for a change. I mean learning how to use linux is not all that difficult and would eventually save said costumer a lot of money on redudant anti spy, virus, trojan, etc. apps and lost time rebooting, reinstalling, crashed apps. defraging hard drives, deleting temp files,etc. I an still a believer in common sense, eventhogh some are not.
Cheers
fintan
Anyone who would buy a linux enabled computer without realizing it is an idiot. They wouldn't be smart enough to know the difference between windows and linux.
Your assertion is rediculous. Why are you insulting the computer buying public with your scare mongering? You say that people will be confused and angry when they turn their shiny new HP or Dell boxes on. Well -- beyond a doubt, people can be clueless and may click something that they see as "cheaper" to save a few bucks -- but why do you think that they will not see that their system comes with Linux instead of Windows. The American public has become a very educated consumer, tired of being fleeced, tired of being taken. You put ideas into their head.
You are adding fuel to an unnecessary fire - it is this attitude that keeps Linux from the hands of the people that need it most.
You are simply being sensationalist and you should be ashamed.
If you need something to write about why not write something that has merit?
Pfft!
I think that this would not be the real scenario. I feel like you and would not like what I do no expect. But, for example, I bought a Mac and do know very well that I did not acquire Windows. I think the job of the manufacturer will be the customer to know they do not acquire a Windows machine. In the case of HP, it's easier: put laps in the store and let users play with them.
Also, I felt really surprised the last day I made a quote of a Dell Computer. They made the recommendation of 2Gb of RAM for Vista. And everyone knows it's just enough to boot. So the difference is more with the hardware. Nowadays, 1Gb is pretty enough with Linux.
Last point: with Windows, you'll hace a trial of Office. With Linux, Openoffice is fully licensed. I am sure that both HP and Dell can use this argument to convince pretty well the user.
It's just a story of what do you want? A pretty operating systems with trials you'll have to pay one day or a fully functional, secure computer? The market will tell.
If it boots up in Gnome, and it has OpenOffice on the desktop, and the customer is really that ignorant that they would choose a computer without windows and not know the difference, I expect if they see the desktop, they'd know how to use it as well as they could the other system. They're about the same looking really.
No, if the store makes it clear that
1) Model X with Windows: $a
2) Model X with Linux: $a - $30
Warning: Buy "2" at your own risk. User support by Linux community.
Neither the store nor the manufacturer would be hurt. Only those who know the risks would dare buy "2" without asking questions.
you must have a very low opinion of the average person's ability to comprehend what they are reading in regard to what product they purchase. it's not as if they are going to be "secretly" installing Linux when telling the customer it will be Microsoft. Most people who will buy a Linux based machine will do so because they already have an interest in Linux. Those who are price conscious typically weigh pros and cons of what they are getting for their dollar. very very few people just look at a price tag and say " golly gee whiz. Look this computer doohicky is cheaper than those, let's get one."
Also, you premise of linux based machines being cheaper is off base. both dell and hp are setting the stage for same to higher priced linux machines bas4ed on the absence of MS discounts.
I am disappointed in your low level of appreciation for your fellow computer users.
T Sandoval
And why wait for big, Windows hardware companies to extend their offers? Maybe buyers should instead look into smaller, Linux hardware companies that sell Linux preinstalled?
Big hardware sellers - are inflexible.
Smaller companies can easily grow beacuse of Linux popularity. They have a substantial interest in comforting their customers.
Sounds like a FUD post.
I suspect that both Dell and HP are capable of clearly labeling their products as "Microsoft Inside" or "Linux Inside" and making sure that their customers know the difference.
However, this info by Dell and HP may be no more than those two companies using the Linux threat to negotiate a better deal with Microsoft for OEM OS licenses.
K7HKL
_._
Dare what? Dare to install something that isn't Microsoft? Dare to include a host of applications that would cost thousands of dollars if done in proprietary software? Dare to try something new? Of course, there are already hundreds of companies that provide Linux pre-installed. Their experience is just like mine: One the user accepts that "it's not Windows", they get along just fine discovering how things work. And since the customer has to _order_ the unit without Windows, they have already accepted it. This article makes it seem like HP or Dell are going to ship units with Linux slyly, hidden, to "surprise" the user with with what they "don't expect". What a crock.
You're wrong in so many ways...people will know up front what they're getting: better security and a stable OS. Nobody's going to flip out because the grassy hill is missing from their desktops....
They will probably keep their Linux PC's separate from the usual offerings so only Penguin heads can find and order them after confirming NO SUPPORT is available for the OS and HW support is only available if issues can be confirmed by troubleshooting from the 'default' Linux OS configuration shipped.
Well, a few others have posted in forums that rebuttals to your thesis are not being posted. I decided to attmept a rebuttal myself.
1) People are delighted (?) to find an OS with teasers and no other software? I find that amusing. Why would a purchaser not be happy to know they can surf, watch DVDs (yes, it's called LinDVD), instant message, a complete office quite, CD/DVD burner, photoshop equivalent, all the themes, a 3-D desktop that works without taking all their CPU, pdf viewers, newsreaders, ip telephony, CD rippers, scanners-digital camera-mp3 players, and virtually every other single application PRE-INSTALLED, PRE-CONFIGURED and UNLIKE MS freeware, spyware and adware free, and not bloated.
2) How confused and DUMFOUNDED is the person you describe, who doesn't clue in that Linux != Windows going to be when they are greeted with Vista, more alien than anything they have ever seen before. Not only do they get the enjoy the process of learning which of their peripherals no longer work (and the myriad calls to Dell and HP asking wtf), they get to spend 3 days downloading free bloatware, if it exists, for Vista. Apples to Apples, they won't see the familiar Windows loggo. What's a "Vista".
3) Quote
"I think if it was me and I did not get what I expected, I would return it. And to make sure I never made the mistake again I would not spend my money with that company."
EndQuote
You are right, it's called VISTA. People who know are demanding XP INSTEAD of Vista. My CompUSA salesman friend said Vista is currently a support nightmare, and are literally WANRING people who want to purchase a coimputer replacement that there can be trouble with old programs and peripherals.
I guess Vista gets a pass, everything you state as being a death knell for Dell and HP if they tried Linux that is happening TODAY with Vista isn't being disingenuous at all.
What's the name of your blog again, oh yeah, there it is...
www.microsoftsale.com
TripleII
Since these system integrators would get everything working for you on Linux just like they now do only for Windows, then I think most people would start their computer, get to work and wonder why they suddenly have tons of useful software rather than a few expensive, bundled applications and a bunch of nagging free trials.
A few honest buyers might even call HP or Dell to see of some installation mistake was made or that had won a contest or something...
I'm sorry, but that is nonsense and can be overcome with a good warning on the online sales page or a good explanation by the vendor.
If this is the reason that OEMs would not install Linux, then they might as wel skip vista... and especially Office 2007
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