It was just my attempt to throw in a little bit of sensationalism into it.

The "has-been" was inspired by your post, and the "Stooge" came more from the time when communists used to say "imperialist stooge." [It was at Troll, Shill, Stooge -- but I removed all but the last one]

Now, back on the subject-

Maybe Dell already knows it can't or won't preinstall Linux for whatever reason, or maybe they've already decided that they will attempt it and deal with the issues. Either way, arguing the point won't make any difference in their decision.

Another fact to consider, however, is that they're NOT claiming to drop Windows; In fact, it's quite the opposite. They admitted in the original article that Microsoft is their "Bread and Butter".

On the other hand, the article also claims that Dell is free to do whatever they wish, per a 2001 federal anti-trust law that strictly forbids MS from strong-arming OEMs.

Also worth noting is that if Dell does begin shipping with preinstalled Linux, they won't be the first- only the first top-name OEM to do so.

Shop R Cubed Technologies - Featuring Linux Laptops
http://www.shoprcubed.com/products.asp?cat=15

system76: Linux Laptops, Linux Desktops, Linux Servers
http://www.system76.com/

EmperorLinux - Linux Laptops and Notebooks
http://www.emperorlinux.com/

Just to name a few.

As for Microsoft's "war arsenal", it appears that either they've ran out of ammo, or have shot themselves in the foot with the first bullet, as Steve Ballmer has resorted to repeatedly claiming that Linux infringes on MS's code and threatening to sue Linux users.

http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=37764

Here's a publicized rebuttal to Ballmer's threats.

http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=37835

The OSC called Ballmer's bluff, and MS has failed to respond...

http://showusthecode.com/index.htm

True, that's not exactly related to the Dell issue, but IMHO it shows Microsoft's predictament with the rapidly-growing Linux user base. Does that mean I honestly believe that Linux is going to put MS out of business?? Not anytime soon, if ever. That truly would be delusional. But everything is not quite as peachy for Microsoft as Steve Ballmer would have everyone believe.

Cheers
Bill

Yes, I was aware. Again, nicely done.

I noticed that, but why? (just curious)

Cheers
Bill

Dropping Windows would be suicide. I do not think anyone had that exact take on anything Dell put out.

I guess that law has not worked very well? Business is as usual.

Monopoly related laws usually do not work at all, and are specifically crafted for that fact - due to the money and deals involved. This is a capitalist society. We do anything for a buck.

Most businesses that have shipped Linux boxes to home-users have either failed, or changed business plans. Plenty of examples to go around. Even some with deep pockets... There is just no market there, at this time.

Another point, is for all we know, "system76" and others, sell 1 system a week out of a garage or small local shop...

system 76 location

Which seems to be the case... They are located in a small shop with another 3 or 4 businesses.

You can find out the lease rates and the other business names here...
http://www.google.com/search?q=1582+...er%2C+CO+80231

Probably just a local computer shop that does Linux, with a smart owner, that has put up a website.

I would not compare them to Dell.

People say a lot of things and so does Microsoft. SCO was just a preview of what's to come in the future from MS. IMO, they have not gone anywhere near their "war arsenal." This is a chess game, and MS has pre-played it back and forwards, to the end-move.

Just for better flow.

Personally, I couldn't care less. As far as I'm concerned, they forgot to calculate the effect the end user might have on their 'game'. You couldn't pay me to use another Microshaft product. And with the Linux user-base growing by the countries and government agencies as well as the millions of home users like myself, I very seriously doubt I'm the only one who feels that way.

Whatever MS thinks of itself, their products are still crap. And their monopoly is still not a monarchy. Dell still has the right to choose what they sell, and I still have the right to choose what I use.

Perhaps we should just agree that we'll never agree on this subject...

Cheers
Bill

I have to post to do links. Waste of time.

Agreed.......