how come when buying a PC I only have the choice of one Operating System, Windows?

Question

My friend said he has 5 different operating systems on all his computers something called Debian, Ubuntu, Arch, and I forget the others. I saw his desktop and it looks so much cooler than windows... why can't I buy a computer like that? I go to say dell or something and they say choose your OS but there's only one option, windows. why even give me the option if they only offer one option to choose from? I don't understand.

Answer 1

I wish there were more people like you asking themselves the same question...



Because the greedy stock holders at Microsoft have conned both the consumer (you) into buying their crap and the manufacturers into putting their crap on every machine they built, being afraid it won't sell otherwise.

I have Linux Mint, Ubuntu and Mac OS X Snow leopard on all my computers. I quit using Windows 2 years ago and never even looked back.

Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X cost money, they made and maintained by huge corporations.

All Linux operating systems are 100% free, made by the people, for the people.

Just choose one, download and install. And by the way all Linux apps (programs) are free also. Also Linux cannot be infected or corrupted by any virus, so you will never need antivirus, anti malware or anti anything programs.

I recommend Linux Mint 11 Katya, as it is more user friendly and has an interface somewhat similar to Windows, thus making the transition smoother.

Download Linux Mint here:

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=81

The 32bit version of Linux is not handicapped like Windows, it will recognize, read and use up to 64GB of RAM, no need for a 64bit version.

Here is another useful link, Distro Watch (a version or release of Linux is called a Distro, from distribution, I guess)

http://distrowatch.com/



Good luck and welcome to the wonderful world of Linux.

Since you were saying how cool your friends desktop looks, take a look at mine:

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk177/Doruletzul/LinuxSystemMonitor.png

Answer 2

I believe Dell sells a vostro with Ubuntu installed.,



System76 sells Ubuntu pre-installed.



Zareason sell computers with your choice of Ubuntu, Edubuntu, Mint, Fedora, Debain, or none.



Ohava also offers some with ubuntu pre-installed.



It's mostly a support issue. Some hardware doesn't work very well with Linux, and knowledge of how to troubleshoot basic problems is less widespread many people can't just ask a friend about an issue.



Also it's a licencing issue, the Windows OEM liscence does not allow manufacturers to sell computers where dual boot systems are already set-up.

Answer 3

that is worth your at the same time as, XP continues to be exceptionally large. Vista With service %. a million is a respectable operating gadget, yet you'll see some performance shrink on a decrease end gadget also domicile windows 7 is due out in 2009

Answer 4

there IS a choice, its just hard to find



http://www.techdrivein.com/2010/09/7-providers-of-pre-installed-linux.html



http://linuxpreloaded.com/



the other option is a live cd/dvd most linux distribution offer these, most are free



http://distrowatch.com/

Answer 5

Http://ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/windows-installer



https://www.linux.com/directory





this all are operating system just download it and installe it ok mean boot it