Why Buy a PC Preloaded With Linux?

Shadow7789 writes "I have been in the market for a new computer for the past few weeks and I know that I want to run Linux on it. However, every time I look at (for example) Dell's computers that are preloaded with Linux, the question pops into my head: 'Why should I buy a PC preloaded with Linux?' They are more expensive, and it's not hard just to reformat the PC with Linux. I hate paying the Microsoft Tax as much as anybody else, but if paying that 'tax' allows companies to reduce my price by bundling with my PC products that I will never use, why wouldn't I just buy a Windows-loaded PC and reformat?"

Well, for one thing..

[oneandoneis2 (777721)]

If it's got Linux installed on it, you know that the hardware it's got is supported by Linux. Nothing worse than buying a new computer and finding out it's got some chipset or other that Linux doesn't work with yet.

Re:Well, for one thing..

[TeknoHog (164938)]

Conversely, when people buy Windows machines, hardware makers think people will only want/need Windows drivers. Many of those people will install some other OS, but how are the businesses supposed to know about that? In capitalism, buying decisions are the primary means of sending messages to the producers.

Re:Well, for one thing..

[hunteke (1172571)]

In capitalism, buying decisions are the primary means of sending messages to the producers.

Agreed, but I'd think being specific as a consumer where possible would be good. That's why when I recently bought my Dell, I bought it with Windows instead of Linux. (It was a good $300 cheaper for better hardware!) Then, when the computer arrived, I rejected the on-first-boot MS Eula and got a refund for a little over $50 dollars. This way, I still got what I wanted, and I was able to send the most accurate message as well. The article that gave me the idea: How to Get a Windows Tax Refund [linux.com]

Re:Well, for one thing..

[Mateo_LeFou (859634)]

Yes; I went over to Best Buy the other day to get a meatspace look at an eee. I had no intention of leaving with one, of course. But I made sure to let the (unusually knowledgeable this time) personnel know that the XP edition was useless to me.

This doesn't mean they'll run off and hold a shareholder's meeting about it, but next time one of them is in a meeting and hears "No one wants the Lx version" they'll know better.

Baby steps.

Re:Well, for one thing..

[nanamin (820638)]

I guess I'll be buying from Dell from now on. I tried to get the "Windows Tax Refund" from HP after buying a machine pre-installed with Windows from them, and they were very rude and in the end would not refund my money. Buying a machine with Linux preinstalled provides a financial backing to an alternative choice, namely the ability to buy a machine that doesn't come bundled with an operating system you will not be using. Unfortunately, many vendors do not offer this option, or the even better option of buying a machine without *anything* pre-installed.

Re:Well, for one thing..

[hunteke (1172571)]

I tried to get the "Windows Tax Refund" from HP after buying a machine pre-installed with Windows from them, and they were very rude and in the end would not refund my money.

I don't think it really matters that you were with HP. I think a couple of things were in my favor when I got my refund from Dell:

• I got lucky - I got a nice representative
• I realized that I had to get him on my side: I called late in the day, and finally got through after "closing time." When he finally understood that I wanted a refund, and said "No, I can't do that" I responded "Hmm. Well, this problem isn't going to go away, why don't we tackle this in the morning, let you get off work at a reasonable time, etc." Honey 'n vinegar, and all that.

Be persistent, be firm, and be nice -- realize that the customer representative is just a regular Joe/Jane, like you.

Also, for those who don't read the previously posted article [linux.com], remember that the point is not to get your money back; the point is to respectfully decline the MS Tax, and let them know your doing it.

N.B. It took me about a total of two hours on the phone.

Re:Well, for one thing..

[The_Wilschon (782534)]

If you buy windows and then get the refund, then you are quite clearly saying "I don't want windows". However, if you buy linux instead, then you are not only clearly saying "I don't want windows", but also "I do want linux". So what you propose definitely does not send the most specific message.

Re:Well, for one thing..

[hunteke (1172571)]

So what you propose definitely does not send the most specific message.

Eh? And what message am I trying to send? To be clear, I'm not trying to say "I want Linux." I want choice. The message I want to send is "I want the hardware for the standard price, and I don't want other gobblety-gook rammed down my throat for it."

I am honest: I do not want to pay for something I will not use. I will use the hardware. I will not use the forced-to-buy software. Getting a refund for what I'm not using seems to send exactly the message I want to send. And, it helps the wallet.

Re:Well, for one thing..

[at_slashdot (674436)]

Buying stuff to send signal is ridiculous.

Re:Well, for one thing..

[Pharmboy (216950)]

Buying stuff to send signal is ridiculous.

Not true. Everytime you buy a product, you are "voting" for it. Refusing to buy a product is voting against that product. In capitalism, the product with enough "votes" to pay the bills, wins. The ones that don't, go away.

An example: I don't buy Sony products, hardware, games, music CDs, etc. Even if they are the best or have the best price, it doesn't matter. Part of this is to "send a signal". I don't wear anti-Sony shirts or really even talk about it (excepting this post). I just refuse to buy any of their products since the root scandal. That *is* me quietly voting against them, thus for their competition. My goal isn't to put them out of business, it is simply to *not* contribute toward their success. They forfeited any possibility of getting my votes (dollars) in the future, regardless of what you or anyone else does.

Seriously, what other methods do people have to voice discontent against a company? Letter writing? Voting with your dollars *is* democracy in action, as it is the only way to send a signal with the most important commodity in the capitalist world: money

Re:Well, for one thing..

[akpoff (683177)]

Good point and while this is a Linux-related thread, those of us who run OpenBSD or some other free OS only have this option for sending a message: "We want reliable hardware with open-spec components so we can use them as we want."

Re:Well, for one thing..

[pherthyl (445706)]

If you had stuck with windows, how much of your time would it take to clean the crapware off the machine? How much time did it take to put all the software on that you use? How much time will it take in the future to keep the various virus/spyware/malware stuff up to date and clean up the mess? So even if you spend a day setting up Linux there's still no way of knowing if that's more or less than it would have taken to set up windows.

Re:Well, for one thing..

[sammy baby (14909)]

So far so good, you were up $350 for your choice, which is a nice sum of money. Now, we need to look at the cost side of the choice. Let's value your time at $50 per hour and any distro would require a minimum of one hour's worth of time for the reformat, install and setup. So, up $300, which supports your point. As long as any problems took less that 6 hours, it was a net plus. Did the installation and setup go flawlessly?

Attempting to monetize every last aspect of your life may bring joy to some contractors, but it's not necessarily a great way to bring peace of mind. Besides, as a former contractor, I can think of precisely zero times when I've thought to myself, "Damn, I wish I'd gotten this software pre-installed on my home PC - now it's stopping me from billing hours on my day job!"

Re:Well, for one thing..

[montyzooooma (853414)]

If you're buying from Dell then it's going to be the same hardware on the Windows or Linux machine.

Re:Well, for one thing..

[mhall119 (1035984)]

Not necessarily. Last time I checked, the Linux machines used Intel wireless and nVidia video cards, where the Windows models used ATI cards and I some other brand of wireless.

Re:Well, for one thing..

[Ephemeriis (315124)]

If you're buying from Dell then it's going to be the same hardware on the Windows or Linux machine.

Absolutely not true. For each model Dell sells they've got an assortment of parts that may make it into the case. If you buy a large number of the same model you'll see two or three different motherboards going in there - each with their own on-board LAN/audio/video/whatever. Some of these may have better or worse support for Linux.

If you specifically order the Linux model you know that whatever hardware they put in the box will work with Linux.

If you order the Windows model you know that whatever hardware they put in the box will work with Windows, but you might get the one motherboard out of three that doesn't like Linux so much.

Re:Well, for one thing..

[phtpht (1276828)]

Also, if the PC/notebook/whatever has some special features - e.g. buttons - the preinstalled Linux will have them mapped to sensible functions. It's the polishing.

laptops yes to maybe, pc's and servers no

[xzvf (924443)]

This is probably obvious to most people, but any x86 server is good out of the box today running Linux. Same for the vast majority of desktops. Slightly less so for Laptops, but I haven't tried many that don't work. It is the "secret" contracts with MS and the spam-like crapware that cause most of the headaches. We should be able to buy virgin systems, like businesses and put on any OS we like. The hardware manufacturers would love to support only the hardware, but they are forced to support Windows and squeeze their margins. Companies like Lenovo and Dell sell their hardware with Linux because they don't have to support the OS. Of course the Lenovo T61 I just bought was $97 dollars cheaper with the Suse option than with the Vista.

Re:laptops yes to maybe, pc's and servers no

[Anrego (830717)]

This is probably obvious to most people, but any x86 server is good out of the box today running Linux. Same for the vast majority of desktops.

I don`t agree with that at all. There is still plenty of hardware out there that is simply not supported, and even more so hardware that is supported, but requires some tweaking. To an experienced Linux user, having to patch alsa to get line in support might not be a big deal, and checking against hardware compatibility lists before buying parts is always a good idea, but the point stands that neither of these are things which someone who is new to Linux is going to want to go through.

And I think thats really what pre-installed Linux is about. It's not for experienced Gentoo users who have no issue tweaking and who know what hardware is well supported. It's for people who have heard a lot about this "Linux" thing lately and what to give it a try.

With a pre-installed machine you are getting hardware which has been chosen for you and is known to work well with Linux. You are also getting a certain amount of "polish". Chances are the media buttons on your keyboard/case will do something sensible right out of the box, your video capture card will work without any configuring, etc..

Re:Well, for one thing..

[kylehase (982334)]

Some also include fully legal DVD playback [ubuntu.com]. Otherwise you're supposed to check with your local laws before loading up those libraries and codecs.

Re:Well, for one thing..

[MBGMorden (803437)]

Why would ANYBODY go buy a random PC and then just expect Linux to work on it? WTF?

Because, for the last 5 years or so, generally any random PC runs Linux just fine. While "back in the day" I would check my charts before I bought something and make sure it was Linux compatible, lately one just hasn't had to do that.

Re:Well, for one thing..

[sm62704 (957197)]

Indeed. Some of the simplest things trip people up, but it's especially true about joe sixpack. Joe will say "I need a computer" and choose it simply on hardware without even knowing what it's for. Most ignorants (and this is not a slam at anyone, everyone is ignorant about something. Nobody knows everything) will simply buy the most expensive one they can afford, because common perception (usually untrue but still) is that "more expensive is always better".

A computer is good for one thing and one thing only: runnig an operating system.

An operating system is good for one thing and one thing only: Running programs.

Of course, with a computer you want to avoid vertain things as well, such as viruses, spyware, etc.

Car analogy: you may like convertables, but if you live in North Canada one is pretty much a waste of money. If you live in Florida a four wheel drive is likeways a waste. If you run Linux and buy a Logitech wireless keyboard, the extras like the media control buttons aren't going to work. I've sworn of Logotech for just that reason; the morons only support Microsoft (as I found out after buying Logitech - never again!). I have no use for a company whose hardware won't support my OS.

So the GP hhas it right. If it comes preinstalled with Linux, you know it and any accessories that come with it will work.

Re:Well, for one thing..

[theheadlessrabbit (1022587)]

Why would ANYBODY go buy a random PC and then just expect Linux to work on it? WTF? You find out what works and then buy the PC, not the other way around!

and this is exactly why 1997 through to 2008 have all failed to become the year of Linux on the desktop.

Re:Well, for one thing..

[WK2 (1072560)]

and this is exactly why 1997 through to 2008 have all failed to become the year of Linux on the desktop.

2008 hasn't failed to become the year of Linux on the desktop yet.

Re:Well, for one thing..

[jedidiah (1196)]

No it doesn't.

If you are going to install your own OS, Windows requires far
more babysitting and futzing before you will end up with a fully
functional system.

This is why you buy a system with the OS preloaded.

Loading Windows on a bare machine is a royal PITA compared to a
Linux install. This is pretty much a sure bet with Windows versus
being a role of the dice with Linux.

Then there's the stupid anti-piracy crap...

Principle is seldom cheap.

[LaminatorX (410794)]

Everything you say is correct from a cost/hardware standpoint. If you wich to vote with your dollars against crapware bundling, you will need to overlook that.

Make your principles cost them.

[by Anonymous Coward]

One of the best way to vote with your dollars is to buy a Windows machine in a place where you can definitely return it and insist on a full refund, including taking it to the small claims court if needed. If need be make an order from France and insist that they unbundle, however there are a number of US states and other places where you can get your Windows machine and then return the Windows. Be very careful not to open any packaging that you don't have to to get to the machine and check your local web sites about how to do it.

Returning windows does so many good things: increases the cost of selling Windows. Reduces the cost of buying a machine for Linux. Ensures MS don't get their MSTax, exercises the consumer laws, teaches companies to accept returns. (in the long run; the company probably makes a fixed cost deal with MS in any case and probably doesn't dare claim back, but they get a stronger negociating position next time round if many people do this).

Probably even better (I'm not sure though) is buying from a supplier like penguin computing [penguincomputing.com] which doesn't stock Windows in the first place. When you give extra money to Dell, you are giving to a company which does a great deal to support Windows development. When you give to Penguin, you can be pretty sure you aren't contributing.

Re:Principle is seldom cheap.

[backwardMechanic (959818)]

Nobody said anything about paying for bleeding edge. You can choose to pay more to support the wider project (FOSS) and have your computer the way you want it. But it is a choice.

I would choose to pay slightly more, because it tells the manufacturers that I want to use Linux, and I'd really like them to supply Linux drivers for their hardware.

There is a different argument as to whether you should pay more to Dell et al, or buy the cheaper machine and donate the extra to a FOSS project. I'm not sure which option is preferable there.

To make a point

[Lord_Sintra (923866)]

So that companies realise that people want Linux, which will encourage them to start making drivers/software compatible. If people buy, then add Linux, companies just assume no one wants Linux. However, if you read the Windows EULA, you can get a full refund from the retailer for the copy of Windows, so that proves a point, and saves you a lot of money.

Re:To make a point

[jimicus (737525)]

However, if you read the Windows EULA, you can get a full refund from the retailer for the copy of Windows, so that proves a point, and saves you a lot of money.

Assuming the retailer has read the EULA, that is.

Depending on the country you're in, they may or may not be obliged to refund the cost of Windows. Very few countries where they would be have included in such legislation "and the retailer must make it easy".

Forcing you to spend an hour on the phone to a potplant reading from a script and training staff in a draconian refund policy (but not the customer's legal rights) are just two ways retailers use to duck out of honouring your statutory rights.

I've often thought of this

[Kickersny.com (913902)]

I'm a die-hard Linux geek as well, and all for preloaded Linux (especially if it solves driver issues!), but if a computer is cheaper with Windows, why not buy the cheaper computer and get a refund for not accepting the EULA? You then save money on both fronts, and get your Linux computer.

At the end of the day, I always decide that the hassle isn't worth it and that I'd also rather send the message to the company that there is a market for selling computers preloaded with Linux.

Just my $0.02.

Re:I've often thought of this

[zappepcs (820751)]

A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step... and often enough a flat tire, nevertheless, by insisting on the preloaded Linux computer (if you can afford it) you are telling the store, the OEM, and more importantly the MS pundits that you prefer Linux to Windows. Yes, that is something of a statement you are making, yet, the more people who make it, the more who won't have to, and the less likely that YOU will have to in the future.

Believe it or not, MS had to go through this phase of consumer acceptance with Win95 also.

Personally, when I purchased my last pc I could not get a pc preloaded with Linux, so I bought pieces and built my own like I have been doing for years. Hopefully when I buy my next pc that will not be the case.

If you can afford it, pay the tax, then take the EULA back for a refund. That should be good for one or two WTF blog posts anyway.

Re:I've often thought of this

[yincrash (854885)]

I remember that when Windows 95 came out, my local micro center had lines at the door before the store opened.

It sold out on the first day, and was also full of bugs.
I don't think you can compare Linux consumer acceptance to Win95 consumer acceptance.

Re:I've often thought of this

[Svartalf (2997)]

Unfortunately, you will not get this as a choice in most cases. They've slapped EULAs on the machines themselves- you don't use Windows, at the minimum they will flat-out not support you. If you don't accept the EULA, in some cases, they've verbiage stating that the vendor won't take just Windows back- they will only take the whole machine back. (Gives a sideways nasty look in HP's direction...)

Blithely saying just return the EULA isn't going to work.

Saving money is all well and good- but when it contributes to the problem, unless you just simply can't swing the "extra expense" you should probably be doing DIY instead where you're not adding to their sales figures- which is what happens when you buy a unit, even if you return it because of the way their accounting for this stuff is done.

Re:I've often thought of this

[Svartalf (2997)]

Considering that they've tied acceptance of the machine (warranty and all) with the acceptance of the Windows Vista EULA with recent machines...

In the end, you're NOT helping things by buying the Windows machine. If you're not running Windows and they're not selling bare machines or ones with your OS of choice on it you're not really their customer- even though you're buying the machine. If you've no choice (no funds, no buying options...) this is a lesser of two evils thing- it's okay.

It's not so okay if you've got a choice. Sure it's cheaper- but each purchase of Windows or a Windows application is a VOTE with your dollars for MORE of the same crap.

Not every PC costs more with Linux

[damn_registrars (1103043)]

I was looking at new Thinkpads through Lenovo, and a T60/T61 with Linux pre-installed actually costs less than the same system with Windows XP or Windows Vista.

I haven't looked at their desktops, so I don't know if the same applies there.

keep looking, they are out there

[dominux (731134)]

look at Novatech [novatech.co.uk] they have all their headline prices without operating system. You can specify various flavours of windows as an optional extra. In fact look at this one [novatech.co.uk]
No Operating System Installed £249.99 inc vat
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition £299.99 inc vat
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic £329.00 inc vat
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium £339.00 inc vat
Microsoft Windows Vista Business £349.00 inc vat
Microsoft Windows XP Professional £359.00 inc vat

If you can install it yourself, that's nice, ...

[Ihlosi (895663)]

... but pretending that every computer user out there can install an operating system is just delusional. Yes, there are people for whom clicking on "ok" several times (or, g0d forbid, getting the computer to boot from something other than its HDD) is an insurmountable task. They hear "install an operating system" and immediately know that they cannot do it. Regardless of how simple it may seem to you. It's not Solitaire, a web browser, or outlook (express), so they cannot do it and do not even want to try learning it.

And that's the ideal case where there are no problems whatsoever after installing the OS. During my last attempts to install Ubuntu, I had to manually mess with the video driver settings (and that was for an ancient Ati Rage Mobility 3 chipset, nothing newfangled, which ran just fine with the previous version of Ubuntu).

Ok

[d3ac0n (715594)]

Well, first of all, the price difference isn't really all that much. In fact, unless you are buying in bulk and getting an Enterprise discount, the cost difference is less than $50.00 (in the case of Dell, anyway).

Secondly, if you WANT Linux and FOSS software to succeed in the desktop realm, supporting companies that are willing to go out on a limb and sell Linux on Desktops and Laptops is necessary. If there isn't any profit in it for them, they won't support FOSS. Simple as that.

Thirdly, Why would you WANT to pay the "Microsoft Tax", or have to deal with fighting with a machine who's hardware might only be partially supported under Linux. Vs. a machine with NO "Microsoft Tax" AND will have all hardware fully supported in Linux? Why make things harder on yourself?

Unless there is a specific piece of hardware that you need or want that is in a Windows box and not a Linux box, I really don't see the need to buy Windows when you want Linux if there are Linux machines available. Especially when the Linux machines are comparable in specs to the Windows ones, excepting the really high-end gaming rigs (Of course, if you want a high-end gaming rig, why wouldn't you just build it yourself from hardware you know is Linux supported?)

support?

[doktorstop (725614)]

I can see several benefits of buying a Linux-installed desktop.
- for one thing, one can pray that the manufacturer has done everything to maximize compatibility. Sure, you can do it yourself, but for an average user, it really makes sense.
- support. Support is needed, when you're stuck and dont know what to do (or what questions to ask in the forums!). Having professional support is always a plus.
- you can't resell your Windows liscence anyways (read the small print). So why just trash it?
- giving the industry a sign. Ok, that one is a bit too theoretical, but anyways. A company producing a nice linux-powered PC that sells will continue to do that. Develop drivers, boots support, invest time and money. It will be an indicator that it isnt ony possible, but profitable... maybe others will then follow!

Why buy a pre-built computer?

[MasterOfMagic (151058)]

It's not that much more difficult to build a computer on your own. You get to pick the parts which means you can build Linux compatibility. You don't have to pay for Windows. It's really that simple.

Best of both worlds

[SpinyNorman (33776)]

If the cheapest PC you can buy has Windows pre-loaded, then buy it, reject the EULA (document the proces - maybe take photos - since you can expect a hassle) and claim a Windows refund from the vendor, then install Linux. Or, if like most people you still have occasional use for Windows, then accept the EULA and create a dual boot system.

It's convenient.

[by Anonymous Coward]

I bought a Ubuntu Dell because it's very convenient. It's been a long long time since I thought installing an OS was a fun use of my time; and it was kinda nice to have it working out-of-the-box.

And it doesn't always cost more.

Dell pricing is very funny.
Sometime the Linux models cost more, sometimes less.
Sometimes the Dell Small Business models cost more than Dell Home, sometimes less.
In my case a dell coupon code that they didn't mention would work on the Ubuntu model happened to work, so it was actually the exact same price as the windows model that day.

It demonstrates that there's a demand

[jejones (115979)]

Reread Milton Friedman's _Free to Choose_. When you buy it, you're communicating with the market, saying "I want a computer with Linux." When you buy a computer with Windows preinstalled so you can wipe it and install Linux, you're fibbing to the market--it will interpret that as "I want a computer with Windows", and be more likely to do that and ultimately to stop selling computers with Linux preinstalled. And for that matter, they aren't going to press hardware makers for Linux-friendly hardware, either--why should they?

You may be able to install Linux on such a computer, but the proverbial Joe Sixpack or grandmother can't, or will be afraid to, or won't want to bother. If you lie to the market, you're making it less likely that _they_ will have the option to buy a computer with Linux preinstalled.

(And yes, I've put my money where my mouth is; I'm waiting for the Dell laptop with Linux preinstalled to arrive.)

IBM

[Detritus (11846)]

A few years back, I bought an IBM server and I was willing to pay for the effort and testing that IBM had performed in order to guarantee its compatibility with Linux and other popular server operating systems. I was very impressed with the level of support that IBM provided. None of the usual "It shipped with Windows Blech, install anything else and you are on your own".

simple matter of opportunity cost

[bersl2 (689221)]

If you buy something preloaded with Linux, the companies involved know that they just sold one more unit on account of Linux. If enough computers are sold in this way, compatibility with Linux will have much more value to them, and the hardware they buy will reflect this. This, in turn, will encourage more hardware vendors to be compatible with Linux.

The question you want to ask yourself is whether the extra money paid is worth the chance to help bring this about. How much is the future prospect of better Linux compatibility worth to you? Is there something more valuable you can and want to do with whatever money you might save?

Custom made?

[Spy der Mann (805235)]

Perhaps in your country they don't do this, but where I live there are lots of stores that assemble your PC with the specs you give, and no OS preinstalled. My PC costed me around 600 dollars.

why Buy a PC preloaded with Windows?

[rs232 (849320)]

"I hate paying the Microsoft Tax as much as anybody else, but if paying that 'tax' allows companies to reduce my price by bundling with my PC products that I will never use, why wouldn't I just buy a Windows-loaded PC and reformat?"

So as you can then get the refund of US$109.162 [bbc.co.uk] by clicking "no" on the Windows licence agreement .. :)

It is odd that a Linux box costs more then a Windows box considering what Dell is paying for Linux. And considering with Linux you get a fully functioning Desktop, Office suite, multimedia etc as compared to a time limited reduced functionality Windows desktop.

Does Dell still have to pay the Microsoft tax regardless of how many Windows boxes it sells?

Re:So you can blame the vendor

[Lumpy (12016)]

I want my money back' without the reply being 'works for us, you messed up the install, your problem' to have a monetary value,

you never delt with DELL or HP have you. that is their standard answer with....

"get out your restore CD and reinstall the OS."

Oh that support is worth paying for.... Erase my pc and everything I did for the past 4 months and wipe+reinstall the drive.

If that is what commercial support I am "paying" for is I'll pass.

Re:You should definitely pay the "tax"

[ciaohound (118419)]

If you stand on principle, you may cost Microsoft a few bucks, but in the process you will end up costing yourself a few bucks too. It's hardly worth it since it's really a drop in the bucket for MS whereas it's probably a real cost to you.

No, you'll feel better if you stand on principle, especially if it only cost you a few bucks. Judas killed himself over twenty silver pieces, right?

Look at it this way, every voice probably counts for something, but in the grand scheme of things it really doesn't matter all that much what you as an individual do, so why go out on a limb and do something that is going to directly harm yourself?

Every voice probably counts for something? That should really inspire the next generation.

So pay the Microsoft tax and save a few bucks. Whatever money MS gets will go into coming out with a better competitor to Linux, and that perpetuates the good positive feedback cycle that competition is supposed to spur.

Come on, man. You do actually use Linux, don't you? Do you really believe your own post? I encourage you to think critically about it. Participating in slashdot should embolden us to eliminate the Microsoft tax, not rationalize paying it.