If they can do this for free shouldn't we ...

You can except it from Microsoft, but I except that your expectations will be in vain.

Don't get me wrong, I like Windows for the most part, especially XP. I am currently reformatting and reinstalling XP on a coworkers computer sitting beside me... it was too screwed up to be fixed and still work properly. Besides instances like this, Windows (XP) is great.

Vista, on the other hand... let's not even start on the headaches...

I have played with some Linux live CDs, but have yet to actually install it on a partition. I have a 40 gig partition sitting right now, but I keep Windows running 24/7 since I Fold and game.

With the creativity and pizzazz shown in Beryl, you would think MS would take a hint. I just doubt they will.

 

I can always afford XP. I have several computers that have been donated to me, so I can take the license from one and use it. Can't legally do that with a pre-built box, but some are white boxes from local shops. Besides, once a rig is gutted and rendered unusable, the license is still valid.

 

have installed Linux before and it is ok. I do prefer it to windows but to be honest, nothing beats OS X.
I just got the new version (Leopard) yesterday and it is great.
I would use Linux on my Gateway laptop if I could but I use an iPod all the time and I can't run iTunes in Ubuntu, at least no way I know of.

Linux has potential but it is it's own worst enemy in many ways.

 

I've got Compiz running on my HP DV6000Z laptop (Ubuntu Gutsy). But after thinking about it and experiencing Vista in recent months, I've come to the conclusion that MS and the Linux community needs to stop focusing on eye candy and start working on a solid OS that is fast, efficient, and feature packed. I can really go without all the eye candy (I'm still using XP with plain old Windows Classic theme applied on my desktop).


Windows:
Pros: Easy to use. Lots of software and games for it. Lots of hardware support. Stability and security improving.
Cons: Expensive. Closed source. Not as tweakable as linux. Large community, but most are n00bs.

Even though I despise the influence of capitalism into this market (which is basically a hobby for me) when it comes to computers--- which is driving Microsoft to be this bloated greedy closed source empire--- I have to admit that they make a pretty nice operating system. XP so far was probably the best. Vista is just a modern ME. I'm confident what comes out next will be a major improvement (not to mention radically different). Honestly, the only thing Windows has going for it is the fact that everyone uses it. This makes everyone want to jump into this market, so here is where you find the best games, the best software, the best driver support.

Linux:
Pros: Free. Open. Lots of distros to choose from. Large community, mostly experts. Stable. Secure. Tweakable. Still relies heavily on console (which many people find convenient).
Cons: Still relies heavily on console (which some people find too complex). Not user friendly. Very poor hardware support. Limited software and games.

Many Linux distros are striving to be a user-friendly alternative to Windows (Ubuntu for instance). I just don't see that happening. The community is so heavily constructed of seasoned geeks plus the fact that there is so little driver support from hardware manufacturers means that new users will likely run into frustration setting up and getting everything working smoothly, no matter how easy the basic functions are designed to be.

Mac:
Pros: Stable. Secure. No brainer to use.
Cons: Expensive. 100% proprietary systems. Only reason it's so stable is because it's on proprietary Mac hardware. Limited software and game selection.

Mac has made an excellent OS. Only problem is they have it limited exclusively to their own systems. And therein lies the problem with OSX. Security and stability in minority are pluses, but the fact that they are a minority means no software/game developers want to design games to a vacant market. And no PC user wants to buy over-priced PC-based Mac stamped hardware just to have access to an arguably good OS. Basically, they have the same minority market problem as Linux, except they choose this fate.