[ubuntu-uk] EU-topia? No Windows in EU ? Should we contribute?

[Mark Harrison]

Chris Jones wrote:
> Hi
>
> Kris Douglas wrote:
>   
>> No windows in the European union?
>>     
>
> No it's just a very misguided suggestion that no PC should ship with an
> OS pre-installed.
> It just means more pain for users and no gain for anyone else.
>
> Cheers,
>   
Chris,

I'm with you on this.

It is hard to see where other EU Directives of a similar nature (for 
example, the legislation around servicing for motor vehicles by 
non-franchised dealers) has ACTUALLY led to an improvement for customers.

I also have trouble with the economics of "No Windows licence means much 
cheaper PC". The big vendors pay little for their Windows licences - and 
in some cases make MORE from the CrippleWare fees they charge than they 
actually have to pay out for the O/S licence - so a "fair cost" solution 
would actually make Windows+Crippleware CHEAPER than Linux.

Dell are, of course, to be applauded for what they've done. Both in 
REDUCING the price of a non-Windows PC and providing such an option in 
the first place.


Of course, what I'd REALLY like to see is machines installed 
dual-booting between Ubuntu and a "30-day trial version of Windows" at 
the end of which, the user either paid an extra £xxx or went with Ubuntu.

Regards,

Mark