this post was submitted on 26 Dec 2025
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What the Linux desktop really needs to challenge Windows (www.theregister.com)
submitted 2 weeks ago by throws_lemy@reddthat.com to c/technology@lemmy.world
174 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

As Torvalds pointed out in 2019, is that while some major hardware vendors do sell Linux PCs – Dell, for example, with Ubuntu – none of them make it easy. There are also great specialist Linux PC vendors, such as System76, Germany's TUXEDO Computers, and the UK-based Star Labs, but they tend to market to people who are already into Linux, not disgruntled Windows users. No, one big reason why Linux hasn't taken off is that there are no major PC OEMs strongly backing it. To Torvalds, Chromebooks "are the path toward the desktop."

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[–] pogodem0n@lemmy.world 19 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)

The unfortunate thing is that OEMs don't really have an incentive to ship Linux-powered systems.

Have you ever noticed how vendors who ship computers with Linux often do so at the same or greater cost than Windows? I believe I have heard somewhere that Microsoft subsidizes OEMs for shipping with Windows, which is scummy but Linux can't really compete with this.

[–] thejml@sh.itjust.works 18 points 2 weeks ago

Not sure if they still do, but PC Manufacturers used to get kick backs from every vendor they added shovelware for. For example, E-Machines was famous for it... AOL, Adobe, Office, shareware "pay to unlock" versions of games, Norton, etc. everyone sent checks to Dell, HP, Compaq, etc, just to peddle their wares for them.

[–] uninvitedguest@piefed.ca 2 points 1 week ago

I tend to keep to Lenovo, and have noticed that it will vary per device.

Some devices when on deep discount will go up in price if you switch from Windows to Linux as the OS selection - because the discount was on a specific configuration and now you have gone outside that.

On other devices, you switch from Windows to Linux, and you save $$. Pretty hit/miss.

[–] woelkchen@lemmy.world 2 points 1 week ago

Have you ever noticed how vendors who ship computers with Linux often do so at the same or greater cost than Windows?

Yeah... Even when going to Linux exclusively, it's usually better to pick the Windows device.