Almost Impossible To Sell A Pre_loaded Linux Desktop Computer

This past summer holiday I work at small computer store who sell custom built computer system. We also sell refurbished units that we purchase at auction and liquidation sales. We are a Microsoft partner and thus we are able to legally install Windows on these machines although we must wipe any version of Windows that might be on our refurb units and install our own. We have built up a good reputation in the community, which is a poor section, for offering decent computers at very low prices to people who could not afford to buy a computer otherwise. Of course we also sell to businesses as well, but only desktop systems not servers.

Last year the shops partners decided to try and sell Linux based systems (Suse and Mandriva) both on our new units and more so on our refurb. units.

The idea was to save the customer even more money by not installing Windows and also to save the shop technical support issues by not having to deal with Windows virus and adware programs. All our systems come with a 1 year warranty which includes software as well.

To say the Linux experiment was a disaster is an understatement. We found out rather quickly that people are just not interested in Linux. It's that simple. Talk to them, explain to them the advantages of Linux, the security, the cost savings the immunity to virus and the stability and you will be met with a blank stare and a question like: Can I use iTunesQuicken Microsoft Office ---add application here-

The other problem is the person upgrading from an older machine that has a lot of software as well as a printer scanner or other hardware. When we inform them that most if not all of their software will not work with Linux, but Linux does have replacements, they are just not interested because they have an investment already and don't wish to switch.

It's even worse for hardware, especially printers, many of which are windows only.

While we have sold a few Linux systems, almost every single one of them has been returned to the shop and usually by very angry customers who for some reason think we clipped them.

We regularly entertain represenbreastives from hardware software companies that also sell to our compebreastion and they forewarnwed us about Linux being the kiss of rest as far as trying to sell a preloaded boxen with Linux.

We sure found that out the hard way and the shop no longer offers Linux. I am back at university but I plan on keeping in touch with the shop to see if anything in the market changes.

I really doubt it though because Linux is just not wanted by users.

Please excuse my English Josh Andersen