I mean, it doesn't magically appear on the device. You pay for the installation, it's just included in the price of the device (with Windows you also pay for the license key, by the way). There are companies that'll install Linux for you. Hell, pay me $30 and cover shipping, I'll gladly set you up with, I don't know, Fedora and even add a timer with notifications that'll nag you about package updates, just like Android does.

[–] Ilovethebomb@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Yeah, I know that, the manufacturer has already installed the OS etc.

What I want is a warranty and guaranteed manufacturer support, rather than me needing to figure out how to fix it.

[–] TwilightKiddy@programming.dev 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Outside of specialized B2B software, I never met a tech rep that would be helpful with an issue. Do you actually have experience where you'd call Google/Apple/Microslop and get help with their software? In Linux world, with many programs I can just go and nag the actual developer of the thing, which often works wonders.

[–] Ilovethebomb@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 day ago

I had a driver issue with my laptop which was causing the microphone to not work, not only was it fixed under warranty, but they sent a tech to where I was studying to fix it, rather than having to drop it off.

[–] SatyrSack@quokk.au 3 points 1 day ago (3 children)

with Windows you also pay for the license key, by the way

Your computer's price is often subsidized by the fact that the manufacturer has an agreement with Microslop to preinstall Windows on it.

[–] save_the_humans@leminal.space 1 points 10 hours ago

I was looking at a thinkpad some months ago on their website and selecting Ubuntu from their options took off $160.

[–] MrsVeggies@lemmy.blahaj.zone 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Who is the goverment paying to install Windows?

[–] Ilovethebomb@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 day ago

It used to be Norton antivirus or whoever that would pay have their shit software preinstalled.

[–] TwilightKiddy@programming.dev 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Excuse me, they do what now? Do you have a source on this? Because I know of this little article, but that was quite a long time ago.

[–] Damage@feddit.it 2 points 23 hours ago

I don't think nowadays windows is subsidized. Sure, some manufacturers may recoup part of, or all the cost by pre installing crap ware, but those that allow choosing your OS usually give you a discount for removing Windows.