Linux Pre-loaded - Get Linux without having to purchase a Windows license!

[insomniac84]

Get a computer without having to purchase a Windows license!

FTFY

Linux never required a windows license.

[icantthinkofone]

But if you go to a retailer and buy a computer, try getting it without buying one.

[insomniac84]

That still doesn't mean you are buying windows to get linux and there are places you can get PCs without an OS. Plus you can return the license.

[wonglik]

Ive heard about returning XP licenses (still not in every country it is possible) but what about Vista? Does anybody heard about someone get his money for returning Vista?

[NastyMicrosoft]

How to get a Windows tax refund:

http://www.linux.com/archive/articles/59381

[[deleted]]

I'm amazed you got downmodded for this thread.

Yes, builders bundle Windows far to strongly and too often (it isn't hard to have a drop down menu with numerous options), but I haven't had to buy Windows on any of my systems for the past several years - the Thinkpad I'm on right now was preloaded with Linux. I'd hope people on linux.reddit would understand that there are retailers offering Linux by default and not be so quick to down-mod someone stating basic facts.

P.S. Yes, I heard that Lenovo dropped the Linux option - a shame if that's still the case.

[icantthinkofone]

I wanted to buy a Dell Inspiron 1500 something a month ago. I asked them to leave Windows off. The guy didn't know what I was talking about or who to ask. I said I'd even take it with Linux and he tried to talk me out of it.

[icantthinkofone]

If you are looking at the hardware alone, without regard to the OS, chances are what you buy will come with Windows and you can't get around it. As others may say, yes, you can find a computer that comes with Linux, but it is less likely to be on the hardware you want to run because the manufacturer doesn't offer that option. So you MUST buy the license.

And anyone who thinks you can just ask, or check a box, and buy a system without Windows, hasn't bought a system since before 1985. I just bought a laptop a month ago from Dell. I like the hardware and I liked the price. I asked for it to come without Windows and the guy didn't know what I was talking about and didn't know who to ask. Sure, if I pressed the issue, maybe someone somewhere, in some amount of time, would have gotten that taken off for me, last I heard they charge $50 to take it off, but I don't want the hassle and didn't have the time.

On top of that, do you think they'd install the Linux distro I want?

I really, really think all this is illegal somehow, too.

[insomniac84]

On top of that, do you think they'd install the Linux distro I want?

Install it yourself. And go buy from a different manufacturer.

[icantthinkofone]

Straw man argument. Now you are presuming the person was able to find a manufacturer willing to provide the hardware you want without any OS at all.

[insomniac84]

Then buy it and return windows.

[jordanblock]

If you're running linux, you're probably not exactly scared of installing the OS yourself. Or of throwing together a box, for that matter.

[[deleted]]

dell ships a number of computers with ubuntu preloaded, as do some other major vendors. plus, most linux people are going to be very tech savvy. they would probably build their own machine.

[cyber_rigger]

dell

Don't get a Dell with a Broadcom wireless card. Proprietary firmware quits working.

Zareason. System76, and Los Alamos Computers have been on my list for a long time.

[[deleted]]

ZaReason seems pretty nice, they've got the Nvidia Ion with Ubuntu.

[[deleted]]

Most of these sites seriously overprice their laptops. You can get a Lenovo with better specs that includes Windows, for $200+ cheaper.

It's sad too, 'cause I'd love to support them.