Today, still a large number of computers is sold with MS Windows preinstalled. And often it is not possible to buy computers without a OEM version of this operating system. Of course, there are a number of companies and shops, that are selling Hardware with Linux preinstalled (see Novice Guide To Buying A Linux Laptop). But why should customers spend time and efforts to install new operating systems, when they have payed for a preinstalled one?
Due to this problem users do not get in touch with Linux that are not very technology affin. When customers are asked: "Why don't you use Linux or FreeBSD?" you will hear answers like: "These systems are hard to use", or "My favourite programs do not run on Linux/FreeBSD".
Indeed, there might be some problems when you are trying to switch to a new operating system. Similar problems will apply, if you do decide to switch to other systems, like MacOS X. But you can be sure, that you will find new tools and applications providing the same services.
Today, there are a number of Linux distributions available, that are very user-friendly. The installation of a new operating system with a nice graphical user interface is an easy task, that should be performed within half an hour (depending on the amount of software package to be installed). So users should be able to try a new operating system on-the-fly.
Software packages emulating virtual computers are available for free, so it is quite easy to install and try Linux on top of MS Windows or MacOS X. The following virtual machines are available for free and they do provide a nice graphical user interface:
Because of the rich set of available and prepackaged programs contained in recent Linux distributions it should be extremly easy to switch to Linux. By integrating small video clips and easy-to-read getting-started documents nearly every end-user should be able to configure its own Linux desktop system and install additional software by utilizing software managers integrated in these systems.
One of the most utilized arguments is robustness of systems. If you do back on mature Linux distributions and reliable & proven hardware this is a topic you do not have to worry about. However, when you are experiencing a hardware defect on machines where Linux is running, for the multitude of cases you just have to replace the faulty hardware and you are able continue your business. Other (very popular) operating systems are bundling licence keys with IDs of integrated circuits, motherboards and serial numbers of storage devices. Additionally these systems are tying themselfs to specific hardware devices, that you will run into trouble if you are trying to replace core components. As one might expect, it is very likely that you will be faced with mature problems, if you do experience hardware defects and you are not utilizing Linux!
Hardware vendors are encouraged to provide more computers, prepackaged with Linux. Possibilities are nearly unlimited to brand the distributed Linux systems to integrate custom designs, sales channels and (web) applications. Some vendors of hardware did go this route already - with success. Examples are Google Inc., ASUS Computer International or FusionGarage Pte Ltd.
Enterprices interested in integrating Linux into their own IT infrastructure or distributing hardware with customized and branded versions of Linux may be referred to http://www.linux-support.com and http://www.scondo.de. Experts will answer your questions and offer support to reach your aims.