few days ago I tried Innotek’s VirtualBox fantastic Seamless Windowing Mode. I’m still busy to get it running on my Ubuntu machine.
But take a look at following use case:

Berta needs new Computer. She goes to the local computer dealer and checks what is available on the (consumer) market. Whats this? Why this Computer is 50 EUR cheaper than the same one nearby? There is a endless presentation movie running on the Computer.

Ad text
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An Tux mascott tells:

Hi, how are are? My name is Tux. This machine is running Ubuntu Linux. You have ever heard about? No? It’s the basic software translating one & zero numbers to the computer. So, i.e. you are moving the mouse Ubuntu Linux is translating this to zero & one numbers. Sounds difficult, isn’t it? No worries! Ubuntu is doing this hidden for you perfectly. You don’t have to operate the light switches yourself. Concentrate on what you really want: surfing on the Internet, writing office documents, online gaming and more. You know what I’m talking about. Wanna using your good old applications on your new computer machine? No, problem. We can arrange this for you. You only need this old operating system CD-ROM you got delivered with your old computer. Just take a look.

If you start up the computer you are in front of you will see following:

[captured first time Ubuntu boot up]

[Ubuntu Welcome screen]

[Ubuntu first time user dialog. The (Innotek setup wizard pops up)]

Welcome on board. If you wanna use the applications from your old computer please insert the installation CD-ROM you got delivered with your old computer and press “Next” “Abort”.

[User inserts the CD-ROM]

[Innotek setup wizard: Thank you. I regognized a Microsoft Windows 98 setup installation media. Now, Ubuntu will create a such called virtual machine using the Innotek VirtualBox seamless windowing mode. By the end you will be capable to start your OLD applications on your NEW computer. Just take a look how you can work with this (-> short Innotek VirtualBox seamless windowing mode presentation with a Internet browser, Office app and so on)]

[next]

Canonical takes no responsibility for the proper working of the Microsoft Windows 98 setup and the application you will install into this Virtual Machine.

[ ] I don’t accept. This will abort the virtual machines setup. You can repeat this setup later again using application > virtual machine > Innotek Virtual Box set up

[X] I accept. You will find your migrated application using the application > migrated systems > MS Windows 98

Ubuntu Linux – You don’t have to operate the switches yourself!

The Virtual Machine will be set up and the Gnome desktop launches.

The end.

regards,

Your can of corn example is off the mark. Percentages are what matter most. I buy loads of cans of food yearly but less than one PC during that time.

Your estimates for what Dell makes on crapware might be too high.

I think Dell fell from grace with Microsoft and Intel, but I could be wrong. If they did, it explains why they are taking the “risks” with Linux.

Some more things to consider:

With Linux, Dell is in the driver’s seat not Microsoft. Microsoft will have to pay to get their crippled trial versions of officeware, their browsers, etc, onto Dell PC’s. Meanwhile Dell will take the lead over slow OEMs as they bundle DeLinux with DeLoffice and anything else they want. Dell will gain significantly in their balance of trade with Microsoft. And Dell will have deals with other vendors opened up to them that in the past Microsoft would frown upon. Also, over time, there will be plenty of crapware for Linux and other more interesting bundling. With improved technology, Dell might even have a system where they can afford to sell real estate space on the PC in a local fashion to tap into small businesses that only want limited coverage.

I think Dell is using the Linux faithful to fund their investments in Linux to get it to a level where they feel comfortable selling it to ma and pa. Dell is a newbie of sorts and they have a lot of tweaking to do and infrastructure to set up. By getting a jump on everyone else, they get the most beta testers plus the extra pocket change.

To the many others that want a bare PC:

Why does Dell care about installing Linux instead of just a certificate? Read the above. Dell has tremendous opportunities by seizing more control over the OS. How can they tap into most of the revenue streams with a bare PC? How can they provide their exclusive value services without an OS? Please.