Would you use Linux if all distributions required you pay a licensing fee of $300? On a level playing field where all operative systems cost the same which one would you put on your PC?

I have seen hundreds if not thousands of posting and comments on how much better Linux is than Windows. But one thing sticks out more than anything is the fact that all arguements lead to a pushing of a Linux distribution that is free. Ubuntu is free so it has lots of people are ready to push it as an option to Windows. But the other distributions that cost seem to never get mentioned. Not even in the hottest flame war do the names Linspire, Mandrake, Redhat, Xandros comeup.

This leads me to believe that a large percentage of Linux fandom is based in the cost free distribution of the software and not on its merits. I use Suse Linux and I pay for it. Mostly because it is the one Linux distribution that provides a stable KDE environment and the cost is reasonable at about $70 USD.

Now would I be a Suse user if it cost the same as Windows XP Pro? $300 USD? Uuuhh.. No. Not a chance. Linux is good but $300? Is any Linux distro worth that much? I don't use Mac OS X because although so many say that it is better I cannot bring myself to buy a Mac at the prices they go for. I did it once and I will never do it again.

Hmm, so I am thinking if you level the playing field and made the a choice based on the merits of the software and not on outside factors like the hardware and who produces it. Which would you actually pay $300 for?

A question that I ask myself sometimes after spending a whole day trying to get some KDE program to work is "Would I be doing this if the software costed more?". If I paid more would I put up with this constant process? or would I switch to something else like a Mac? The last question I have is... Would I be so hot to recommend a Linux distro if it costs as much as a Windows or a Mac OS?

Happy Publishing!

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