Unlike desktop systems, which can be purchased without an operating system, most laptops come with Microsoft Windows pre-installed. For enterprises that prefer Linux as their standard OS, two options are available: The enterprise can either purchase laptops from generally less well known vendors offering products with Linux pre-installed, or purchase bare-bones laptops without an OS installed.

Microsoft Pushes for Windows to Be Pre-Installed

In an effort to fight piracy, Microsoft prefers laptop manufacturers to have Windows pre-installed on every notebook sold. The logic is that the bundling forces users to purchase legitimate copies of the operating system. This presumes that users, who prefer bare-bones machines without an OS installed, would attempt to install illegal copies of Windows on their own. This policy makes it frustrating for users who wish to use Linux on their laptops. However, there have been signs that the trend has begun to turn...