Benefits and Costs of Preloaded Debian Computers

At Linuxvillage, our goal is to bring awareness, increase inclusiveness by promoting and involving the greater community in the use of FLOSS, and at the same time provides good value to the consumers and make a living doing it. Read more in Why FLOSS.

In order to accomplish our goals, we make every effort to increase benefit, decrease cost and mitigate risks for our customers. We load a popular distribution of GNU/Linux, conduct development and testing for several months prior to production.

However, due to the limitation of manufacturer support and the pace of development in the FLOSS community we cannot totally eliminate all risks and costs associated with these machines.

We have listed some of the costs, risks and benefits below to aid in your decision.

  1. Benefits
  2. Costs and Risks
  3. After Sales Recourse

Updated: 2007-04-24

  1. Benefits

    1. You get a decent machine.
    2. You get Debian Distribution at no charge. We do this to help bring awareness and promote the use of FLOSS. In addition, you get no charge upgrades from the Debian repository year after year. (Debian distribution can be downloaded from www.debian.org and our mods from our Download Section at gratis.)
    3. Purchasing a preloaded computer saves time and frustrations. e.g. searching for drivers and making them work.
    4. Debian distribution means accessibility. Debian repositories contain thousands of pre-packaged binaries so that novice users don't have to mess with compilations. more...
    5. Debian is a Linux distribution, Linux is reliable, secure and flexible.
    6. Many FLOSS are world-class software. Check out FSF/UNESCO Free Software Directory to get an idea of what you have access to, read Preloaded Computers to find out what is pre-installed.
    7. Debian distribution has a large community support over the Internet, maintained on a voluntary basis, all over the world.
    8. Debian distribution has a long history. It started in August of 1993 by Ian Murdock. Debian is a trademark held by Software In the Public Interest. It has won numerous awards.
    9. Debian distribution is ideal for homes, schools, libraries, community centres and small businesses because it is so cost effective.
    10. Finally, Debian is about FLOSS, it isn't something you just use - it is something you can help build, change. For ways to contribute to the community, read Participation.

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  2. Costs and Risks

    1. Opportunity cost - time wasted. We try to mitigate this risk by choosing a good machine that is packed with value and well tested but we cannot eliminate it.
    2. Compatibility Issues:
      • Linux Computers does not run Windows Software. Although there are limited solutions:
        • Windows emulator such as Wine has some support for Windows's Apps. or the commercial version - Crossover Office has better support for popular Windows application including MS Office. Codeweaver's Crossover Office helps but not all software and feature works properly. Check out their website for details.
        • Virtual Machine run Windows inside Linux or vice-versa. e.g. VMWare Workstation works reasonably well but requires a licensed version of Windows and the graphics emulator has limitations.
        • Linux software such as Open Office, abiword and gnumeric are mostly compatible with MS Office files.
        • The most compatible way is to load both operating system making a dual boot machine but needs technical know how and it is less convenient because you need to reboot to get to the other side.
      • Due to patent/licensing restrictions - there are some technologies such as codecs for Windows Media files or protected AAC music and MPEG not currently distributed by us.
      • Difficulty in finding drivers for new devices. Poor manufacturer support. e.g. Latest update of software given priority to MS Windows ®.
    3. Networking - Your friends and colleagues may be running a Mac or Windows machine.

    Keep in mind, going with Free Software is about unplugging and exploring the alternatives. It isn't about running Windows Apps on Linux; it's about exploring the possibility of what the other side has to offer!

  3. After Sales Recourse

    Finally, if for any reason you are still unsatisfied with the product. Then we sincerely apologize for all the trouble you went thorough. If you are within the 2 weeks trial period, simply return the computer and you will receive a full refund ( all return items must be in original packaging and resalable condition, one way shipping charge may apply. For details, please read shipping and returns.)

    Alternatively, you can purchase a licensed version of Windows and install it over Debian GNU/Linux.

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