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The existence of Linux and the abusive practices of Microsoft are a kind of daily reminder about why competition is so important even for basic, fundamental technologies like operational systems.

If Linux weren't always behind the door threatening Windows, surely we would have today as the only option a hiper restricted OS with a terrible performance, a huge pice tag and horrible terms of use(well... this is already the case).

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I'm not sure how much it is Linux vs. just most consumers have expectations of open because that's historically been how it is. I don't doubt that if Apple were starting the macbook as a new product today, it would be locked down just like the iPhone is. MS would copy and go that way too. I don't think Linux is causing either one of them to hesitate, I think it's the fact that consumers already expect those to be general purpose devices, so it's going to be a slow bleed.

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