----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter B Van Campen"
2. Windows operating systems are made to be 'installed' by the OEM, not the end customer or the user. They have vey little incentive to make the install process easy.
This is actually a bit more insidious. Because the software comes preinstalled by the OEM, most end-users think the Windows software is included "free" with their computer. The fact, of course, is that the OEM bought the software and added the price to the computer the user is buying. This is one of the big reasons that MS keeps its dominance. That said, I haven't had any problems installing Windows with any version beyond Win95. I was frequently amused by which version recognised what (e.g. Win2K recognised my sound card - a Soundblaster - and Windows ME did not), but I always had drivers at ready. Most people don't know to do that, though, so the "average user" I talked about could / would have problems with the installation. Lots of them. Then again, I had a lot of problems getting Linux up because of its inability to use my USB mouse when connected to a hub. I never did get that working - I had to move the hardware connections around to get Linux up. I'd say that both systems have enough installation problems to go around.