“Just install Linux on it” is the “just change the engine of your car” of tech.
Not everyone is a mechanic, not everyone wants to be a mechanic, and, if we want a world where freedom is the norm, we must stop expecting everyone to become a mechanic.
Note: this is not because these people are too dumb to be mechanics. It’s because they’re brain surgeons and space-shuttle pilots and they have three kids and they care for a loved one and they don’t have time to also be a mechanic.
@aral This might be a bit off-topic (and slightly political), but this runs parallel to a dilemma in liberal democracy as a whole: It requires the voter to possess a minimum of knowledge about the options, otherwise demagoguery and spin (or, in the case of tech, branding and marketing gimmicks) will rule the day.
That's not saying such results won't be legitimate (people still *choose* Windows or Mac), but the problem is that bad arguments/tactics are rewarded, and good solutions overlooked.
