...it would appear that in this case our average user's illiteracy is not confined to the mere subject of computers.
No, your 'average user' does not want to pour [sic] over manuals to get their work done... and they wouldn't necessarily need to using Linux, BSD, etc.
If a computer manufacturer were to provide a full system, including modem, printer, scanner etc. preconfigured with an alternate OS, the end-user would have no problems using it - no more than they do with MS operating systems... in fact, probably less since they're less likely to get corrupted or virus-infected.
What's stopping manufacturers from providing such a preconfigured system? The immaturity of alternative operating systems?
NO. It's Microsoft's licensing terms that make it prohibitively expensive for vendors who wish to provide a choice of systems loaded with Windows or another OS.
...and to address the other point, I stand by my previous statements on this board that software piracy is wrong, even if it is to the detriment of a company whom many hate. If you don't like the software, don't use it. That's all there is to it.
[ April 01, 2002: Message edited by: IanC ]