The great gulf that exists between the two sides, exists now because for some reason the one side that chooses to make itself so different and non compatible with the rest of the industry, also has the broadest base distribution (If you believe the polls.). And has the greatest financially base. Why there isn't mutual respect and appreciation from both for their respective craftsmanships you decide.

As far as the writers of ad-ware, spy-ware, virus, and Mal-ware in general, I have a special cold place in mind for their residence.

Microsoft has been late on the scene to the approach of overtly preventing or getting rid of Mal-ware or those who produce, and promote the use of such software insanity. However late is better than not at all.

My first experience with a serious Mal-ware issue was when some how a “Bot-net” copied itself to my “Windows” directory as a clone of “Windows Explorer.” I spent 3 days cleaning up the mess that resulted. Yes I had a fully functional, updated Anti-Virus on board. If it had not been for friends, both Linux and Windows advocates I would have been formatting and reinstalling Windows. Backing up to another computer or drive wasn't an option at the time, as is still often the situation with many end users.

Further;
It has taken all sides to push the technology to where it is today in software and hardware and its going to continue to take all sides competing “fairly” to keep technology moving forward. Any hardware or software group(s) who can not see that fact is either vary ignorant or has their heads stuck in the sand or both.

Its about time that people (EVERYONE) stopped arguing over who owns or should own the Internet / Software worlds and realize that such ideals are reserved for the anarchist and idiots of society. To think that an individual or group with the intelligence and forethought capability that it takes to write software or further the development of hardware, can't see this, its is down right scary my friends. Anyone who chooses to espouse such goals should then choose their respective title of KING, DICTATOR, etc. and expect to be finally treated as such by the masses. You can't hide your overall intentions behind “good politics or media control” forever.

“However weak, subservient or simple minded the masses be, when once they are awakened, they will always overthrow their cruel masters.” NobleHead

The costs to Microsoft or not to Microsoft or to Tux or not to Tux, Now that is the question to be answered my friends.

I recently have conducted a pricing check on the cost of setting up a small office computer system. Using the latest and best that both sides have to offer in software (Just my opinions on the credibility of what equals the latest and best). Then looked for the most efficient hardware by cost to meet those needs. $600.00 to $1,250.00 (depending on where and how you purchase) for low end computer tower, keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, printer/scanner combo and monitor etc.

In considerings for the costs of operating systems with their accompanying, separately purchased or third party comparable & necessary software / maintenance utilities and office suites and I did consider some one year support offerings in the mix.

If you purchase the latest Windows Operating System and the Windows office suites along with the necessary third party Windows compatible maintenance utilities, you will spend between $600.00 and $1200.00, again depending on how and where you purchase. Keeping in mind that as you grow to more computers networked or separate, the costs for adding that software to future computers stays relatively the same for each additional computer and for most you will pay the same fee amount for each additional computer where you add the software.

The “Other Folks”

If you choose to set up a Linux/Unix software based systems and make what would be considered to be decent donations as it applies;
(If you're short of $$ at first, little or none could be understood but please consider this, Just like Microsoft, the “Linux Craftsman” deserves to receive payment or a donation just the same, even if they don't ask for anything for their creative efforts and their support for that software. Which happens to be one of the “legitimate” complaints made by the “Other-side.” At least try to pay as you go for using someone else's gray matter. You will get that warm and fuzzy feeling and shut the mouths of hundreds.).
And or you opt to make payment for one year of support with comparable / compatible office suites and utilities where needed, you could spend as little as $150.00 up to $650.00. Keeping in mind that the cost of this type system drops considerably as you add more computers to your office system because most Linux based software has a low or no cost for additional installations to networked computers.

Now that is where the basis of the arguments hits the road and begins to vary according to tastes / personal prejudices or familiarity.