Time to embrace the new reality

The new reality is... the world is moving away from Windows-only (Mac has never really been a contender) to something more free and open. The world is becoming more Linux based, thankfully. Our work/studio is based MOSTLY on Linux workstations, which has taken our abilities and stability to new levels. And the few legacy OS systems we have (Windows) are nothing but problematic, as always. Also, all of my co-workers (except one) and family members run Linux as their primary OS now as well (PCLinuxOS mostly). Even our church is gaining a Linux presence in their computer labs and office. So, now, when it comes time for purchase anything for our company, our church, friends and family, linux compatibility plays a major part in purchasing decisions. We've found that MOST systems and devices run on linux "out of the box" but there are some devices that require drivers to be installed to function properly. And I'll use printers as an example. HP fully supports linux development/drivers and we can purchase HP equipment with confidence. But, companies like Canon flat out refuse to support Linux with drivers for their hardware. So, due to their lack of programming motivation, we will not and cannot purchase their products. Such an attitude for a company is shocking. They act almost as though they have no programmers available to make a piece of software for any other OS other than Windows (or MAYBE Mac). These large companies seem to have little or no resources to call on and they loose money because they have not seen fit to add a few programs to the task of doing what other groups/companies have already been doing for years. Somehow I doubt it is really a case of being strapped for programmers and has more to do with some OS "elitist" mentality for Windows. Or, perhaps they are just too set in their ways, or are too afraid to risk angering the once all-powerful Micro$oft entity. Regardless, their attitudes will change in time. With more and more forward thinking companies like HP, IBM, Dell, Epson, Novell all supporting linux and the adoption of the operating system spreading like wild-fire, the company that wear blinders only for Windows will have to adapt, or they will miss out (or even, fail).