It is saddening to see articles like this that talk about building computing systems, and leave out the necessary costs involved with properly licensing the operating software. There is an unwritten suggestion within the article that the user could somehow bypass these costs ? or worse - choose a system (Ubuntu), which will lead the user into the dark and uncharted world of freeware - a world where the true costs are frighteningly hidden in the details.

I would suggest that in building any computing aparatus, one first selects the software required, and then builds the rest of system around that.

At the center of this choice would be the Windows Vista of course - preferably in the Business edition, at a low price of $299.

That leaves $200 left, and for that money one could purchase a quality case for about $50, a Microsoft keyboard and Mouse combo .. another $50, and a Motherboard for $100.

Now - anyone with experience in the computing IT industry would know that prices for CPU's, RAM memory, and Hard Disk memory always drop significantly over time.

A top of the line processor, RAM memory and Hard Disk memory may cost $1000 at today's prices - however, in a short time frame, these will cost only $200. And so, the wise buyer, by strategically delaying their purchase order, will save $800.

A good quality 19" monitor - another $200.

Microsoft Office - add $400

Now lets do the figures :
$499 for the purchase of the initial equipment.
+ $200 for the upgrades later on.
- $800 savings by delaying the CPU / RAM / Disk purchase
+ $200 for a monitor
+ $400 for Microsoft Officce
=
$499 total

There you have it - a perfectly 'decent' computing machine with a legal and licenced copy of operating software (and $1 in change) vs $500 for a somewhat hobbled Ubuntu machine that leaves its user with undeclared balance sheet liablity for patent infringements.

Like so many other independent studies have found before .. A properly licensed Microsoft solution is not only the safer option, but also the lower cost option as well.