Advertise Linux - SPAM YOU with MS WINDOWS
|
| Author | Content |
|---|---|
| cyber_rigger Sep 06, 2006 3:06 PM EDT |
[if you are looking for a Linux computer go here http://lxer.com/module/forums/t/23168/ or http://lxer.com/module/db/index.php?dbn=14 ] I thought it might be fun to list examples where companies are presenting false (or misleading) advertising. These companies advertise Linux or in Linux situations (articles, discussions, searches) and then SPAM YOU WITH MS WINDOWS. Examples: SuSE 9.1 Laptop. Go here and click "Configure and Buy".... wait for the redirect. http://tinyurl.com/4h5pl |
| jimf Sep 06, 2006 4:00 PM EDT |
Now, I'm not even going to hit the link, but let me get that straight. You click on a Linux deal link and then get spammed with MS related crap... So,... since you were 'specifically looking for Linux', you will be so impressed and overcome by the spam & popups that you will definitely buy the MS product... OOOK ;-) It's beginning to look like MS 'really is' a great advocate for Linux. |
| cyber_rigger Sep 06, 2006 4:14 PM EDT |
A google search for "Linux notebook" results in a sponsored link titled "Linux computer" http://tinyurl.com/pafnz http://tinyurl.com/msan8 Where's the Linux? |
| cyber_rigger Sep 06, 2006 4:28 PM EDT |
A google search for "Linux Desktop" results in a sponsored link titled "Linux Desktop" http://tinyurl.com/zl8wc http://tinyurl.com/qg7hp Where's the Linux? |
| techiem2 Sep 06, 2006 4:31 PM EDT |
haha. Well, of course when you said "Linux Desktop", you OBVIOUSLY meant "Windows Gaming Desktop" |
| jimf Sep 06, 2006 4:47 PM EDT |
people never just ask for what they want ;-) |
| cyber_rigger Sep 06, 2006 5:18 PM EDT |
Here's another case of intentional misleading. HP shows 3 series here. http://tinyurl.com/m8cgy The 1st column lists Mandrake. The second column lists SUSE. When you click Select>> the Linux options dissappear for the next pages. |
| dcparris Sep 06, 2006 9:56 PM EDT |
Perhaps HP's e-Commerce director reads LXer? I've had trouble getting to the next page when clicking the HP links you mention (Select>> & Configure & Buy). They seem to be having technical difficulties all of a sudden. |
| jimf Sep 06, 2006 10:44 PM EDT |
> Perhaps HP's e-Commerce director reads LXer? Wow, that would be a first... We can only hope. |
| cyber_rigger Sep 07, 2006 4:13 PM EDT |
HP's "Linux" pages are deliberately placed and intentionally misleading. I have pointed this out in the past per phone conversation with HP. I have reported it to http://www.thetc.org/ as a monopoly maintenance tactic. HP did clean it up for a while (a few years ago) but it looks like they are back to their old habits of insulting potential customers. |
| jimf Sep 07, 2006 4:24 PM EDT |
Again, insulting potential customers is going to sell 'anything'??? I really just don't get it? |
| cyber_rigger Sep 09, 2006 1:39 PM EDT |
"Top sites for notebooks with linux" http://notebooks.8bestsites.info/computer/notebooks-with-lin... Where's the Linux? I make it a point to click each Dell and HP ad I see for Linux. I want them to get their money's worth for advertising their "Linux Computers". Who knows maybe some day they will actually have a Desktop Linux machine. It couldn't hurt to keep checking (their pay-per-click ads shouldn't cost them too much}. :^) |
| cyber_rigger Sep 09, 2006 5:40 PM EDT |
Google search "Ubuntu Notebook" returns the sponsored link "Linux Computer" http://tinyurl.com/ea7za Where's the Linux? Try it with some other distros a few times. "SuSE Notebook" etc. Be sure to click the link. You never know. Dell might have changed their mind. :^) |
| cyber_rigger Sep 15, 2006 1:06 PM EDT |
I was checking HP's website for Desktop Linux.
Their window for online chat/help came up.
I said what the heck. Here's the chat. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to HP's Pre-Sales Consulting Chat Service for U.S. Customers. Please hold for the next available HP Pre-Sales Chat Representative. Chat InformationWe are experiencing a high volume of chats currently. All representatives are currently assisting other customers. We apologize for any inconvenience. You are number 1 in a queue of 1. Thank you for your patience. Chat Information Hello, you are now chatting with Lilly. you: How do you configure this notebook with SUSE? http://tinyurl.com/4h5pl Or is this just false advertising? Lilly: Hello and welcome. To make sure I get you to the best Sales Consultant for your solution, please tell me about how we can help you today? Lilly: Let me check on that link for you. Lilly: Thank you very much for waiting online. you: Any luck? Lilly: I am sorry, this is a discontinued model and this is not available online. Lilly: However, I will help you with the contact number of our customer service,. Lilly: You can contact them to get the information on this. Lilly: HP Customer Service will be able to assist you and may be reached at 1-800-888-0292. option 4. Lilly: i apologize for the inconveniecne. Lilly: Is there anything else I can help you with? you: Would you pleas tell your supervisor to correct the website. This is giving the impression of false advertising. Lilly: It is not available online.However, It is available in the store for purchase. you: With SUSE? Lilly: Yes, You can.However I suggest you to better contact the store. you: What "store" do you mean? Lilly: I am sorry, I mean the HP store. Lilly: Let me help you with the contact number for that. Lilly: And also I will help you with the link to contact the local retaiers. Lilly: You can also check with them. Lilly: Our SMB Inbound sales team can assist you regarding your request, please call them at 1-800-888-0262 option 2. Lilly: This will take you to our Partner Locator where you can find local contacts that will be able to further assist you. Lilly: http://hp.via.infonow.net/locator/us_partner/index.jsp Lilly: Is there anything else I can help you with? you: HP should make a note on their website. Lilly: Yes,Since this model is retired it is not available online for purchase. you: Why doesn't HP remove the listing? Lilly: I am sorry for that. Lilly: Really sorry, I don't have information on this.However I will take your suggestion. Lilly: Have I lost you? you: http://h71016.www7.hp.com/dstore/familymatrix.asp?ProductLin... HP lists some linux computers yet you can't configure them. Lilly: Let me check on that link. Lilly: Thank you very much for waiting online. Lilly: I am sorry, there is no option to configure teh linux. Lilly: Click here Lilly: Kindly click the above mentioned link for that. you: Why is a Linux option shown? Is this false advertising? Lilly: However, It is certified to run the linux you: I was looking for pre-installed Linux. Lilly: It is certified to run the SuSE Linux 9.3. Lilly: I am sorry, It does not comes with the preinstalled linux. Lilly: SuSE Linux 9.3 you: Does HP sell any computers with a Desktop Linux pre-installed? Lilly: HP does not have linux preinstalled.However, there are computers that is certified to run the linux, you: I will shop elseswhere http://lxer.com/module/forums/t/23168/ I was just checking. ------------------------------------------------------------ Let's wait and see if HP removes all of their FALSE Linux listings. |
| cyber_rigger Apr 06, 2007 3:42 PM EDT |
From 'Ads by Google' on a sys-con.com page The button in the ad link said "Dell Linux Desktops" http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/iclk?sa=l&ai=BcF... Hey Dell, where's the Linux? Why are you showing us Vista when the link said Linux? |
| dcparris Apr 06, 2007 4:48 PM EDT |
Can you point back to the sys-con page where you saw the ad? |
| cyber_rigger Apr 06, 2007 10:11 PM EDT |
http://linux.sys-con.com/read/358470.htm It doesn't hit every time. Do a search on Google News for Linux Dell. Click the article link from the search. |
| cyber_rigger Apr 07, 2007 8:46 AM EDT |
Doing a Google search for Linux notebook
Dell shows "Linux Computer", YET Dell redirects you to some Vista machines. Screenshot, the "Linux Computer" link here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/67085308@N00/449565398/ does a bait-and-switch to here: http://www.dell.com/content/default.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=d... I'm beginning to think Dell has no intention of promoting desktop Linux. |
| jsusanka Apr 07, 2007 9:46 AM EDT |
I am thoroughly convinced that the dell's, hp's of the world could care less about the individual customers. the corporations order windows and that is what butters their bread - so I guess if you don't want a laptop that you get when you work at these corporations then you probably have to shop elsewhere. this just sucks - seems to me it should be against the law but when corporations run the country it doesn't really matter - hire enough lawyers and lobbyists and you can get what you want all the time. our fore fathers are probably rolling in their graves. |
| cyber_rigger Apr 07, 2007 3:42 PM EDT |
>this just sucks - seems to me it should be against the law It is. Report them. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/ad-faqs.htm It is also monopoly maintenance. Report them here, too. http://www.thetc.org/ Maybe if enough people report them they will stop. |
| hkwint Apr 07, 2007 4:28 PM EDT |
Slightly offtopic: At [url=http://h71016.www7.hp.com/dstore/MiddleFrame.asp?page=config&ProductLineId=433&FamilyId=2444&BaseID=20388&jumpid=ex_r2910_performics/k17401/DDI Link]http://h71016.www7.hp.com/dstore/MiddleFrame.asp?page=config...[/url] (where a Linux computer IS offered), check the footer: Quoting:Certain Microsoft® software product(s) included with this computer may use... blah blah That's just plain silly, since Microsoft isn't included at all in this computer. |
| cyber_rigger Apr 07, 2007 8:11 PM EDT |
>... since Microsoft isn't included at all ... I wonder if the additional software listed is for Red Hat? If not, this is blatantly misleading. |
| dinotrac Apr 08, 2007 12:50 AM EDT |
I wonder how much is blatantly misleading and how much is just stupidity? I spent time this weekend at a nice little conference put on by the LUG at University of Illinois-Chicago. Peter Brown, Executive Director of the FSF was there, and one of the things he said in his presentation was that HP and Dell seem to be seriously interested in selling FLOSS-friendly hardware and even GNU/Linux* loaded machines. * Hey, it was an FSF guy. Least I can do is use GNU/Linux. |
| cyber_rigger Apr 08, 2007 9:24 AM EDT |
>I wonder how much is blatantly misleading and how much is just stupidity? When ads are placed and paid for with specific Linux wording that redirect you to MS Windows? Give me a break. >... HP and Dell seem to be seriously interested in selling ... The key phrase is "seem to be". If they are serious, they need to cut the chatter and just do it. But they won't, and I will continue to not buy from them. |
| dinotrac Apr 08, 2007 12:07 PM EDT |
> I will continue to not buy from them. That's the right answer. Whining does not good. Voting with your dollars (euros, whatever) does. |
| cyber_rigger Apr 13, 2007 9:51 AM EDT |
>Whining does not good. Voting with your dollars (euros, whatever) does. I consider myself educating others, so they can vote with their money. Dell spams again, here at lxer.com. http://www.flickr.com/photos/67085308@N00/457877847/ Of course the page does a bait and switch to this page where "Dell recommends Windows Vista™ Home Premium." http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/odg/odg_spe... A computer buyer who is not familliar with operating systems might easily be mislead into thinking they were getting a Linux computer. I view this as intentional false advertising. If you want a Linux computer, look here http://lxer.com/module/forums/t/23168/ http://lxer.com/module/db/index.php?dbn=14 |
| helios Apr 13, 2007 12:13 PM EDT |
It's beginning to look like MS 'really is' a great advocate for Linux...... They are now. Have you seen their current sales figures for the licensing of Suse? Geez, we have Linux developers and distro authors scraping for the money for video cards and usb devices for testing purposes, and thes maggots have raked in over a million in sales from Suse licenses via MS sale options.. And some of you guys don't think this is treacherous. Give me another name for it...aside from greed-mongering prostitution. Wait, that's three words...er...two words, one hyphenated...dammmmmm..let me reference dictionary.com.. brb h |
| cyber_rigger May 13, 2007 2:16 PM EDT |
Dell is still "advertising" Linux and spamming us with MS Windows. This page image was taken 5/13/2007 http://www.flickr.com/photos/67085308@N00/496890631/ The "Dell Linux Desktop" link went here to MS Windows Vista machines. http://www.flickr.com/photos/67085308@N00/496872232/ http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/odg/odg_spe... I view this as blatant false advertising. |
| cyber_rigger Jun 01, 2007 10:13 AM EDT |
Dell is still using "Linux Computer" to redirect to a Dell page selling Microsoft Windows machines (6/1/2007). Google ad showing "Linux Computer" http://www.flickr.com/photos/67085308@N00/525174395/ The "Linux Computer" link clicks to here http://www.flickr.com/photos/67085308@N00/525174397/ The computers on page directed from the "Linux Computer" link are Microsoft Windows machines. Detail from page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/67085308@N00/525098226/ |
| herzeleid Jun 01, 2007 1:45 PM EDT |
My favorite example is the stoopid microsoft link you get when you enter "linux download" on google. Gee, I guess those numbskulls at microsoft really do know best - so if I'm looking to download linux, just spam me with some silly windoze nonsense, yeah boy that impressed the heck out of me, I'm definitely switching to windoze... NOT. |
| Aladdin_Sane Jun 01, 2007 2:15 PM EDT |
>>My favorite example is the stoopid microsoft link you get when you enter "linux download" on google. For fun, I tried that search string on the home page at http://www.dell.com/. No systems for sale there (I've never seen anyone download a system anyway) but the first 3 items were mildly amusing, wouldn't want any of that free stuff that does the same thing... I may have gotten better results had I changed the category from "Products" to something else. Hmm... |
| hkwint Jun 02, 2007 3:20 AM EDT |
Quoting:My favorite example is the stoopid microsoft link you get when you enter "linux download" on google. Tried that, however, google didn't show Microsoft, but 'Switch to Solaris' instead?! Maybe stick to ask.com instead of Google, they showed real Linux links. |
| herzeleid Jun 02, 2007 10:13 AM EDT |
Quoting: Tried that, however, google didn't show Microsoft, but 'Switch to Solaris' instead?! Maybe stick to ask.com instead of Google, they showed real Linux links.Well, that would seem a bit of an overreaction since google is IMHO the best search engine around. The dumb little microsoft link, like the sun link, are examples of the "sponsored links" that companies can buy from google. Other than the clearly marked sponsored links, the linux links were valid and useful. What is the technology behind ask.com anyhow? Didn't that used to be "ask jeeves" which was built from piles of windoze peecees? FWIW ask.com currently seems to be running some sort of apache variant at present, so I'm not sure what the story is now... |
| cyber_rigger Jun 02, 2007 5:16 PM EDT |
Here's something to think about. If one of the pre-installed Linux vendors had a paid-for google link labeled, "Windows Vista Computer" that took customers to a page displaying only Linux machines, do you think Microsoft might have something to say about it? |
| techiem2 Jun 02, 2007 5:28 PM EDT |
maybe..... |
| herzeleid Jun 02, 2007 7:09 PM EDT |
Quoting: if one of the pre-installed Linux vendors had a paid-for google link labeled,LOL, that would rock! right back at microsoft with their own sort of nonsense... |
| hkwint Jun 03, 2007 4:49 AM EDT |
Indeed, Google is the better search engine, and I don't know about the technology at ask.com, but at least the latter seems to respect my privacy - more than Google does. I only use Google if ask.com fails at this PC, at the other one I use Google most of the time. I also refuse to use GMail, I still use Hotmail instead (sure, Hotmail sucks). Even after all the LXer traffic in my mailbox, I never saw a Windows add next to my mails, and I would like to keep it that way. |
| cyber_rigger Sep 28, 2007 8:15 AM EDT |
http://camus.arglabs.com/blog/archives/the-fall-of-linux.com... |
| tracyanne Sep 28, 2007 9:31 PM EDT |
Here's the HP ad for the dx2250, which HP claim to be offering with Linux pre installed to Australian customers. http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/au/en/sm/WF25a/1090261-113937... Not a Linux OS in sight. |
| thenixedreport Nov 29, 2007 7:25 AM EDT |
(Shameless Plug Coming) Well, there's also a small business in Pomeroy, Washington that sells systems with Linux pre-installed: Computer Rescue. It's all done by fellow colleague Justin Breithaupt, and yes, he has switched to Google Checkout. http://www.mindblowingidea.com/ComputerRescue.html |
| cyber_rigger May 21, 2010 10:46 PM EDT |
I regret to inform you that ASUS has done a bait-and-switch on us. http://blogs.computerworld.com/16161/has_asus_abandoned_netb... I had high hopes for the eeePC 1000. I bought one and love it. I put the eeebuntu on it. I wanted to buy some more of these netbooks but ASUS canceled this popular product, for some mysterious reason. It is sold out everywhere. Here is ASUS's contact page. http://vip.asus.com/eservice/cus_suggest.aspx |
| jimbauwens Aug 09, 2010 5:54 AM EDT |
@hkwint try DuckDuckGo, I use it and it's great, don't have to worry about privacy. |
You cannot post until you login.