Linux adoption corrupted by the highest bidder?

We see articles all the time about a city or school district, counties and state entities adopting the use of Linux. Most often associated with cost cutting measures. They praise the "freedom" of Linux and the ability to roll out large numbers of installs at a much lower total cost.

Sometimes, we see follow up articles, those same entities are slowing, winding down and often eliminating the Linux adoption they were praising not that long ago. Instead, replacing them with a rollout of...Apple? No Sun? No. Windows? Well who would of guessed? Yes.

I see in an article just put out that one such entity is "slowing" their adoption of Linux, because, one of the "major" applications they use for a kindergarten class is heavily tied to Internet Explorer. So, let's scrap the whole thing shall we? Oh wait, there have been some instances of difficulty with hardware detection, so we'll make things better by replacing it with Windows Vista, of all things.

Now, whether you believe it or not, I am not trying to "bash" Windows here, but it has been acknowledged in many places that Vista has trouble with hardware. So if you are going to use hardware detection as a "serious" reason to not use Linux, the last thing you want to replace it with is an OS with a reputation a Vista has for only wanting to work with the "latest, greatest" in hardware. XP I can understand, but Vista? Nope, that pops up a red flag.

I can see wanting to keep using software that works well, Even if it is tied very heavily to Internet Explorer ( which ought to raise hackles in most places, I think apps should be vendor neutral. Having to use only one browser isn't exactly what anyone could call neutral.) However, even the software developers say they are making a version that uses Firefox instead. So, knowing that, they couldn't wait after being so meticulous and taking their time thus far? Nope, let's just jump right into Vista. I see a couple more red flags.

Now I am not suggesting Microsoft is doing anything illegal or unethical, oh no never. People should be able to use whatever OS and software they want to use. If this government entity wants to use MS OS and apps that are dependent on MS products, so be it. Good luck.

All I am asking is please be honest. Don't try to lay blame at the feet of Linux. If MS is giving a killer rebate and vendor lock-in is something you don't care about, then say so.

Now all the pundits will be saying about how Linux can't handle hardware and how it can't support commercial software., not even considering that Vista can't either.

If that's the case, then what is this group getting out of switching to Vista? Probably MS offering a boatload of support if not handling the rollout themselves. Again, not a crime, but all handled in a way to spread FUD.

I don't like FUD, I don't like it when MS and their supporters spread it and I don't like when Linux zealots spread it either.

Let's just work on making the best OS's and software each camp is capable of and taking those to the people to be able to become even more productive.