So what Linux did not have was a proper pitch to the OEMs, so that you could buy a pre-configured, pre-installed Linux computer from Walmart that would be compatible with existing standards.
This was pretty much impossible because of many things, but mainly because of the proprietary standards in both hardware and software.
Even if you'd manage it technically, you'd then have to face with the legal trouble.
I'd love to know the number of people who bought a computer with Linux installed on it and decided to put Windows on it. I think this must be some alternate dictionary definition of zero.
Linux is so impressive that people will spend days and months learning and figuring out how to switch. It's a really painful process (because of all the problems you mention with proprietary hardware).
I tried to persuade Novatech in the UK [0] who will sell machines without operating systems to actually sell machines with Linux on them. It just wasn't worth the support overhead.
As recently as two weeks ago their support were replying on their forum about their reasons for not being Linux compatible [0].
> To add to this, to be able to say a system is "Ubuntu Certified" for example, requires sending one of every unit to Canonical for them to run tests and ensure everything works 100%. Every time we have looked into it the admin & costs involved is onerously high unfortunately :(
Best i recall there was one company that claimed this, and they made one with a half-assed Suse install that were lacking drivers for various parts (webcam included).
Sadly they were also the company many retail chains turned to for rebranded netbooks.
This was pretty much impossible because of many things, but mainly because of the proprietary standards in both hardware and software.
Even if you'd manage it technically, you'd then have to face with the legal trouble.