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Consumers aren't sheep; they can not only switch OS, but also e.g. use locked-down Windows VMs or dedicated machines for certain software that doesn't run on Linux, as well as spreading awareness of Microsoft's practices and pressuring software vendors to release Linux binaries and pressuring companies to switch to FOSS software that compiles for any machine.I agree with BlackHatCoiner that if lots of people cared for better privacy in their OS, more would switch, protest or complain, and thus show MS that they need to change their strategy.
Anyhow; this is all stuff we can discuss whenever we get our board. Let's not derail the thread in the meantime...
Let's get in some more votes everybody!
What percentage of internet users do you think know how to set up a VM or have considered trying linux? My guess is 90% aren't aware of how to set up a VM and also don't know how to use Linux.
I agree that people the majority who care for their privacy would maybe use some software like VPNs, no where near as many would go to the extent of switching their operating systems (again, as they perceive that what they are doing is enough for privacy, despite this perception being wrong).
Those who care about privacy, no matter what level of knowledge they have, would not protest. There are no where near enough people or communities that gather enough people to start a protest and even if so, most know that protesting will not do much, that big tech can not really be stopped at this point and due to the fact that the vast majority of users will continue to fuel data-hungry companies and software due to their lack of comprehension of the subject.
I will agree to stop there unless prompted to respond further.
On a related note, I would love to the person who voted "no" to at least post some reasoning as to why not. Otherwise, the poll and general topic sentiment on both threads are showing a clear positive view on the request. Awesome to see!