Installing Ubuntu on their existing hardware is cheaper and faster.

That may well be true. However, because Linux sucks so hard for things like video, sound, printing, syncing your ipod, and all the other things that real users want to do with their desktops, it is not something that I care to support. And support it I must, because I'll have chosen it for them precisely because I can support it but not Windows.

Linux video: not a problem
Linux sound: not a problem
Linux printing: not a problem, though I understand it's printer-dependant (I like Brother)
Linux iPod: dunno... I bought a reasonably priced mp3/ogg player and it works great.

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Nothing to see here. Move along.

What? They still sell computers? I thought they went all iPod (overpriced, overhyped "cool" MP3 player) and iPhone (dto).

I've been hearing this hype for like 15 years. And always found that it's kinda true. It kinda works (Open dialog is SYSTEM MODAL? In like 1997? What?) except when it doesn't. And then it doesn't. Fullstop. Order a new one.