I’m not sure that forcibly moving a family to Linux is any better than forcing family to move to any platform. I moved my family to the Mac because I didn’t want to have to support any other platform. When I visit family I like to spend time with them and not with their computer. That’s also why having friends with Macs is easier too.

Mark’s issues with the Mac were not all they seemed but highlighted the fact that he simply wasn’t a Mac techie. And the fact he keeps inadequate backups. No foul. But when he says “Everything else worked – he refers directly to OpenOffice being able to open their Office documents and their ability to play Mahjongg. Brilliant.

The extracts illustrate the grass is not really greener. You just have to be willing to be the tech support. For better and worse and all that jazz. MArk is simply much too bitter to be a Mac user

Unknowingly, Mark has severely reduced the choices of his parents and therefore made both heir lives easier. He should work for Apple.