This is one of those many things where varying viewpoints are both correct and wrong. machineman9's statement is valid in the aspect of what's available. Ozzy's product of mention is an example. I never learned that Linux existed until after I had a working computer with MS OS98 installed and had online access (my first computers were never online); how many computers are retailed (or, even, produced) with Linux already installed? How many outlets provide the option of "free" OS software (the only Linux-based program I ever found in the off-line market wasn't free).
However, Pete, this doesn't make your point invalid: Most agreed that Sony's old Beta format was better than the VHS format -- but Sony wanted exclusive rights on 'their' format. Both forms were available in the sale market but, because VHS wasn't restricted to a specific manufacturer, its unit and software availability greatly increased, reduced its prices and resulted in choking the Beta machine from the scene.
There is another factor that availability plays in the market, the 'perception' of reliability (as long as it, for the most part, works, don't fix it). Many consumers aren't that aware and won't even dare the thought that something else might work as well or better in their machine. Why 'endanger' its operation by installing a control program that wasn't native to it; this would be equivelent to pulling the engine out of your new car just because someone gave you a free one of the same size (similar or better specs to be proven to that consumer -- they go with the flow unless something better is readily available); many alternates are out there for many things but many still heed the manufacturer's 'use only our products for the safety of your machine and its warranty'.

pete wrote on Sep 13^th, 2011 at 3:28pm:
Steam trains? All I know is that I can't find a local blacksmith or wainright to repair the old wagon. It's costing more and more for the upkeep of the horse team; I can't figure out how to effectively hitch the team up to these newfangled covered wagons -- a new version of which costs way more than our family homestead did, circa 1900 -- even by extending the reins to come in through each side window; whoever came up with the idea of these monstrosities was truly daft.