Open Source is synonymous with freedom. Freedom to decide which programs you want to use, freedom to alter the ones you have, and (especially) freedom to not be forced into using a particular operating system. Linux is the product of the GNU project (a redundant acronym for "GNU's Not Unix"), which was started in 1984 for the express purpose of freedom of choice. Linux is the very definition of freedom, and it's lived up to the expectations of the GNU Project's founders. This is why we build our PCs specifically to run Linux (although they can run any other i386 o/s as well), and include a score of different linux distributions. We don't install a distribution for you, we let you choose the one you want, and give you the power to customize your installation to fit your needs. Linux is a very powerful and vast operating system. You may not need to utilize its full capabilities. For instance, most Linux distributions come with Apache, a GNU web server program that is extremely useful - if you want to run a web server. Another program that's included with most distributions is Samba, a Windows networking program, again very useful - but only if you have a local area network, and only if your networking to Windows PCs. Via the installation programs that come with the various distros, you can decide what extra functionality you want beyond general disk access. For those of you who know unix, why use emacs if all you need is vi? This sort of freedom is why we use linux on a daily basis, and why we build PCs specifically designed for Linux.

The Linux-based PC market is currently expanding, and this means a lot of competition. But beating out the competition is not our goal. Our goal is to give you more for your money. With a PC from us, you'll get top quality components, 7 different distributions, friendly, courteous service, and a price that fits in just about any budget. Compare our prices to other leading manufacturers and you'll see, with GNUPC you get more for your money.

In recent years, pre-configured PCs (mostly running *ick* Windows), have been resorting to "integrated" components. Integrated components are things like built in modems and sound cards. This means lower costs, or at least while the integrated components meet current technological standards (if they do to begin with). Then when trying to disable the on board integrated components to upgrade (i.e. add a better sound card/VGA card/modem/etc), it can be very difficult. Jumpers need to be manipulated, and with most modern pre-configured PCs, you won't get any printed documentation on which jumpers do what, and what the various positions mean.

GNUPC lets you decide if you need a sound card or not, a modem or not. We don't include sound cards or modems in any of our PCs. This way, you won't feel obligated to use a modem or sound card that isn't fit for your use, if you really need one at all. Modems and sound cards are relatively cheap nowadays, so we allow you to decide how much you want to spend on them, if anything at all. And all other components are completely replaceable. If you decide to get a new graphics card, you can install it with little or no hassle from the motherboard.