The article argues that since trading in pirated software is so casual, the monetary costs that might make you consider Linux vs. Windows isn't there, since most people either get their copy of Windows "free" with their computer, or "borrow" a copy off a friend anyway.
So the fact that Windows costs $200 more than Linux to purchase doesn't enter into it when considering which OS to go with. Why switch to a free OS, when the one you're using is "free" anyway?
He suggests that Microsoft is actually benefiting a bit from piracy, because it's partially responsible for preventing wider adoption of Linux.
[url]http://tlug.jp/articles/Windows_Is_Free[/url]