In case anyone thinks the BBC isn't state funded, here's what the BBC says:

"Because of our special position as a publicly funded institution, we have particular obligations to our audiences, customers and competitors."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/foi/docs/commercial_activities/commercial_policy_and_fair_trading/Fair_Trading_Commitment.htm

First it was "XP" because most people use it

Then it was "DRM" because content providers insist on it

Turns out that when the BBC wants to support a minority platform (in mobile phones, before people complain about Apple users v Linux users) it turns out that none of this is necessary.

Whether or not Linux competes with Apple, Glyn Moody makes a few interesting points about Linux and Microsoft...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/mar/06/opensource.olpc

The question remains: Does the BBC realise what it is doing?