Pre-Installed Linux | Ubuntu | Fedora | OpenSUSE

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151680

Pre-Installed Linux | Ubuntu | Fedora | OpenSUSE | Multi-Boot

151680 points posted to Linux, Operating Systems - Multiboot, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops by dhart 02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

Offer the 3 top free Linux versions for free pre-installation on all Dell PCs.

Quality free and open source software drastically lowers the cost of new PCs, and helps prevent software piracy. For example OpenOffice.org, the Microsoft Office alternative, can shave hundreds of dollars off the price of a new PC. Cast your vote for OpenOffice and other free software.

Offer easy multi-boot options with Windows Vista, Windows XP, or NO Windows (yes, Linux can entirely replace Windows!)

Offer trade-ins and Linux CDs for older model Dell PCs. Cast your vote for the mini Linux Dell PC and the Universal Education Dell PC, both utilizing free software.

Would you try Linux if it were this easy?

CHOICE is what consumers want on their new PCs, not annoying surprise circus-ware (the typical smattering of confusing 3rd party popup-infested software found on most new Dell PCs). Quality free and open source software is well behaved, and may be legally pre-installed on PCs, and legally shared with friends and family, sharing is encouraged! Cast your vote for consumer CHOICE and public transparency at Dell.

Please take a look at www.dell.com/open for linux options on the Inspiron.

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pebear 02/17/07	How about an No Windows offer. I have noticed that the price of a windows lic. is getting expensive. Vista Home is just XP rebranded and all the others are way over priced. A good distro of Linux with all the pieces working, audio drivers, Multimedia players that play all the standard codecs. Fire fox web browser with all the plugins working along with all the multimedia functions working. A K desktop with the best GTK layer working could rival anything OSX or Vista has to offer.
hizzoner 02/17/07	A Linux O/S option would be an excellent idea. I for one have Ubuntu installed with Windows XP Pro. No Vista crapola for me - too expensive for the few improvements...just a gussied up XP IMHO
joelist 02/17/07	I hate to break this, but not enough people care about Linux for Dell to care (nor should they). It is a microscopic segment of the ecosystem.
exzen 02/18/07	I think you're underestimating the amount of people who are being turned off by Vista, and looking for an alternative apart from OSX. I for one have given up on microsoft, and am planning to get a dell laptop for travelling, and will install linux overtop of the default windows installation. I find the user experience provided is much more agreeable, and the OS much more customizable.
voxpelli 02/18/07	joelist: Why aren't any interested in linux? Is it because of linux or is it because of no computers can be bought with it installed or with a guarantee that it will work? Mac OS X is unix - you can quite easy run many linux software on it - is OS X unpopular? No and the same would be true with linux if a computer manufacturer would be brave enough to ship some computers with ubuntu and beryl or something similiar. For the manufacturers linux is equal to more freedom of customization. Dell can easier brand linux as their own than windows. A computer from Apple is an Apple both on the inside and outside. A computer from Dell today is a Dell on the outside but inside it's a Microsoft. Dell would like to have control of the operating system when they at the same time would gain tremendous of good will and be able to deliver systems easier to use by the masses!
joelist 02/18/07	Actually you are vastly OVER estimating the amount of people "turned off" by Vista. Vista is doing quite well. OSX has some popularity (I run it on my Mac), but remember it is Mac only. Both OSX and Linux suffer badly from lack of good software (and don't give me the Open Office line, I tried it when I tried Linux - it is possibly the worst crap I have ever used). Dell is a large OEM, and needs to be oriented to the future. The future is not a very small group of anti-Microsoft zealots, the future is where the major market share is, and that is Windows.
billyjoebob 02/18/07	Right now I'm using a Dell Dimension 4700 computer running Ubuntu Edgy Eft. Even though I'm an MSCE and administer Windows servers at work, I do not want to upgrade from Windows XP to Windows Vista -- I've made the decision to switch from Windows to Ubuntu Linux for home use. The learning curve was not that steep, and worth it. So far, I've been able to do everything (and more) on Ubuntu that I could do on XP. Not only that, I have a system that is more secure and stable than my old XP OS. I like Dell products, but they do need to start making boxes that have hardware specs that are more Linux friendly. A perfect example of this is that my Dimension 4700 shipped by default with an ATI X300 card. Unfortunately, ATI is not Linux friendly -- they have not released drivers with composite support, and ATI has virtually no Linux documentation on their site. As a result I've had to go out and buy a Nvidia card to replace it as they have open drivers that work GREAT with most Linux distros. Dell has a program for releasing hardware that is "Windows Ready" -- they need to come up with hardware configurations that are "Linux Ready" as well. I think if Dell wants to compete with Apple in the future, they really need to start releasing Ubuntu pre-installed computers now, and train their support divisions to accommodate these new users. Otherwise, the rapidly growing base of Linux users such as myself will undoubtedly look elsewhere for solutions. Worst of all, this will virtually ensure that Dell effectively has no way to compete with Apple in providing a Microsoft desktop alternatives. I look forward to owning my next Dell "Designed for Linux" box in the future, hopefully with the latest version of Ubuntu installed! :) As more and more technology professionals such as myself jump off of the Microsoft ship, what do you think that they'll be recommending to friends, family, and colleagues? At this point, all Dell would have to do is use a box with Nvidia card and their existing hardware to certify it as "Linux ready" as that setup seems to work perfectly when installing new distros.
compugeek 02/18/07	This would be great, except that it really wouldn't be that much cheaper. OEM copies of Windows are inexpensive already, and the bloatware that helps Dell keep prices low is not necessarily compatible with Linux. To make things worse, Dell would have to update their tech support services to help Linux users as well as Windows users, which would be especially tricky considering that there are still some people who couldn't tell you which OS they were running even with step-by-step instructions. Dell would be a great company to help Linux gain ground, if they could offer tested Linux-compatible configurations. People associate Dell with easy, so if Dell could design a decent line of computers that came with Kubuntu (for example) pre-installed, they could probably sell it.
adamant1988 02/18/07	People just want choice. openSUSE 10.2 is probably one of the most polished linux distributions available. However an OEM deal from Dell might convince Red Hat to step back into the desktop realm with a real product. Options will present themselves, just pick a linux distribution and support it. openSUSE 10.2 is one of the most stable distributions (some problems with package management, but Dell could implement a fix for this very easily in the form of SMART) I know I would kill for a Dell system with Linux on it that actually worked right out of the box with openSUSE.
yakubovich 02/18/07	I've already replaced Windows with Ubuntu on all of my machines and am happy with the switch (despite not being the most technical user out there). There are, however, very few big vendors offering good distributions pre-installed. In fact, the only one I know of is Walmart, and the Linux they offer is not the best. Dell could really get a competitive edge by offering a distribution like Ubuntu, OpenSUSE or Fedora Core preinstalled.
dasunst3r 02/18/07	I have a Dell Inspiron 6000 from about two years ago, and the first thing I did was to erase the entire hard drive (including the restore partition) and installing my copy of Windows XP Professional and Linux on it. Besides the ATi card and the modem, Linux works perfectly! Anyways, I would say that the first step to making a "designed for Linux (and Windows)" setup is to start using nVidia cards. As far as support is concerned, I think that Dell can hire some of us from the community to help people out. Finally, I also have the ideal of seeing Ubuntu pre-installed on a computer when I order it. To that, don't forget to tack on things so that a consumer can make an informed decision. Until then, I'll settle for a computer with no OS installed.
julius 02/19/07	We have to decide which OS to use. It is not normal to pay for something that we are not going to run.
sbrunner 02/19/07	I'm wating about that for about 3 years !
mpo 02/19/07	By the way: when I read the option to have 'linux pre-installed' should be free I think we're not being completely truthful? It does cost to install a linux distro, but it surely doesn't cost more then organizing a windows pre-installment IMHO. So I think if such option would be there, then the order-form should clearly show the license-price-reduction when choosing "No Windows" Maybe even have an additional option "No OS Pre-installed" would allow an even bigger price-reduction? Anyway, given the fact that MacOSX is now running on intel hardware I can image that the "OS-pre-install" options-list might soon include that one as well?
vasanth 02/19/07	Just give "No Pre-installed OS" option. We will choose our distro choice.Anyway there are many people who do not want windows pre-installed on their laptops/PCs (like myself).
lagaf 02/19/07	great idea
kyliemanders 02/19/07	Looks like those in Madrid Spain really want this! I don't think anyone in the US does save a few fanatics. But if Dell offers thiss as an option why not!
mumubuntu 02/19/07	This is really an excellent idea, and since I'm about to buy a new desktop, I think I'll choose Dell if they offer a Linux option, or even a PC without an OS. Keep digging friends !
mathieu147 02/19/07	The best options for me would be: Computer with no OS : 850€ [ ] Linux installation CD : +0€ [ ] Install Linux for me: +10€ [ ] Windows XP installed + recovery CD : +150€ [ ] Windows Vista installed + recovery DVD : +300€ [ ] Leave a free partition beside Windows so that I can install Linux by myself: +0€ (check what you want) (the price are only for the example)
drynish 02/19/07	IMHO, that's too much complicated, mathieu147. Just offer: Windows Vista (Basic, Premium, Ultra) No OS. That would be far enough for now. If later on there's a request, you could go with Linux distribution. However that would be a wonderfull idea.
bouchecl 02/19/07	I moved my two Dell Desktop (Optiplex GX260, Latitude 4700) and a laptop (Latitude D610) to Fedora Core Linux in the past year and I am much happier now. As a customer, I certainly hope Dell will respond to the growing number of people like me who have no use for Microsoft OS or desktop applications in their domestic or business environments. If it can be done for Dell servers (with a choice of SuSE, RHEL, Windows 2003 Server and No OS), why can't it be done in the Home/SOHO market , where software piracy is rampant BECAUSE of the lack of OS options?
peteinsq 02/19/07	I think this would be a great idea, especially for people like me who can use computers but aren't geeky enough to know how to install linux and make it work. If I could buy a laptop with a pre-installed version of linux and all of the other pieces of "free" software for much less than one equipped with Windows Vista and know that it is going to work I would certainly consider it. I'm sure that Dell would have to employ some people to integrate the software and make it work properly but Dell would save money for itself and its customers in the long run.
pdonket 02/19/07	All I can say is holy crap, this thread went from 1000 to 6000+ in one night.
kyliemanders 02/19/07	Holy crap is right - but 99% of the posters are spam. Some open source nut has probably posted this link to all his spamming buddies.
diwann 02/19/07	kyliemanders > which means how important it is. I registered here only to vote for this idea ! IMHO, you should have the choice between - Windows : XP or Vista - Linux : a free one or a commercial one selecting none of them means "no os" selecting two of them means "dual boot" And about the choice of which Linux distribution to use, there should be at least 2: one Gnome centric distrib and one KDE centric distrib. I personnaly prefer Mandriva to OpenSuse for KDE, and ubuntu to fedora for Gnome.
iuchiban 02/19/07	All I can say is that there is so much people that dont want Windows pre-installed on their computers. So people that use Linux come and vote. And they are more than we can think about.
bouchecl 02/19/07	Sorry kyliemanders. I'm a real live Dell customer, I have been for the last 5 years, and this idea makes good sense as it would likely make me buy more Dell hardware in the future. The question is basically this: Why should I pay tens or hundreds of dollars for software (OS, productivity suite, anti-virus, etc.) I don't want to use? If Dell wants me to put a good word for them to friends, family members and business associates, they know what they have to do. So please, pretty please, spare us the ad hominen attacks against open-source software and the people who gladly use it.
mmnicolas 02/19/07	Anyway, all is done and almost perfect, ms products will never be able to reach our usability/stability level again, wait for 2008 AM (After MS). MS little business can't do anything against the whole planet.
pdonket 02/19/07	lol, Despite my techie-ness I have no idea how to work linux and such, probably should learn based on how many ppl voted on this.
pdonket 02/19/07	I don't even understand how people are voting for this so many times, so quickly. It's jumped 100 points in LITERALLY 50 seconds. Alright, no way this is getting voted up so many times per minute- Dell please check this out for possible hacks or IP scramblers.
julius 02/19/07	pdonket, I think you don't understand what's happening lol There's articles about this site on all blogs of linux users. That's why there's so much people coming and voting for this idea. You have to know that even if Linux's users are a minority, they are probably the most active community we can find on the web ;-) If you need advices on how to install Linux, you're welcome ^^
v1nce 02/19/07	For all of those whinning "this is just some linux folks trolling". No it isn't. More & more people are concerned about Xp/Vista "real price". In France there are pending classes actions so that "anybody" can buy a PC without Windows. I'm about to buy a new one and I don't want to pay for Vista. I got XP on my old laptop and I don't used it for the last 2 years. So if Dell would sell PC without preinstalled OS then I'll consider buying a Dell. A fair trade would be a Vista 'demo' preinstalled that you could unlock online or with a provided key. So Beginners could try vista and buy it online without the pain of installing it. And pro users could format c:\ and go Linux.
camerashy44 02/19/07	I have been a long time Windows user but recently I have set up an older Dell Optiplex with Ubuntu and so far have have been very impressed. I like the idea of being able to buy a new Dell PC without any operating system installed (I currently am running 3 Dell's) allowing me to choose the OS and what other software I want. One of my biggest beefs with Microsoft is their attemt to force me to use their products some of which I don't want to use, so I end up with a bloated system that gets slowed down by high memory dependant software that I never use but can't get rid of. With Linux I can pick and choose from many applications that are just as good or better than any Microsoft based ones. I also like the ease of install and hardware setup.....much easier than Microsoft's.
pdonket 02/19/07	I guess, hell why am I fighting it, I do honestly believe it really is people now, and I guess if so many people want it...power to them. I'll stick with MS myself, unless I start to see the greatness with linux myself. Doesn't bother me as long as they still offer MS products too :)
pdonket 02/19/07	This website lags out every 10 seconds, this website needs a cleaning dell.
kdfx 02/19/07	Why not an Ubuntu/Suse/Fedora pre-installed system with Windows inside through a virtualization system like VirtualBox?
cyril 02/19/07	I spent a couple of weeks last year to look for a laptop with no OS installed. Just because I refuse to pay the Micro$oft tax and want to decide myself what OS suits my needs. DELL didn't propose any laptop without Windows preinstalled, so I didn't buy DELL. It's as simple as that.
notantspants 02/19/07	I'm looking for a new laptop to compliment my inspiron 9300 and would like to go with Dell but am really put off by having M$ windooze installed. I just don't use it and I'm a professsional web developer. Have been using Linux since 1999 and it's come a looooooooooong way in that time. I think over 90% (a figure I've pulled from my head ;) ) of home computer users just want some word / spreadsheet processing, safe web surfing and email. Why they're not using Linux, I really don't know. It's a no brainer. For the game users, that's different but my sister and nephews will soon be using ubuntu and they will not lose one iota of functionality that they have now under M$. I probably won't be going with Dell this time.
bubba 02/19/07	Oh good grief. Look people, anyone can install an OS and it doesn't increase PC sales. Do you people not understand that the purpose of this site to come up with new ORIGINAL ideas and not just put antoher wrapper around a generic PC???
nojohnso 02/19/07	I think it would be a great idea to offer these options. Linux has come a long way.
laron 02/19/07	I definatly agree with notantspants. Most of the home users only use there desktop/laptops(with windows) for basic necessities such as email, word processing etc.(mentioned above) Although there are others who cant put up with windows anymore, and cant really afford a mac. (with there prices) or many other reasons. It is an awsome Idea. I think it would increase sales not only to the existing Windows users but the the more computer-literate users as well, or existing Linux users. It would promote Dell but Linux as well and possibly show those ignorant of any other existing OS's out there besides the "one and only" Windows(that many of them only know of). Many users wont even buy a dell because of the pre-installed Windows that comes on it.. I vote for it.
inklein 02/19/07	I would strongly support Dell if they provided a no-nonsense linux feature (a base install without extra crap like current windows installs on dells). Also it would be great to know that everything in the system would work without tons of research!
cmaussan 02/19/07	I got an Ubuntu Edgy running mono-boot over a Precision M65 with Beryl since September and it's great !!!
deerfootnz 02/19/07	I own three laptops - two with windows and the last one i bought is a macbook. In New Zealand the macbook is the only option if you want something other than windows. If Dell had a linux or no os option all three would have been dells. I object to paying a windows tax on every laptop I buy. i object to the way that windows wants to control lots of things for me. I do not want to be submissive to my own machine. i do not want to spend all my time managing spyware and viruses. All i want to do is use my machines like a tool. A properly configured linux installation is the best way to do this. Just compare for example the update process for Ubuntu and windows. Even my ageing and decidedly non computer literate mother in law finds it easier. In the absence of a linux installed laptop on the market i will continue to buy macs.
deerfootnz 02/19/07	I own three laptops - two with windows and the last one i bought is a macbook. In New Zealand the macbook is the only option if you want something other than windows. If Dell had a linux or no os option all three would have been dells. I object to paying a windows tax on every laptop I buy. i object to the way that windows wants to control lots of things for me. I do not want to be submissive to my own machine. i do not want to spend all my time managing spyware and viruses. All i want to do is use my machines like a tool. A properly configured linux installation is the best way to do this. Just compare for example the update process for Ubuntu and windows. Even my ageing and decidedly non computer literate mother in law finds it easier. In the absence of a linux installed laptop on the market i will continue to buy macs.
slewin 02/19/07	I would love to see Dell give people a choice and sell computers with other Operating systems, especially Linux. I would defianetly be willing to purchase a Dell laptop or Desktop if there was one with the Kubuntu (or no) desktop included with the cost reduced. Something I would otherwise not do.
inspired2apathy 02/19/07	Even if Dell can't sell linux pre-installed, some kind of linux compatibility information would be nice. Recommended graphics and wireless cards in particular would be great!
rappermas 02/19/07	If Dell does this, my next 3 computers will be Dells instead of HPs. Simple as that.
jrmy 02/19/07	windob = ubuntu + 150€ => pc + ubuntu = pc + windob - 150€ I like linux systeme and it's a good idea. thinks dell ;)
shadus 02/19/07	I think this is a great idea, although I also think that different distributions would be a better idea yet-- say, redhat (original rpm), debian (original deb), gentoo (source based linux), and perhaps freebsd.
shadus 02/19/07	I think this is a great idea, although I also think that different distributions would be a better idea yet-- say, redhat (original rpm), debian (original deb), gentoo (source based linux), and perhaps freebsd.
james_paige 02/19/07	As a Linux user, I actually have no interest in this one. I would rather buy a computer with a completely blank hard, and then install Linux from my own CD. Yeah, maybe you could burn a linux install CD and include it in the box for those who don't have one already, but there is no need to pre-install it (and i would worry that pre-installation would come with a temptation to load it down with non-default dell-specific crap just like they do with a Windows preinstall.)
ryan 02/19/07	I have dropped all plans to continue or update my Microsoft certs. I am persuing RHCT/E. In December, I made the switch from XP to OS X after reading the Vista EULA. Since Dell does not sell (or did not at the time) a Red Hat Certified Laptop and HP/IBM laptops where too expensive, buying a mac was the logical thing to do. The mac actually cost less than RH laptops from HP. I run linux and XP in Parallels and Fusion (XP as I am AD 2003 administrator). I will not purchase or administrate Vista. This will likely force a job change for me......unless the market bears an acceptable linux replacement. New Dell's that come with Vista will be imaged with XP. Slashdot last week mentioned IBM OpenDesktop Linux that will run Linux, Mac, Win32 binaries...nice idea! I think Red Hat is involved, but not sure about the details like KDE or gnome or something else? Dell, should not ignore this 2 to 1 interest in Linux and OpenOffice. Just be wary of Novel/Suse until we know how badly they get screwed in the deal they cut with Microsoft. It could simply be the SCO battle, round 2, all funded by our buddies Steve and Bill. I run the network for a govt. agency and have spent over $100,000 with Dell since we switched from Compaq. Right now, not one of the IT guys wants to deal with Vista....some are thinking OS X throughout. Dell, you need to hear this. Jump in and provide an affordable, reliable Linux option to counter the possiblity of your customers switching to Apple. I don't think I am the only geek that is sick and tired of Microsoft. I personally find Ubuntu as nice as OS X, and really like the 'user' password for admin tasks/sudo thing (just like a mac). If Ubuntu only had the authentication wizard to authenticate against LDAP, AD, SMB, etc....RH and Fedora are so simple to join to AD. Enough rant from me. Did anyone else notice this is a Dell page that does not recommend Microsoft XP Professional! LOL ryan
dmazary 02/19/07	The main barrier to this is that Dell would have to significantly increase their support to include consumer Linux support. Also, if Dell were to consider including pre-installed Linux, it would require a major consumer support commitment from the Linux distributors, which currently focus their support on Enterprises. The software is there, but the support infrastructure is not. Yet.
msabers 02/19/07	Why not just buy a computer from another company with Linux preinstalled? Like http://shafetech.com
mattflaschen 02/19/07	I strongly urge Dell to offer these versions of GNU/Linux, and possibly others. They can save customers money, but more importantly, preserve more of their freedom (http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html) If Dell offers this service, people will take advantage of it, even if many are only after cost savings. If you build it, they will come.
aileanmacraith 02/19/07	I am well able to install Linux by myself - I'm running Ubuntu at the moment. But, for a lot of people, this is a very difficult process. There is a group of people for whom installing Linux would be a very definite advantage. They would not need to worry about viruses. A Dell version of Linux which includes DVD playback capability, the office software necessary to do most PC-related tasks and the latest Linux-compatible printer drivers would be ideal. I was tired of fixing my girlfriend's Windows XP box and put a properly installed version of Ubuntu on it and I haven't heard a peep since. They can even update it themselves using the update tools. And that's something they never did with Windows. I'm not asking that Dell provide this as the default install. Eventually, it would be nice that that could happen but for now it is just not realistic. Just make it available so that I can choose it for myself and the people I care about. I can maintain a Linux system much more easily than any of your Windows ones. Personally I will not buy another system if I need to take Windows with it, so please make a computer available for me if you want my custom.
buttblues 02/19/07	I agree with the above poster: "I strongly urge Dell to offer these versions of GNU/Linux, and possibly others. They can save customers money, but more importantly, preserve more of their freedom (http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html) If Dell offers this service, people will take advantage of it, even if many are only after cost savings. If you build it, they will come."
cblspd 02/19/07	Linux will never have double digit market share is because it is too nerdy, just read the linux posts.
kahping 02/19/07	It would be great to see Dell provide pre-installed Linux on their computers. I own a Dell Dimension 8400 and I don't bother booting into the Windows XP that came with it anymore. I've since dual-booted Ubuntu Linux and now I find I use Ubuntu and Ubuntu only. Having a "pre-installed Linux" option would have made things much simpler for those unable to install Linux themselves but wish to use start learning it.
bigbill52a 02/19/07	I use PCLINUXOS and Windows XP. I only use Windows for about 5% of my overall computer usage. I work with Dell computers all the time, reinstalling or fixing the Windows OS. Windows becomes infected with malware, viruses, or it just decides to crash out with a blue screen. I do not expect Vista to be any better, and it is only a matter of time, before I am reinstalling the horrendous example of bloatware and drm gone wild. It would be nice if Dell would offer an alternative to their customers.
washedaway 02/19/07	I truly believe that Dell needs to make other operating systems or for that matter, no OS an option on it's systems. With the newer Linux cores and some wonderful distros out there that cover the whole range of people from newbie to guru, it is in Dell's best interest to have some separation from Microsoft. Personally, I have a Dell Latitude D820 that seamlessly dual-boots Windows XP Pro and Ubuntu (Edgy). Having spent many years as a techie, I can understand the "Average Joe User's" fear about leaving what they know and stepping into the unknown world of Linux or even OS X. I won't debate which is the better software as I truly believe that each has it's own advantages and disadvantages. In the end it's all about the support, if Dell will support the use of alternative OS's to the same extent that it supports Microsoft products, it will have a winning combination on it's hand and the open source community will have another powerful company backing it.
clrvynt 02/19/07	Common Dell, it's time to let go of forcing customers to buy Windows and start offering innovative products like Linux and Open Office. The only reason Microsoft is able to hold a large market share is because most hardware vendors don't offer a choice for the consumers. If you really care about customers of all type then open up the door for possibilities without Windows. If you really have a purpose for doing this survey then I'm sure I'll Linux OS soon.
maco 02/19/07	cblspd: My mom used to use Windows. If she needed to type something, she'd open an old file, hold down backspace, and eventually it'd be blank. Then she could type. Figuring she was so bad at using Windows that she wouldn't really have much to relearn, I installed Ubuntu. This was because my brother and sister, after having the options of "no instant messaging" and "use my sister's Linux laptop" decided they actually like Linux better than Windows and were going to make a permanent switch upon getting their own computers. I installed Ubuntu at Thanksgiving. I went back to school and came back at Christmas. She loves it. She said it's faster (well, without all those virus scans, spyware scans, etc. of course it is), and it's easier. When I asked why it's easier, she said when she clicked the Start button on Windows, so much stuff came up and she didn't know what any of it did or how it all worked. She can click the menu in Ubuntu and know what all of the stuff is because it's categorized. In Windows, it's all divided by company. That makes things confusing. How was my mom supposed to know that Microsoft made the typing thing and Mozilla made the email thing? A menu that says "internet" and then has IM and a web browser, another menu that says "Office" and then has "word processor" and "spreadsheet" and "presentation" makes much more sense. She loves Linux now because it's really easy to use. GNOME makes sense to her (I've never tried her with KDE). Of course, she'd have to be a bit computer-savvy to install it herself, but that's why she has me. I installed Ubuntu and set it up to handle all the necessary codecs. Essentially, I set it up the way it would be if she got it from an OEM like Dell. If it's pre-installed, you don't have to be a geek. You just have to be able to move the mouse and look at the screen.
pada 02/19/07	I never used XP although I use a computer everyday and paid many times the M$ tax, I used at a time all the major distributions and my favorite is still Mandriva. But once Linux is installed in fact I become a KDE user and the only (or main ?) feature that is distribution dependant is the access to updates and new software. May be the best solution is to sell a computer (linux and free driver compatible) with no pre-loaded OS but with a few DVD (fedora, Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Suse, Mandriva, ...) ready to be installed simply: insert the dvd and press return ... And other companies will offer service. ... And other distributions will be able to provide compatible solutions for these computers. The open free software "market" is an ecosystem more complex and powerfull that the simple vendor-client system.
jpeterse 02/19/07	I got my current laptop 2 years ago, but I absolutely would have gotten a laptop with pre-installed linux if one was available from a major brand. I consider the Microsoft software license as an laptop tax that are hard to get around. Should Dell embrace the idea of providing quality products with a choice of operating system vendor, I will have a hard time finding reasons for not choosing Dell as my next laptop band of choice.
ausiv 02/19/07	Linux used to be a nerdy operating system, and it's certainly still a good OS for nerds, but it's come a long way. I'm aware of quite a few non-nerds using distributions like Ubuntu and OpenSuse. Advanced configuration can be a challenge for non-nerds, but the same is true for Windows. I definitely have to agree with maco that Linux is, in many ways, more intuitive and easy to use for non-nerds.
jimrz 02/19/07	I own a Dell XPS 410 and would love to have had this option available, rather than the XPpro which came pre-installed, when I purchased it. The machine is certainly capable of running Vista but is almost just as certainly never going to. There are too many readily available alternatives that offer at least as good functionality including, for those who care about such things, the new high end "eye-candy" as Vista without all of thepbvious drawbachs that come with Vista. Perhaps, if enough people show interest, this will enable Dell (and possibly other OEM compies) to enter into discussions with Microsoft about their misgivings about being forced to sell hardware that is essentially broken (or at least degraded) by their upcoming DRM schemes. This may, in turn, motivate Microsoft to rethink their partnership with those pushing so hard for these schemes and give them the message that they, as they could and should have done at the very beginning, oppose knowingly selling "damaged goods" for such purposes. Maybe, if all of this were to occur, even our legislators might be forced to take their eyes off of the large chunks of money being thrown at them and realize that these draconian rules that they are being encouraged to push through have only one purpose, and that that purpose does no good for the OEM's, most software companies and, least of all, for the end users (read voters). Even though I believe that this situation will, in the end, be rectified by the marketplace, I think it absolutely absurd that it has even reached this point and appears to be heading in an even more absurd direction.
andy8080 02/19/07	I would really like to see Dell machines shipped with Linux pre-installed. I have no use for windows at all, so I would certainly like to see dual boot as an option, not as the only configuration. I have a Dell M60 notebook that had Linux (Kubuntu, now PCLinuxOS) installed the day I got it. The windows install CD is in a box (somewhere), a waste of money as far as I'm concerned.
dmeinen 02/19/07	I use dual boot on all my computers. I can choose Windows XP or Linux and both run just fine. The only reason I don't remove windows from all of my computers, is some programs that I need only run in windows. There is no Linux program to equal it. If you just limit distribution to those three, you will discover that many people use other distributions. I use Mandriva and wouldn't change and I think many people are equally attached to what ever they use.
saist 02/19/07	I would make the comment that it would be better to forgo OpenSuse and Fedora, and instead dual boot with Mepis and Ubuntu. A couple of reasons for this: First, Debian based systems are much easier to administrate than RPM based systems. This would help clear up confusion for the "average" buyer. The second is that Mepis uses the Ubuntu repositories for 80%+ of it's software. This should help in the long run with compatibility concerns. The third reason is that Ubuntu uses the Gnome Desktop, Mepis uses the KDE desktop. This puts two of the leading distributions with the two leading Linux Desktops right at users fingertips. The problem with having Ubuntu, Fedora, and OpenSUSE is that the users primary desktop will only be Gnome. For those moving from the Windows desktop, that is not a good thing. For those who actually like to experience the power of Linux, giving them a desktop that removes almost all of the flexibility (Gnome) would do more harm than good.
dajoker 02/19/07	I have no idea why Dell still balks at AMD (okay, they have a couple lines now) and won't even offer alternative OS's....many have support (Novell, RedHat, Ubuntu even) and the major ones work with everything new (even graphics....XGL/Beryl/AIGLX are all far-superior when compared ot Vista's new half-baked 512-MB-RAM-requiring look). Get another OS out there. Using things like AutoYast you could even have a quick installation entirely customized using the software that is already there. Imagine how nice it would be for users to have their user accounts (default password probably) already there because the website where they purchased their laptop knew their name and was able to create an install configuration on the fly. This is simple stuff and with Dell's mass-producing know-how should be trivial. This is the value-added that can get Dell ahead of HP and Gateway. Get with the program. The only reason I use HP is because they aren't locked into the wintel junk. Until Dell changes I can't recommend my department to go with them either.
danny.wall 02/19/07	1) Work with hardware vendors to get drivers for Linux, on all models, especially power management. 2) Make all models of laptops and PCs available with a No OS option, and a Linux (top 3 is a good idea) option. And these options SHOULD cost less than Windows since Linux is cheaper than Windows, and the distributors of Linux will support the OS of choice. Obviously, a No OS option should be the cheapest. I see no reason why a hardware vendor would limit their customer base by not having Linux drivers. There are more installations of Linux than Mac, and more everyday. If the development of Linux drivers is not something they do well, outsource or open source, and they will get created. Open source drivers are preferred. There is also no reason why Dell should not offer a No OS option on every single piece of hardware they sell. This works for anyone that currently owns their own OS (Retail Mac x86, Retail or Corporate purchased Linux, BSD, FreeDOS, existing Retail/Corporate/Strong Arm Windows purchase, etc). Again, there is also no reason to make this cost more than a Windows version of the same hardware. Even if Microsoft is giving kickbacks like Intel, the cost of testing, configuring the hardware, purchasing and configuring the hardware for duplication, and supporting Windows on your hardware has to cost more than a No OS option that needs no software support. And don't let Microsoft give you that piracy BS. People want choice, and the choice is almost always Linux or BSD over pirated Windows.
shrewduser 02/19/07	i support this 500% it would also be nice to pack in Linux DVD's/CD's too so that if for some reason we want to format or install it on another computer its easy! :D
joelist 02/19/07	I see we had typical Linux troll behavior here; flood a web voting system to artificially hype your idea when in the real world virtually no one cares.
fiber4now 02/19/07	Please dear god, if Dell offers Linux. please do not offer it on anything that happens to be related to Gaming Systems like the XPS series .We at the gaming forum have enough problems already explaining why the game someone has just purhcase can not opertate on intergrated graphics without explaining on XPS systems that you paid possible up to $5000 and you can not game because LInux your free OS, does not offer a API like DirectX 9 that will allow you to game. Keep it simple guys, cheap home use basic systems, I do not care what you offer, but hands off gaming sytems.
rweiler 02/19/07	I don't buy Dell machines at all because I can't buy one with no operating system and the price of Windows deducted. You don't have to preinstall Linux, I can do that myself. these days, anybody could, it is easy. What I will not do is pay for an operating system that I do not need or want. There is a very, very easy way to turn me into a Dell customer; for every machine that you sell, add one more item to the OS option list, 'No OS', with the price of Windows subtracted. Until that time,. I will continue to buy elsewhere, even if I have to order all the parts from newegg and put them together myself.
jimmarch 02/19/07	I was a Windows die-hard with 17 years of IS experience. Despite all M$ updates and a paid-up ZoneAlarm Pro, six monts ago something crept in and "Zombified" me but good. After three days fighting the dang thing I upgraded to Ubuntu and haven't looked back since. It gets better. The one thing Linux has a hard time with is EVDO PCMCIA cards. They're basically high-speed cellphone modems for Verizon, Sprint, etc. After a bit of headache, I solved that issue permanently with a $250 external Kyocera KR1 router/firewall. This thing has it's own PCMCIA slot for my Verizon card and then turns that into Ethernet and WiFi. In other words, I PAID $250 TO GET RID OF WINDOWS and have not regretted it ONCE. (The EVDO situation has gotten better and Dell could provide Linux support for the EVDO devices they ship with some laptops already.) As to distros. Ubuntu 6.06 is OK but a bit long in the tooth. 6.10 ("Edgy") isn't all that stable. I made the jump to Fedora Core 6 and it rocks but it would be a bit tricky for a newbie to maintain. The "perfect distro" for Dell's needs is going to be either a fully tuned and tweaked Debian 4.0 STABLE (should be shipping by the end of next month) or Ubuntu's planned 7.04 "Feisty" due in April - Cannonical realizes they blew it with Edgy and is promising to get Feisty right. Other condenders include Mepis, or possibly Fedora 7 if they sort out some minor issues. Guys: understand that besides the software being free, it will be CHEAPER for Dell to ship Linux than Windows. What they do now is, they plug the drives into machines that update huge numbers at once with a standard set of software, but then they have to plug a specific serial number code onto each drive. They then have to track that number (provided by Windows) as the drive goes to a computer, and stamp the computer with the same number. With Linux, all that crap goes away. They just burn every drive the same based on a fully set up build created by their in-house people in conjunction with a good Linux distro community. Not tracking the numbers saves 'em big bucks. I deal with a lot of elderly political activists doing web-stuff and the sort of thing OpenOffice can deal with. The only thing Linux is weak on for these "Grandma Millie" types is a financial planner along the lines of Quickbooks, Quicken, etc. Dell can get with one of those outfits, connect them with Codeweavers and get a version of Wine or Crossover Office tuned to such a package in conjunction with the Quicken or whatever people, and support that. In return, I can tell you that these "Grandma Millies" are being HAMMERED by malware and would be very, very well served by going to a pre-installed user-friendly Linux build. Finally, the guy who mentioned "leave out the gamers" is likely correct at least for now. The main target should be the non-technical users believe it or not - they're clueless about Windows anyways, so how does it matter if they're not on it?
mikkilineni 02/19/07	Great idea. Waiting for this option from many years. Dell is having some products which are included Linux. But we need maximum extended support form hardware supplier.
jamathis 02/19/07	It would definitely be great to see Dell offer pre-installed Linux systems with all of the drivers, codecs, etc already loaded. I would certainly buy one. If they are offering it by the time I'm ready to purchase a new laptop, I'll buy one. Otherwise, I'm going with System76.
jebuswankel 02/19/07	A good-looking, well formatted post really helps the cause. Thank You.
bendele 02/19/07	I would love to see Ubuntu preloaded on dell computers. It sounds like system 76 is making some money doing this, but if dell could sell Ubuntu preloaded for 500-700 i would buy one. I am running Linux on my Compaq right now.
qrk 02/19/07	I have to agree with this idea, I would buy from Dell exclusively if they implemented it. Nowadays, a cheap computer is $359 (from Dell, of course) which wouldn't run Vista fast enough even for Grandma. But start selling that same computer for $299, or even say, $319 with OpenSuSE, Fedora or Ubuntu on it and you have a reasonably well performing Linux machine. Unlike low-end Vista machines, this one actually is useful, and at a much lower price point than other manufacturers could dream of. To get a Vista machine running as fast it'd take twice the cash. I only hope that Dell hasn't signed on anti-competitive licensing from Microsoft. I know Microsoft doesn't allow for dual booting of its OS's per it's OEM contracts. I'll bet they also have clauses that prevent a machine being sold without windows for cheaper than one with windows. If you look at Dell's current no OS line up -good luck finding it on the website- you'll notice that they are actually more expensive than machines with windows. Both of these licensing deals smack of an illegal monopoly, but I'd be willing to sacrifice the first for a good shot at getting the second. And for the record, I am typing this on Ubuntu. I'm actually looking for a new computer right now, and considering another Dell. Being able to choose my OS and not have to pay for something I will never use would seal the deal.
donbarry 02/19/07	I am an astronomer at Cornell University managing the scientific data processing needs of a NASA-funded instrument team that designed and is now using one of the instrument packages on the Spitzer Space Telescope. _Everything_ we do is in a GNU/Linux environment. Most of our machines are Dells (primarily due to a university purchasing arrangement which is favorable) but the first thing we do on arrival of a new machine is to eradicate Windows and install Debian (currently tracking Etch as it ramps up to a release soon). We could not imagine trying to understand the universe or even stay afloat with many dozens of machines while fighting malware and the idiocy of Windows. We wish Dell would offer options which don't force us to pay the absurd Microsoft tax for software which we simply do not use and do not want to pay for, and would not use even if it were free as in beer (Microsoft will never make it free as in freedom without a major corporate restructuring). Don Barry, Ph.D. Department of Astronomy, Cornell University
kamisamanou 02/19/07	If Dell had this option just over a year ago, I wouldn't have bought an Acer. But the Acer was cheaper and Dell had no significant advantage over it, so I went with the Acer. I run Fedora Core 6 only.
pdonket 02/19/07	Can I ask you all how you run games made for windows on a linux based PC?
awpoopy 02/19/07	I too am typing this on Ubuntu. This one is is a laptop wirelessly connected to my LAN domain that has two Ubuntu desktops (One is Dell). The domain is controlled on Dell Servers running Ubuntu, Postfix and Apache ( www.cruzit.com ) The firewall protecting everything is an old Dell Optiplex running FreeBSD. I would consider buying Dell again if this idea or the other similar ideas actually start to happen. I know Dell has been in bed with Microsoft and Intel for so long they have forgotten their roots in the garage, however lackluster sales sometimes has a way of changing things.
desperatecoffee 02/19/07	Other users have noted that they are commenting from an Ubuntu machine; I'm typing this message on a Dell Inspiron 6400 running Ubuntu. PC manufacturers help Microsoft maintain its monopoly by denying users a choice of OS and office suite; in turn, Microsoft grows fat on that monopoly and produces shoddy, unreliable, defective-by-design software that relies on closed standards such as the .doc format. Everyone suffers. Dell already sells Linux servers, and, I have heard, a few Linux desktops, which gives me hope that the company might break the mold and challenge Microsoft. Make Linux an option on every computer! Many free software activists would buy a Linux-based PC free of "the Microsoft tax" in a heartbeat.
aysiu 02/19/07	If Dell came with a prominently-displayed-on-the-website and decent-looking laptop preinstalled with a Linux distro, I would definitely buy it. It wouldn't matter to me what distro. I prefer Ubuntu, but I'd support such an effort regardless of it being PCLinuxOS, Linspire, Mepis, Fedora... whatever.
hedgefighter 02/19/07	I love the idea. After the installation, linux systems are relatively hassle free. I would bet that Microsoft wouldn't allow it though. They would probably raise the cost of Windows licenses so that Dell can't compete. Apple and Microsoft no longer put the user first. Now they just care about control and money. We'll see if Dell feels the same way...
arnott 02/19/07	long due. am typing this on FC6 on a HP machine.
mr.auer 02/19/07	A very good idea. Id be happy with simply "No OS" option, since I always install my OSes myself. I havent used Windows in 3 years now, dont even usually run ANY windows apps, now and then maybe through Wine. I have 2 Desktop Ubuntu Edgy machines with Nvidia graphics, and one older laptop with Xubuntu Edgy. Normally I buy my boxes from shops that offer No os as option (common in smaller businesses!) or build them from scracth, thereby avoiding Microsoft tax. With laptops, this seems to be more rare, sadly. I was formerly a paying customer of Microsoft, I owned an XP and a 98 license. No more. I simply find modern Linux products superior in security and function. I am no professional, and made the switch to (Ubuntu originally) all by myself, with help from friendly forums and one friend who was a professional in IT and could help me with my questions. In the end, it was rather painless and ive been happy ever since...Even gaming a select few titles (True Combat elite, Darwinia, Quakes and Unreals...!) Its about time people like me get an easy option to opt out of Windows force fed when buying computers!
mr.auer 02/19/07	In addition to my last comment, Id also like to point out that Ive also helped out non-computer literate friends with buying a new computer. I always offer to install Linux for them, make sure the box they buy works with it flawlessly, and help them to learn use it. Or, I will install XP w. Linux as dual boot, should they want to buy a Windows with the computer. So far, Ive installed a couple Linux only boxes and a couple dualboots, about 50/50 ;) So its not really true to say "only techies are interested in this", its more like common computer users with normal skills are often very interested in trying Linux when they have an easy option to do so, ie. preinstalled system or someone holding their hand and giving advice in the start, or maybe the option to use both OSes side by side and see what they like.
bashar 02/19/07	If Dell offers Ubuntu on their their machines with fully functional hardware I'd but a few right now. Ubuntu is indispensable at my work place. It runs great on old machines that were originally designed for Windows. I can't imagine the improvement if it gets installed on machines that were custom designed for it (this includes use of Linux BIOS firmware to get improved boot up times). Besides why pay extra for an OS when an excellent alternative exits, for zero cost. I do hope Dell seriously considers this suggestion. I'm positive that at the end it will be to their benefit.
mr.auer 02/19/07	Pdonket: I run mostly games that work natively on linux, like Unreal Tournamemt 03 and 04, Enemy Territory and its great tactical combat mod True Combat:Elite, Darwinia and Uplink from Introversion (nice original games!), OpenArena (a Quake open-source port), Cube and Sauerbraten (3d fastpaced fragging), Tremulous, Americas Armys older versions run natively. Many, but no way all, newer games like HalfLife 2, WoW etc can be run with Cedega (not free) or Wine (free). There are games, but not so many...im not happy with it, but im still happier with using a solid OS with fewer games than an insecure OS with plenty games ;) But that, my friend, is a matter of choice and taste. Hardcore gamers need not apply just yet :p
nutz 02/19/07	vote
jeevesbond 02/19/07	I just spent over $1,000 CAD with http://thelinuxstore.ca/ to buy a laptop with Ubuntu pre-installed. You're losing business Dell!
antdx1 02/19/07	To those who say they have to train support, not necessarily. While I do not speak for Canonical, I'm sure that they would be able to find some sort of support deal for Ubuntu users, in exchange for preinstalling and supporting Ubuntu on the desktop. I'd even go so far as to imagine that Canonical would offer support for way less than what users have to pay for Windows. The problem with the old nSeries machines, and other equivalents, is that they cost MORE than their hardware counterparts with Windows preinstalled? Why would any user, even a hardcore Linux user, pay $200 more for Dell to tell them their computer will work with Linux when they can go to the Ubuntu forums and have that tell them that the Windows-ready machine works just as good. The nSeries was better than what most companies are doing, but if Dell does this, they should really put something into it that the user can truly benefit from, and even maybe market this new operating system, rather than having users search Dell.com to find it.
shrewduser 02/19/07	wow, windows trolls have a lot of pent up hate... jesus loves you guys... (probably)
wayward4now 02/19/07	I agree with mr. auer completely. Just keep in mind that Linux was used to create Doom and Quake way back when, then they were ported to Windows. I proudly run Fedora Core 6 and the arguments that it is too fast paced will be addressed in Fedora 7, or whatever they decide to call it. The new SecondLife Linux client works well and it's free. I listen to quad sound, enjoy a solid nVidia display, the games that I play rock and roll. As far as customer support, all Dell has to do is announce that they want to hire Linux geeks and I'll be on their doorstep in Winston-Salem yesterday, :)

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