SMALL BIZ ADVICE
What would you ask Michael?
The Dell Community has contributed: 9789 ideas | promoted 668005 times | 76211 comments

How IdeaStorm Works:

Post Promote Discuss See
Linux Comments | Linux Ideas | Software Comments | Software Ideas
-10

Put Wubi EXE and Ubuntu Feisty ISO on Desktop of all Windows Systems

-10 points posted to Linux, Software by limulus 08/18/07

There have been MANY requests for Windows/Linux dual-boot systems on IdeaStorm and likely they won't be approved; quoting Mark Shuttleworth:

Asked whether Dell should be offering dual-boot Windows/Ubuntu Linux systems, Shuttleworth said it was an interesting idea but not something he imagined would happen anytime soon as it would probably conflict with existing contractual obligations. "As soon as you try to fit two people into one chair so to speak, you run into contractual issues, and those issues are not from our side. But I'm not at all averse to the idea. I don't mind if someone wants to run Windows next to Ubuntu," he said.

In other words, Microsoft won't allow it.

However, what about Wubi?

Wubi is an unofficial Ubuntu installer for Windows users that will bring you into the Linux world with a single click. Wubi allows you to install and uninstall Ubuntu as any other application. If you heard about Linux and Ubuntu, if you wanted to try them but you were afraid, this is for you.



---
Wubi is Safe

It does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader.

Wubi is Simple

Just run the installer, no need to burn a CD.

Wubi is Discrete

Wubi keeps most of the files in one folder, and If you do not like, you can simply uninstall it. [ed. note: uninstalling is done via Windows' Add/Remove Programs :]

Wubi is Free

Wubi (like Ubuntu) is free as in beer and as in freedom [ed. note: its licensed under the GPL]. You will get this part later on, the important thing now is that it cost absolutely nothing, it is our gift to you...
---

Read more here.

What I am specifically proposing is that Dell put the Wubi installer EXE and the Ubuntu Feisty ISO (and probably a little readme.txt file) on new systems (though not installed) so that end users can try Linux from the comfort of Windows. If Dell doesn't actually install Wubi (just have the EXE and ISO sitting on the desktop or a directory such) then that should hopefully bypass any contractual obligations Dell is under on its Windows machines...

It won't cost Dell anything (its free software) and if a user doesn't want it, they can just delete the directory and that's that.

davmcn
08/18/07		 It looks pretty cool. but not on all systems unless wanted...and they still have options for Xp, vista...etc..
kyliemanders
08/18/07		 Most people don't even care what OS they have.

They just want a web browser, compatibility with Microsoft Office and to be able to run the most popular software. This leaves Vista and XP, and even OSX (with Windows). If that is all a computer could do, that would be enough for 90% of the people.

Only the hobby user would be interested in something like this.
niallabrown
08/19/07		 Naw.... and I'm a big Ubuntu fan.
ebrahim
08/19/07		 A good step in introducing GNU/Linux to people who have always used and seen only M$ Windows.
bennish
08/19/07		 interesting.

every single problem i've had that put me off using linux was that i ran into problems installing it.

this might be a good idea.
qarnak
08/20/07		 I think that adding something like that to Winders based Dells might give the wrong impression, which is that Dell is trying to push people away from Winders and towards Ubuntu. I know that people tend to be very loyal to their Linux distros, and tend to be very vocal about how much better Linux is vs. Winders, but I think you can actually turn people off by trying too hard. Does that make sence ???

Peace,

Bob
bulletgani
08/21/07		 too many negative votes ............ M$ at work ?
bennish
08/21/07		 yes, bulletgani, they're in league with the Grays and Jack Ruby
winoffice
09/05/07		 Don't make people get it, why force it on us?
winoffice
09/05/07		 bulletgani: maybe, but if you read my first comment, you would understand that the reason for my demoting this idea is only because this idea suggests forcing everyone to get it.
limulus
09/05/07		 winoffice: actually, this idea is a work-around to the contractual issues that likely prohibit dual booting. No one is forced to use Wubi in this scenario as its not even installed; its just sitting there, waiting for them if they want to try it (consider that in the US there are still a LOT of dial-up users; a 700 MB download (the ISO file) is a bit much for them). If you dislike it for the "Preinstalled Software Must Be Optional" reason, that's one thing, though as I said, no one is forced to use Ubuntu with this idea.
limulus
09/28/07		 This idea will almost certainly be mooted with the release of Ubuntu Gutsy in mid-October, as it looks like that version will contain Wubi on the disk in some shape or form :) If that is the case, please vote instead on an idea like including Ubuntu CDs with all Windows computers.
niallabrown
10/07/07		 Naw... I'm a huge supporter of Ubuntu but this just isn't reasonable. People need to find Ubuntu of their own accord. I would much rather have some good Freedomware installed by option over this. Say Lotus Symphony and firefox.
 
Atom feed track comments for this idea
Please log in to post a comment
recently promoted by: