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640

Develop A Linux/Ubuntu Compatibility Testing Tool

640 points posted to Linux, Desktops and Laptops by aikiwolfie Jan 24

It's clear now that implementation of Ubuntu across Dells range of desktop and notebook systems is going to be a slow and arduous process. Undoubtedly there's a tone of compatibility testing and bug fixing to be done before Dell can sell most systems to customers that just work. Dell however are holding things back by not utilizing the Linux communities greatest assets. Linux users!

The idea is quite simple. Distribute an automated test pattern to Dell customers who are already running Linux/Ubuntu on their PCs. The automated tool will probe the systems configuration and ask the user about any technical difficulties they face and report the results back to Dell.

With an army of users out there Dell could quickly amass a wealth of valuable test data with respect as to what works and what doesn't work. This would allow Dell to concentrate their Ubuntu efforts on the systems that are most compatible. Which would in turn allow Dell to quickly provide a good range of choice for it's Ubuntu and Linux customer base.

Think of it as a way of Simplifying IT!

jmxz
Jan 24		 @aikiwolfie: "It's clear now that implementation of Ubuntu across Dells range of desktop and notebook systems is going to be a slow and arduous process. "

I still don't get it. Why was it so much easier last time Dell did this.

Quoting Michael Dell from last time:

Jun 2000 · Michael Dell responds to "if I log on to your Web site and order a laptop running Linux, will you ship it to me", Michael Dell: "Absolutely. Not only can you order a laptop, but you can order at least one configuration of every single product we sell, and we would encourage you to. We are one of the leading providers of Linux-based systems, and I believe that's a rapidly growing part of the market."

Aug 2000 · Michael Dell says "Dell is now the No. 2 provider of Linux-based systems worldwide and the first major manufacturer to offer Linux across ts full product line"

Aug 2000 · Michael Dell says "configurations of all Dell products are now designed, tested and certified for Linux. Our factories can now customize each system -- from PCs to servers -- with Linux. "

Jan 2003 · Michael Dell says "We continue to offer Linux on the desktop and there is nothing else to say," in response to the question "some people suggested Microsoft may have nudged you in that direction[to scale back Linux]"

Links to those quotes and more are in this idea

They did it extremely quickly before. From Feb 2000 (when Dell announced their first Linux notebook) - to having Linux on all product lines in Jun 2000 - was only 4 months.

I don't think it's the technology holding them back (which this Idea would help address). If anything, Linux hardware support is better now than in 2000. I think the slowdowns are more likely something other than technology - like contract clauses with their other vendors.
aikiwolfie
Jan 24		 It's an enigma. Every time I've installed Linux on any PC it's worked fine. I don't know what is holding Dell back and to be honest I'm tired of the mud slinging. It's not making a difference. The only way to get Dell to move forward with Linux is to keep the pressure on in a positive way. Remove the excuses for the dithering. Other PC manufacturers are charging a head. They don't seem to be suffering the same hassles as Dell. Asus even built and whole new machine with it's own distro.

As always Dell are waiting for someone else to make the first move. Asus brought out the EeePC. Dell have responded with the M1330n. It's a welcome edition to the Ubuntu line up and it's cheaper and more configurable than it's Vista variant. I very nearly bought one today. But I'm trying not to spend too much. It's tempting though.

What I would like to see Dell produce now is a high end Ubuntu Desktop. Based on the XPS 700/710/720/720 H2C. While my upgrade to from an XPS 700 system board to a 720 system board killed my XP installation stone dead, Ubuntu has come through it with flying colours. There were one or two niggles with the nvidia stripe raid 0 arrays but I got them sorted and ironed out. So I now have a 100% pure Ubuntu XPS 720 with an Intel Core 2 Quad CPU which runs smoother than XP ever did.

That's not bad for the OS that's treated like the poor cousin in the corner.
delltech
Jan 24		 no one bought it, it was Red Hat.
jmxz
Jan 24		 If Linux is hard for some reason (politics, technology, whatever) - why not start with an easier one that seems just as much (if not more) in demand. No OS. Even the WinXP people seem to like that one.
aikiwolfie
Jan 25		 Well they're clearly behind on the compatibility testing ;o)
jmxz
Jan 25		 Perhaps they need an Idea posted for "Develop A No OS Compatibility Testing Tool"
kenjennings
Jan 25		 Sun has a tool -- they provide a downloadable .iso image to create a bootable CD that tests a PC's hardware for Solaris compatability.

http://www.sun.com/bigadmin/hcl/hcts/install_check.jsp
aikiwolfie
Jan 25		 Cool. I think I'll give a whirl just for kicks.
 
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