Make Linux and no Operating system standard options on all future products

August 17, 2007

Posted By:  jervis961

2394 Votes

Status: Archived

Promote

OK Dell you have committed to supplying Linux options in limited form. Since you have laid the groundwork already here is the next step. Every new product you release that needs an Operating system should have Linux and also no Operating System as an option in the configuration along side Windows. Since you have to write drivers and test compatability for Vista when making a new product just make it compatable with Linux at the same time. There will no longer be a need for a seperate sections for Linux or no Operating system since all of the products will have the option. this will help make your site easier to navigate for you customers. You can also create an ACCURATE help me choose section for the OS choices.

DELL/ Status Update




Check out what daniel_j has to say on the options we offer.


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  • Sep 2, 2010     Comment Link

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    Posted By: aikiwolfie

    Haveing seperate service codes for the hardware and OS sounds great. Dell could even sell retail versions of Windows and other software. Having more customisation at the software level could be very beneficial to Dell and it's partners. 
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  • Jul 29, 2010     Comment Link

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    Posted By: rkl

      I definitely think a "No OS" option is feasible for Dell to add, though I suspect they're avoiding doing so for three reasons:

    1. It might impact on the number of Windows pre-installs they sell - MIcrosoft probably set the Windows volume discount for Dell so that if sales drop by only a few percent, the price per OEM Windows install goes up.

    2. The No OS option will immediately reveal the cost of OEM Windows to the end-user - something that's tricky to work out normally.

    3. Users might (stupidly) expect OS or application support on Dell machines that they bought with no OS and then installed the OS on themselves. The trick to avoid this is that huge red box warnings about no OS/app support should be present throughout the No OS ordering (and on the invoice they are with the machine *and* a sticker saying "No OS pre-installed - do not contact Dell for OS or application support" is on the machine itself).

    One idea might be to provide a "OS/application Service Code" for the OS/software that's separate from the hardware "Service Code" that Dell currently use. That way, if someone phones up Dell to moan about OS or software issues, they have to give their OS/app code first before support will deal with them. No OS purchasers don't get the OS/app code of course.

    As for pre-installing Linux (presumably as an option next to No OS or the Windows varients), I suspect this may never happen, at least not across most or all of Dell's range. This is because support costs would rapidly increase - every hardware combo would have to be tested in 2 OS'es and all the support staff would have to be clued up on 2 OS'es etc.

    I think the following is enough:

    1. Supply a "No OS" option like the original idea suggested, right next to the Windows options. Make it very clear throughout the ordering process (and in shipped docs/stickers) that the OS and any applications are not supported by Dell if the "No OS" option is chosen.

    2. For both the core hardware and any accessories that can be ordered with it, certify that they work with Linux. For example, boot from a linux live CD and run a test suite against all detected hardware. For each piece of hardware listed on the Web site, add a green tick for those that pass Linux cerification and a red cross for those that don't. If all hardware gets green ticks, award a penguin logo on the Web site ("fully Linux compatible") and maybe even a penguin sticker on the front of the desktop if they order it with No OS?

    3. For red cross failures mentioned above, either change the hardware for something that passes Linux cerification or develop/sponsor a Linux driver for that hardware. The ultimate aim is that *all* Dell hardware sold is eventually Linux compatible.
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  • Oct 26, 2009     Comment Link

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    Posted By: jervis961

     You are absolutely correct phubert.  I haven't tried a linux install since January and felt it wasn't advanced (easy) enough for me yet.  I'm a geek and all but it seemed like there was a lot of work involved with Linux at the time.  While Linux is "free" it wasn't as easy to use as Windows and nowhere near as easy as OS X.  While using Windows I seem to be working FOR my computer with the constant upkeep (updates, defrag, virus scan, spyware scan, error messages,lousy networking, etc).  What I was looking for was a system that for the most part just plain works.  In the end I decided I wanted to work WITH my computer and not FOR my computer and went with OSX.  My change had nothing to do with Dell hardware but it had EVERYTHING to do with Microsoft Software.  Dell really needs to get behind Linux and help it advance to a higher level.  They also need to promote it as a alternative to Windows.  Apple has a huge opportunity to steal market share from Windows right now with all the people needing to get rid of XP in the next few years.  I think Dell is letting a great opportunity slip though their fingers because they have largely ignored the situation.  I don't care if they were short sighted or just afraid of Microsoft the fact is that Dell dropped the ball and time is running out.
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  • Oct 26, 2009     Comment Link

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    Posted By: phubert

    @aikiwolfie - isn't this exactly why people are abandoning PCs for Macs? They are willing to PAY for what they want. And I hear this more and more. Windows 7 will not turn this around. The simple fact, then, is that Dell and others are effectively abandoning the high-end TO Apple.
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  • Oct 24, 2009     Comment Link

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    Posted By: Citozzo

    This should be done worldwide and by all manufacturers.
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  • Oct 24, 2009     Comment Link

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    Posted By: aikiwolfie

    It might also be worth pointing out if people are actually buying Dells more expensive Linux offerings then those people are willing to pay a premium to get what they want.

    A lot of people who buy PCs go looking for the cheapest bargain they can get. Those people in my experience are ignorant of PCs and the differences in hardware and software. Those are the people that don't understand the difference between a netbook and a gaming rig. Because all PCs are the same right?

    Currently most people using Linux still understand the differences in hardware and software. They are able to make an educated decision. And they are still it seems willing to pay a premium to get the system they want.

    That's not something Dell should be turning it's nose up at. Look at the loyal following Apple has. It has cult like status. With better global support for desktop Linux Dell could be the Apple of the Linux world.
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  • Oct 24, 2009     Comment Link

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    Posted By: phubert

    If I were to buy a new Dell, it would have to come with FreeDOS or no OS since I'm fairly certain the one I might want would NOT come with Linux pre-installed.

    IF the Linux systems cost MORE, does that imply that Linux buyers are paying a Microsoft tax?

    Meaning, is Dell collecting TRIBUTE FOR Microsoft FROM Linux customers?
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  • Oct 23, 2009     Comment Link

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    Posted By: jirilebl

    I just bought a new laptop.  I looked at Dell and wanted to buy a Dell since I was satisfied with it before.  BUT since the only options with ubuntu (or any linux) preinstalled were not what I wanted I went with another reseller.  The choice of linux systems is VERY limitted on dell.  Not to mention that the prices seem to be steeper for ubuntu system, the configurations seem to be more outdated and there is very little flexibility in customization.  I really didn't feel like getting another windows system just to wipe windows.  Maybe in another 2-3 years when I'm buying another laptop.  But only there is the right configuration with linux preinstalled.
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  • Oct 16, 2009     Comment Link

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    Posted By: aikiwolfie

    Pressure from Microsoft?
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  • Oct 16, 2009     Comment Link

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    Posted By: zelrikriando

    I think Dell should look at what the competition is doing. They are not the only ones who supports Ubuntu and smaller companies supports it in a much better way with competitive prices. The result of this half committement is that I wont buy a Ubuntu machine with Dell due to lack of offer. I am planing to buy a new laptop pretty soon actually and I need a decent machine, was looking in the $800-900 range : @Dell : you dont offer ubuntu on those machines, why?

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