aparicion2

OS vitrualisation built into preload Linux as standard.

Linux, Operating Systems submitted by smah 05/01/07

Preloading Ubuntu or other Linux distribution with KVM as standard built in and ready to go, with VNC clients for Windows and Linux and a Windows OS install script included on the standard install, would allow users to install and reuse old OSes like Windows. There is a market for PCs with no OS, and I believe that much of the demand for them is to allow customers to install old versions of Windows.

Providing hardware accelerated KVM virtualisation with preloaded Linux will overcome most objections of users who might buy Dell PCs preloaded and be dissapointed that they can't run a particular Windows application that they want to. It will also appeal to those who would otherwise have bought an OSless PC, since they can have a modern, security update supported OS with a 3D desktop, and still run Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP/Vista Pro in a sandbox. Dell might even sell new boxed sets or OEM Windows disks for running as virtual machines, particularly from businesses.

I would complain also about the Microsoft EULA which allows the most expensive version of Vista to be run as a virtual machine (which is the best for a virtual machine due to it's small footprint, low cost, and the fact that it runs in a virtual sandbox means poor security isn't so much of an issue), but prevents the home edition from being used in the same way. This seems to me to be interference with business, and an abuse of monopoly. After all, what business does Microsoft have to tell users what system (physical or virtual) they can run Microsoft's OS on? What right does Microsoft have to dictate that you can run other OSes on Vista, but you can't run Vista on other OSes? 4 Comments »

Please install Ubuntu 7.04 on select consumer machines!

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by benjesuit 05/01/07

Yes, please install Ubuntu 7.04 Linux on select consumer desktops and notebooks in the coming weeks.

Oh wait, that's already going to happen.

LOL.

Ubuntu is the best of the bunch. Glad they choose that than the others. 26 Comments »

Upgrade installed Windoze to Ubuntu on supported laptops

Linux, Laptops submitted by bluevoter 05/01/07

I have a year-old Inspiron E1505 that came with Windoze XP and various craplets preinstalled. It's under a Dell service contract. I'd like to send it back to Dell and get a fresh install of Ubuntu on a wiped disk. I suspect that there are others in the same situation who might even pay a nominal fee (under $100) for this service. 3 Comments »

Sell discounted Ubuntu CDs to Dell customers who didn't get the option.

Linux submitted by jmxz 05/01/07

Now for all us unfortunate Dell customers who got Windows when we would have preferred Linux during the years after you stopped selling Linux notebooks (2002?) - how about selling a discounted Ubuntu DVDs.

Yes, I know I could download them or get CDs sent to me from

for $0 ; or buy the disks for a few dollars from one of many online retailers

But I might want it from you for a number of reasons.

• I would expect the version from you to have the appropriate drivers for Dell machines.
• shipit.ubuntu.com "takes up to ten weeks" to send the disks for $0. I trust you could send them faster.
• I might not want to download and burn CDs; perhaps a slow ISP or I might not have a CD burner.
• You already made me give you cash for an OS I didn't want. Perhaps you could use some of these dollars to give me a few dollar discount below what the alternatives cost.

7 Comments »

Send Best Ubuntu Laptop (and Desktop?) to PC Magazine!

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by maccam94 05/01/07

PC Magazine is one of the most widely read computing magazines, and by sending your top Linux configurations to them for review, you will get the word out about your exciting new offerings, as well as generate awareness about Linux itself. 5 Comments »

Media Center Edition

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by usacomputertec 05/01/07

Yes Ubuntu has it when it comes to MCE just go to linuxMCE.com and check it out. The video demonstration says it all. For Dell to pass up this free software would be a grave mistake. Of course the hardware support would need to be helped and 64 bit support is a must I don't know if they offer a 64 bit version of LINUX MCE. Linux MCE is installed on top of Ubuntu and can be the primary default start up option or regular Ubuntu can but for a media center it would turn any PC into an XBOX on steroids, injected with Nitro, and supped up with Linux.

Personaly for me to switch from SUSE and FEDORA to UBUNTU would require that I could compile programs with make and gcc and all those fine things we find in SUSE and FEDORA if Dell wants to create another LINDOWS or Linspire then they can go somewhere else because the Linux community WILL NOT support a commercial effort. All efforts must be free and open source. Also Dell needs to sponsor the Tux500.com race car. It would bring them lots of business!

If anyone needs support with open suse they can just go to www.mindblowingidea.com and click Self Help. Of course you can also use the IRC chat built in to open suse to ask questions. 2 Comments »

Sell Linux PCs Worldwide - not only the United States

Linux, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by ergo 05/02/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

Dell has now decided to sell computers with Linux pre-installed. GREAT MOVE! But for the moment, it only concerns the US... Here outside the US, we can't wait to buy a pre-installed Linux Dell PC! Please sell Linux PCs worldwide!


Check out the details on Dell Linux systems worldwide!
522 Comments »

See only Linux compatible components when building your own system

Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by frozenfire 05/03/07

It would be nice when building you own system on the Dell site, you can tick a box and then it doesn't show the components that aren't Linux compatible. 3 Comments »

Allow Us to Delete Our Own Articles

IdeaStorm submitted by josmar52789 05/03/07

To my knowledge, we can't even delete the articles we post on IdeaStorm. What in the world is Dell thinking? Maybe that's why it's so cluttered on this site... 10 Comments »

Pre-installed Linux must play commercial DVDs

Education, Linux submitted by jonmca 05/03/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

You probably know this, but a "show stopper" requirement for most consumers and many educators and business road warriers is having laptops and desktops that can play commmercial DVDs. I have a hunch that preinstalled Linux on Dell machines will be a terrific success if Dell Linux desktops and laptops have this capability. I've been told that http://www.videolan.org/ has one possible approach.

Having Linux playing commercial DVDs may also catapult Dell into the complex Digital Rights Management contoversy so it would be wise to get Dell's legal staff involved ASAP and also have this discussed this at the highest strategic management levels at Dell (if this is not already being done).


Check out the Ideas in Action post from Daniel Judd. And you can also check out this follow-up post from John Hull who leads our engineering efforts behind Linux on consumer systems.
32 Comments »

With Ubuntu installed models, offer a "Linux starter kit" to help transition from Windows.

submitted by benjesuit 05/03/07

As an option for the Ubuntu Linux preinstalled models, offer a starter kit to help former windows users make a somewhat seamless transfer away from windows and onto Linux.

This kit should contain:

1. Codeweaver's CROSSOVER LINUX which allows Ubuntu (as well as other Linux distros) to run popular Windows software.

2. List of currently compatible software that runs with Crossover Linux.

In addition, in all online and print ads, let this option be prominently displayed along with a brief but concise explanation of Crossover Linux's capabilities.

I believe that this will make the Ubuntu Linux models more attractive to the general public and make the transistion to Linux less of a "risk." 10 Comments »

Ubuntu and more

Linux submitted by p2justin 05/03/07

I think that in addition to Ubuntu being preinstalled on Dell computers other distributions should be offered as well. But there should also be a little "Which Linux is Best for Me" button next to the row of check boxes where you get to pick what you want. That would give Linux a big boost and give Dell users more freedom. 3 Comments »

TV Commercial for New Ubuntu PCs

Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by josmar52789 05/03/07

Dell should produce a new commercial for the Ubuntu PCs. It could tell the consumers of America why Dell has chosen to pre-install Linux on mainstream computers and hopefully promote the advantages of this new endeavor. Plus, it's likely that Dell's Linux initiative would be much more successful. 115 Comments »

Genuine Ubuntu Sticker

Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by josmar52789 05/04/07

Show Microsoft that we can be professional too. Plus, Linux could get some more publicity this way... 6 Comments »

Lightscribe for Dell PCs

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), New Product Ideas submitted by josmar52789 05/04/07

Dell computers need to have Lightscribe functionality in their CD/DVD burners. It's a great technology, but I haven't found it on a Dell PC... 7 Comments »

Require Microsoft to Print on Every Box:Microsoft Recommends DELL for Windows Vista

Advertising and Marketing, Sales Strategies submitted by reg 05/04/07 **NOT NOW**

<font>
Microsoft requires you to recommend Windows?
Require Microsoft to recommend DELL on EVERY box of Windows Vista.

'Microsoft Recommends DELL computers for Windows Vista.'

Yes, every box they sell, in every store - should be promoting DELL.

What is fair is fair.

</font> 18 Comments »

Commercial software library for Dell's Ubuntu

Linux, Software submitted by sorkkarauta 05/04/07

Establish a software repository for commercial Ubuntu software. It would be a new distribution channel and innovative way to sell software.

In this case all new Ubuntu PC's would have limited access to download commercial software (eg. games, tools, productivity sofware etc.). It would be good way to gain incomes by selling centralized distribution channel for commercial software developers and it is also supportive function for sales.

I am pretty sure that it is very difficult find a place for Ubuntu commercial software in stores. But this problem can be avoided if Dell is able to provide software distribution channel for customers.

Please comment: tuomolle@jippii.fi 3 Comments »

iTunes preinstalled

Software submitted by plesaleza 05/05/07

it seems many people have iPods, and most of those people use iTunes to put music on them. It would be easier if we didn't have to go only and download and install the program. 6 Comments »

Make longer lasting batteries for better portability

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptop Power submitted by winoffice 05/05/07 **IN PROGRESS**

Don't make us recharge our laptops' batteries so often! A recent Cnet article (posted at Cnet's news site at about May 5, 2007) explains that Windows Vista's Aero Glass feature gives you less battery life. So, if we want Windows Vista, then we either have to recharge more often, or pay extra for more and better batteries! Instead, make Dell get rid of the batteries which quickly lose their charge...and come up with something that would give us longer battery life as follows (under Windows Vista), without making us stay away from Windows Vista or pay an extra $99 for another and better battery.

Basic laptops: at least 2 1/2 hours battery life
Entertainment laptops: at least 3 1/2 hours battery life
XPS laptops: at least 4 1/2 hours battery life 31 Comments »

Show More Ideas Per Page

IdeaStorm submitted by thebittersea 05/05/07

Instead of showing the whole idea which can sometimes take up the whole page -- we can fit more ideas per page if we limit the number of lines in preview mode. Folks can then choose to click on the title to see the whole idea.
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Suggested by fellow IdeaStormTroopers - mistern:
Don't allow people to click promote/demote before having clicked on the article link. No judging based on preview.
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Please promote this idea. This will make IdeaStorm cleaner to look at. Thank you all!
3 Comments »