bboru

No Extra Software Option

Software submitted by ootleman 02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

Would love the ability to have a clean Vista install. No AOL software, no earthlink software, no google software - just a clean, original OS.


Check out jeremy_f's update on our current software options.


591 Comments »

Old computer recycle program

Environment, Desktops and Laptops submitted by carr0075 02/20/07

Maybe DELL does this already, but DELL should offer consumers a computer recycling program for their old computers. If DELL wants to really work towards being "green" reducing the amount of computer related toxic material being dumped into local landfills would be a good beginning. Comment »

Preinstalled FOSS

Linux, Software, Desktops and Laptops submitted by sceptre0 02/20/07

Although I don't think it would be a good idea to go overboard with preinstalled software, a few free and open source software (FOSS) programs would be nice. Having a large computer company such as Dell behind these products would really give open source the traction it needs to be widely accepted. Also, FOSS does not expire or require activation such as most of the software currently bundled with Dell computers. The currently bundled programs add no value whatsoever to the product and are actually a nuisance to most people. Open source would greatly improve the out of the box user experience. These are the programs I believe would ADD VALUE to Dell computers.

Firefox
- Safer than IE
- Easy to use
- Hundreds of extensions
- Compatible with almost all websites
Openoffice
- Compatible with MS Office files
- FREE! (Hundreds of $ less than MS Office)
- Easy to use interface
- PDF export
Gaim
- Compatible with all major chat networks
- Ad free (no more annoying flashing ads)
- Easy to use

Also, a link to a repository of Dell approved free and open source software (FOSS) for download would allow users a one stop shop for free software. It would make it easier for people to find FOSS which is free, capable, and ad/sypware free.

I would also like to see Linux, primarily Ubuntu, offered as an alternate to Microsoft Windows. This could allow Dell to further lower prices because Linux is free. For the inexperienced computer user Ubuntu Linux is easier to use and virtually immune to infection. Ubuntu is a great easy to use alternative to Mac OS X which is not available for the PC.

Thank you for taking my thoughts into consideration. 1 Comment »

Website Dedicated to Linux Support for all Dell Model Computers

Dell Web Site, Linux, Service and Support submitted by jthurst 02/19/07 **ALREADY OFFERED**

A website that dedicated to Linux On Dell. Recommendations for xorg.conf file configurations and power management configuration/drivers. It would be great if Dell would dedicate some resources to Linux Support on Dell. When I think of what laptop to buy I think about which Vendor is the most Linux friendly or else what Makes and Model's seem to be working out best for Linux users. Dell laptops seem to have a lot of new powerful hardware that's tough getting Linux to work well on it. For example, the drivers/modules for getting the power management features to work and the Alps/Synaptic drivers and configuration tools is also tricky. The X-windows monitor and graphics card detection and auto-configuration doesn't work well on many Dell Models. Dell has an opportunity to do a lot for the Linux community and in turn the Linux community could do a lot for Dell. I used to have a Dell D600 and now have a Dell 620 and I'm always spending weeks trying to get everything to work properly.


Please see comments below
13 Comments »

Laptop Web Cam and Microphone

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by terrymain 02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

All new laptops should have a built in web cam and quality voice recorder/microphone.


Webcams are standard on all XPS laptops and an option on all Inspiron laptops.




134 Comments »

coreboot (formerly LinuxBIOS) instead of proprietary BIOS

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by yesmathew 02/20/07

coreboot (formerly known as LinuxBIOS) is a Free Software project aimed at replacing the proprietary BIOS (firmware) you can find in most of today's computers.
- Fast boot times 3 sec.
- Runs in 32-Bit protected mode almost from the start
- Can boot Windows too...

External links:
- http://www.coreboot.org/Welcome_to_coreboot
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linuxbios<

An Example:
- http://wiki.laptop.org/go/LinuxBIOS 93 Comments »

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

Linux, Operating Systems - Multiboot, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted 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.

1829 Comments »

Provide Linux Drivers for all your Hardware

Linux submitted by gergnz 02/19/07 **IN PROGRESS**

I don't care whether the OS is pre-installed or not, I want all the hardware to be totally supported in the Linux kernel without in mucking around. I currently have a Dell M1210 and I wish the modem would work, just in case I need it. The web cam would work, just in case I need it. At least the Intel wireless card is totally supported. Thanks Intel!!
Drivers are available for Linux to make some but not all hardware work. We continue to work with our partners to provide for better hardware support. See more specifics from john_h.




186 Comments »

Linux 2.6.16 ready (sticker)

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by chiuchu 02/19/07

Hello,
How about a sticker like windows' which show that the PC is fully compatible with Linux ? A sticker with "Linux 2.6 ready" or "Ubuntu 6.10 Capable" or something like this. Thanks. 113 Comments »

Going green by planting a tree

Dell, Environment, Desktops and Laptops submitted by carr0075 02/20/07

Fluffy and empty of true impact. I look forward to the time when vast Dell forests cover the barren plains of .... hmmm, I mean the vast carbon spewing life-sucking cities of....where are the tree's being planted again? Ok, the idea of planting trees is not totally without merit but, gee whiz, is this the best idea that Dell could conceive?

A better idea would be more energy efficient machines and more transparency on how you recycle e-waste (where do you send all of that old lead etc..Asia?). Tell your customers where they can send old machines for recycling rather than have toxic material end up in landfills. An even better idea would be to offer your customers the option of paying a small fee, similar to the tree idea, that would allow them to send their computer back to Dell for recycling. Heck Dell wouldn't even have to do much more than act as a go between for an established recycling company. Comment »

No OS Preloaded

Linux, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by agreer 02/17/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

I have a XP Pro retail copy, will soon buy retail vista, I also like Linux: Make WINDOWS-FREE, and OS-Free an option for more than just expensive business lines.


Dell has systems available that do not have an OS pre-loaded called N-Series line. You can check them out at www.dell.com/nseries.

460 Comments »

Pre-Installed OpenOffice | alternative to MS Works & MS Office

Software, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dhart 02/17/07

Provide OpenOffice.org for free pre-installation alongside Microsoft Works and Microsoft Office. OpenOffice.org is more capable than Microsoft Works, and a serious competitor to Microsoft Office, at a fraction of the cost (it's free!)

OpenOffice.org can open, create, edit and save Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files.

Provide as OPTIONS for pre-installation many other high-quality free software programs such as:
- Firefox: web browser with popup and privacy controls; say goodbye to Internet Explorer infections!
- Thunderbird: email program with free anti-spam and privacy controls
- Pidgin: instant messaging all-in-one program for popup-free MSN, Yahoo, AOL and others
&nsbp;[ed: GAIM was renamed Pidgin in April 2007 to settle the issue with AOL's trademark on AIM]
- PDFCreator: creates Adobe PDF files from any program
- Scribus, Inkscape & GIMP: desktop publishing, freehand drawing & powerful image editing
- Audacity & VLC: multi-track audio editing & universal all-in-one media/video/movie/DVD player
- Stellarium & Celestia: planetarium viewer & outer-space mapping, like Google Earth, but for our Solar System

Pre-installed quality free and open source software drastically lowers the cost of new PCs, and helps prevent software piracy. Cast your vote for Linux and other free software. Cast your vote for the Universal Education PC [ed: article removed/merged by dell_admin] utilizing free software.

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.
574 Comments »

Stripped down, fast Linux Box

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops, Linux submitted by pawprintz 02/17/07 **REVIEWED**

How about a fast, Internet ready Linux desktop. Small form factor, pretty monitor, mouse & keyboard, the O.S., OpenOffice & Firefox. Cheap'n'fast


Dell sees the value of this idea, and is keeping the sugestions for a Linux small form factor on the radar. john_h will let the community know of any new information as it comes.




130 Comments »

pre-installed linux ubuntu on desktops and laptops

Linux, Operating Systems, Desktops and Laptops submitted by fra9000 02/20/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

i think linux will be the future...so please make some model-line of desktops and laptops with ubuntu linux pre-installed... thanks


This idea has been implemented on select desktops and notebooks in the US, UK, France and Germany.

80 Comments »