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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 »

Say No to Microsoft SuSe Linux

Linux, Small Business submitted by dbyte32 08/08/07

Dell is offering Microsoft's SuSe Linux pre-installed in China, and plans to do the same in the US. MicroSoft shouldn't be allowed to profit from Linux. One of the founding ideas of Linux is freedom from Microsoft and this inferior software. 25 Comments »

Remove: "Dell recommends Windows Vista™..." from any publication

Advertising and Marketing submitted by tho.meier 02/21/07

It would be nice to see advertising without any Micro$oft, from Dell. I think there is enough advertising for MS from MS it self.

Somthing linke: "Dell supports muli-OS" would look good! Od: "Dell gives you the real choice" 61 Comments »

Make the dell ubuntu models available through the main webpage

Dell Web Site, Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by rajeevbhatta 06/19/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

Instead of having the model listings on a different webpage ( www.dell.com/open) have these models available from the product search you have on the main page or a link available through the main page (www.dell.com)

When I go to dell.com and I search for the product model numbers I never can find them I have to go to the other page and then I see it. The only thing I saw on the main page is a small flash ad which then takes you to the page.

Why cant you place these models with the other models on your page.........





30 Comments »

Advertise Ubuntu a little more loudly

Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by zhinker 05/16/07 **NOT NOW**

I may be wrong about this but it doesn't seem to me like Dell's done any sort of advertising at all for the new Ubuntu pc's that it'll be rolling out soon, except for it's initial declaration I haven't heard a word about on any non-linux media (everyone using linux knows about it of course).

Unless Dell is planning on marketing this solely to linux users, it might want to let the rest of the world know that it's going to be selling Ubuntu soon (a simple photo and note on their website would be enough to make a bunch of pc buyers at least interested, and the ad wouldn't even cost anything). The problem with going after only current linux users is that you're substantially lowering your market base (which of course, is already pretty low--I realize this is just an experiment) to people who might already have pc's their perfectly happy with for the next couple of years, and I'm also worried that this perceived lack of interest might give Dell, and hence other pc manufacturers, the idea that selling linux computers is still a failing enterprise.

That's my 2 cents 36 Comments »

Pre-install Linux with option of licensed codecs

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

Provide customers with the option to have Linux pre-installed as an alterrnative to Windows when purchasing a PC or laptop. As there are a huge number of Linux distributions available it might be sensible to offer from a few of the most popular ones e.g. Ubuntu, OpenSuse, Fedora which can be freely distributed at no cost. This would provide a competitive advantage as with zero licensing fees lower prices could be offered to customers.

Because of patent laws in some countries many freely downloadable Linux distributions do not provide certain 'essential' software such as decoders for commercial DVDs and other comon media formats as part of their core distribution. There is at least one company (whose name escapes me for now) that allows a user to purchase a bundle of licensed media codecs that can be legally installed on Linux in most, if not all jurisdictions. Offering somehing like this as an option at purchase would make it possible for users to access common media content without having to jump through hoops or risk straying onto the wrong side of the law.

9 Comments »

Why was the Ubuntu install so clean? - Idea: get your partners to subsidize your Linux offering by OPTIONALLY installing adware/trialware

Dell, Linux submitted by jmxz 06/07/07

When Voting - remember that these guys subsidize the cost of the Windows computers; probably making them more profitable than the Linux ones.

I was almost disappointed that I didn't see a bunch of things like AOL, MSN (well, OK, maybe not MSN because of their credit card fraud history http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/68093) on my E1505N desktop. Likewise, McAfee has some LinuxShield product ( http://www.mcafee.com/us/enterprise/products/anti_virus/file_servers_desktops... ). Sure, it probably does more harm than good - but that doesn't stop you from bundling it on Windows.

IE works on Linux ( http://www.google.com/search?q=ie+for+linux ). Wasn't that from the software vendor so sad that Dell made Google the default search engine ( http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,125889-page,1/article.html ). Perhaps they'd pay Dell a lot to make IE the default browser on Linux with whatever default search engine they liked.

The default home page on the E1505N is a static file from the hard disk; not some paid for homepage out on the internet. Surely someone would be happy to pay you for that default setting?

Note that all this crap (especially McAfee & MSN) have a reputation for giving users a HORRIBLE experience - so it shouldn't be forced on all Ubuntu users or they'll get a negative impression of your otherwise terrific machine. But for users who can deal with it, it might be nice to have someone help subsidize the system. Can you estimate how much $$$$ it would save Ubuntu customers, and if it's more than a few bucks add it as an option? 13 Comments »

Ad Campaign: What can you do with Ubuntu?

Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by limulus 09/04/07

There are currently ideas under review, such as "make ubuntu shine" which relate to advertising Dell's Ubuntu systems. If Dell decides to do some ads, here's an idea for an ad campaign:

"What can you do with Ubuntu?"



Find one or more people who have bought a Dell Ubuntu system and have them show off what they can do with their systems; string the clips those together into a commercial. Some themes that should become obvious:

* easy software installation and updates

* command line not necessary (Ubuntu is very much a GUI OS)

* compiling software not necessary

* full range of applications

* 3rd party proprietary apps, like Flash and Google Earth

* all the little games you could ever want (e.g. Sudoku)

* 'it just works'

* "wobbly windows" and other spiffy cool effects for fun :)

[see also my other ad campaign ideas: Families Switching to Ubuntu and Meet Mark Shuttleworth ] 26 Comments »

Sell the option for licenced codecs with ubuntu systems

Sales Strategies submitted by sheol 09/20/07

It would be great to have all the major media for4mats preinstalled on an Ubuntu OS. I'm sure people would happily pay money to not have to worry about these sorts of problems. Contact Apple and MicroSoft nd ask thm to allow users to buy a codec bundle on their preinstalled Ubuntu computer. 6 Comments »

Beware of the chaos that is Linux

Linux submitted by wlaoye 05/08/07

It is widely acknowledged that in business, as long as you don't make mistakes, you are doing alright. Before Dell goes further and deeper, it has to realise that Linux is a quagmire. It is nothing but chaos itself. Unlike MS, there isn't a clear-cut leader in Linux. It is many, many individuals or groups of them each trying to make a cut on their own by none can manage to do so well enough to be acknowledged as such. Software, we know, is not just applications, or OS or programming. Above all these is the support service, or rather, the quality of it. If Dell customers are to depend on the Ubuntu bunch to support them, they will be in for a shock.
Dell, before you put that stuff in to your PC, make sure that the support service is commendable. Perhaps start a support service business for Linux now. Meanwhile take a look at what Debian can do at http://wlaoye.no-ip.biz. 13 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. 117 Comments »

A simple "Why Ubuntu?" webpage on your site that's easily accessible

Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by benjesuit 06/25/07

A webpage that lists all the merits and capabilities of Ubuntu called "Why Ubuntu?" To help consumers at least get a better understanding of it.

It should include:

- screen shots of Ubuntu.



- All the software (especially open office, firefox, evolution, gimp, rythmbox,F-spot) included w/ popup links to screen shots



- Popup of repository of software available.
- List of third party commercial software available
- Highlight of Codeweavers Crossover (allows many MS apps to run under Linux)

C'mon Dell, give Ubuntu the old college try. 4 Comments »

Linux promotion

Advertising and Marketing, Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by alfadaemon 06/19/07

I don't know about you, but I noticed the label that you get when entering the only part of Dell site that you get for sure to see Ubuntu Linux.

The label that you first see on the site (The one with BIGGER LETTERS). I don't know about you but when someone ask me where they can find the "famous" Ubuntu-Dell computer I redirect them to www.dell.com/open, and what do you get in there? I frightening: "Not sure Open Source is for You?" What's this kind of marketing? You tell someone, hey there is Dell selling Linux computers but if you not sure if Linux is for you, come get a Windows PC!!!!

I believe that Linux is not only for the "Already an Open Source fan", Ubuntu, and Linux, is ready for much more of that. Why don't change that with something that motivate people to search and get involved in the Linux world?

I know that Dell is getting more $$$ for the Windows' computers, but I don't think this is the right way to promote a "new" product. Comment »

SHOUT IT FROM THE MOUNTAIN "DELL AND LINUX"

Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by dbyte32 05/04/07

Since Dell is stating that they are listening to our feed back and suggestions. I don't want to end up wading though tons of Links and find the Linux PC and Laptop options buried deep in some dark corner. So I'm asking all users to get behind the push for Dell to advertise Linux on it's main home page openly and seriously.

Come on Dell, Advertise Loud and Clear. Post the Linux ads, news and links on the main page.

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/ubuntu?c=us&cs=19&l=en& 2 Comments »

Ad Campaign: Families Switching to Ubuntu

Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by limulus 09/04/07

There are currently ideas under review, such as "make ubuntu shine" which relate to advertising Dell's Ubuntu systems. If Dell decides to do some ads, here's an idea for an ad campaign:

"Switching to Ubuntu"



Find one or more real families that are interested in a Dell Ubuntu system, but previously only had Windows experience (and don't actually need any special Wine-incompatible apps) and follow them for a while to get good sound-bytes and string those together into a commercial. Some themes that should become obvious:

* before-and-after comparisons of their Windows boxes with their shiny new Ubuntu systems

* the joy of exploring and discovery in the land of free software. 'Wait... all these thousands of programs available in Ubuntu are really FREE?' :)

* "It just works" Sally on GAIM/Pidgin, Johnny using Firefox, Dad using OpenOffice.org to do a spreadsheet, Mom downloading pics from a digital camera, Grandma playing Sudoku, etc. Something for everyone. No one has to fight their computer to get it to do what they want. No dreaded command line.

* Would you go back to Windows? (I think we can see the answer to this by now ;)

If Dell hurries, they can have these ads for the Christmas season!

[see also my other ad campaign ideas: What can you do with Ubuntu? and Meet Mark Shuttleworth ] 5 Comments »

Looking for Ubuntu Linux?

Dell Web Site, Linux, Laptops submitted by steve2 05/25/07

On your laptop site you have a "still looking for Windows XP" link. Putting a "Looking for Ubuntu Linux" (or "Ubuntu GNU/Linux" if the purists want it so) right below that would almost not change the design of the site, but make it much easier to find your linux laptop offering. At the minute one hardly finds it without being told where it is.
I know, you are only allowed to meet demand for Linux, not to create it, but such a link would only be followed by people already looking for the Ubuntu laptop. 5 Comments »

Tell us what WiFi chipset a laptop has.

Broadband and Mobility, Dell Web Site, Linux, Laptops submitted by tonyb2006 08/29/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

Tell us the WiFi chipset used in a laptop before we buy it so we know if the WiFi chipset supports a feature we want, or if it supports Linux or another operating system that we intend to use. The WiFi chipset being like "Intel ipw2200" or "Broadcom BCM4306", or "Ralink rt2500".







19 Comments »

Dell: Support Open BIOSes for Linux

Dell, Linux submitted by phubert 10/10/07 **REVIEWED**

An Open BIOS for Linux would free it from the DOS legacy code and speed boot times.

The current BIOS is a legacy throwback... it's time to replace it!






Our current priority is to expand Linux availability by bringing more platforms and languages to market. Read what daniel_j has to say.





26 Comments »

Put Ubuntu on the list of operating systems when building a PC!

Linux, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by samb0057 08/10/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

Ubuntu is hidden in a dark corner of the website. I work in IT support, and I have a client who was having virus problems a little while ago. I fixed the problem by installing Ubuntu on their PC. Very recently they called me asking for advice on a new computer, I told them about your new offer providing Ubuntu pre-installed on PCs and they wanted to purchase, but could not find the section on your site (this person is a very basic user, doesn't know what open-source means, probably didn't even see the open source link). There is no way they would have found your Ubuntu section on their own.

I urge you to offer Ubuntu as a choice of OSes in the system configuration wizard, the only way to really sell Ubuntu is to offer Ubuntu as a primary option, rather than a hidden alternative. I personally am looking to buy a new laptop, and you guys have always been my number 1 PC manufacturer (I don't think I've ever bought a new retail PC except from you guys), but I feel that your Ubuntu offerings are lacking. If you offered Ubuntu on some of the great deals you offer on your home page, I would be willing to pay just as much as I would for a Windows Vista system and I probably would have already ordered.







158 Comments »

Same discounts available on Ubuntu and Windows

Linux, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by jonsmirl 06/12/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

I'm ordering a Vista XPS 410 right now. I wanted a Ubuntu one but I'm going to throw away yet another copy of Windows. The Vista XPS 410 has $200 off today and free ship for a total of $869. The identical Ubuntu machine is $1019 plus $29.99 shipping. So today Ubuntu costs $170 more than Windows instead of $50 less. Why can't I have the same discounts on the Ubuntu machine? 50 Comments »