Dell E-vote on which linux distro Dell will offer- "The Dell Linux Distro Elections"
IdeaStorm, Linux submitted by arclight
02/24/07 **IMPLEMENTED**
Why not have a online E-Vote about which linux distro to offer.
As the Ideastorm community update pointed out, even though there is a lot of interest in "linux"- there is diverse opinions about what is the best distro and which ones Dell should offer. Its not practical to offer all of them, yet in the end any single distro will result in complaints and be a compromise.
Rather then try to decide independently which distro to offer first, host a online e-vote election where distro's can be nominated and run in a large online election.
By having an organized election:
*it will be limited to clear choices (distro's that were nominated)
*Each will get the same exposure to voters, and in the same time frame.
In the long run, any number of distros could be offered but this could help make it clear what distro has a lot of support and take the 'heat' off Dell for whatever choice it does make. If a distro team is angry they did not get elected its the community not Dells fault, and they could always run again next year in another linux election.
Consider this excerpt from the Dell IdeaStorm February 23, 2007 release:
"As this community knows, there is no single customer preference for a distribution of Linux. In the last week, the IdeaStorm community suggested more than half a dozen distributions. We don't want to pick one distribution and alienate users with a preference for another. "
Dell does not have to pick, the community can choose for them with an election.
--Update March 13th--
They heard! From Ideas In Action:
March 13, 2007
Linux – We’re listening... Now Tell Us More... : )
The IdeaStorm community’s interest in open source solutions like Linux on Dell platforms has come through loud and clear. Many of you have suggested a survey to help Dell determine which distribution is most popular, and we think that’s a great idea. Based on your idea, we now have a short survey, which will be open until March 23, where you can tell us more about your favorite distribution of Linux, your preferred method of support, and more.
To access our Linux survey, see today’s blog post on Direct2Dell. We hope you’ll continue to be a part of this discussion on Direct2Dell and IdeaStorm, and check back for more details as we gather your input.
Here are the links (survey ended)
Link to the blog here here
Link to the survey here (survey ended link removed)
--Update March 24th--
The Dell linux survey ended.
Check out the Idea in Action that gives the details on the Linux survey.
1060
Add Mandriva to the list
Linux submitted by lostinspace
02/21/07
I have just gone through the process of trying several different linux distros as the main OS on a new OS-free PC I bought (not from Dell, obviously). I went through the latest Fedora to OpenSuse to Ubuntu, and finally tried Mandriva One, as well as Mandriva Free. Both the Mandriva versions were the least problematic and most flexible of the bunch, so You should add Mandriva to your list. PLEASE. PLEASE, PLEASE.
The others are okay, but the fits and finishes on Mandriva are the best I've seen. One simple example involves fonts. As a graphic artist, webmaster and editor, that has been the worst of part of trying out Linux. But in Mandriva, installing a font is a breeze, primarily because it automatically links the fonts with the big apps that will use them. With other distros I've tried, you're pretty much on your own. You can install a nice font in Suse, and then God help you trying to figure out how to use it in something like Openoffice.
That said, you should also talk to Warren Woodford, who does Mepis. It was the first I used, and is second best behind Mandriva, in my opinion.
1210
Provide Linux compatibility information on all products up front
Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by spm
02/21/07 **REVIEWED**
My company used to buy all out IT products from Dell. The main reason we don't buy any Dell products any more is that it is so difficult to get information from Dell on Linux compatibility, except from a few very expensive high end products. Calling Dell product support to find out if a particular product will work with Linux and where to get drivers is an offputting experience. Dell sales staff seem to take a perverse delight in telling customers that they don't support Linux, and when I tell them that I don't want support from them, only compatibility and driver information, they tell me that they can't give me that information, nor information on chipsets which might allow me to locate information from elsewhere.
The bottom line is that I expect at the very least to be provided compatibility and chipset information before I buy a PC. Neither myself or any other customer is going to buy a Dell PC to test it on Dells behalf - product testing and certification is the manufacturer's responsibility, not mine. White box suppliers, and other mail order suppliers on the other hand are only too willing to provide motherboard, chipset, and component information etc. to allow me to check compatibility.
The reason why we no longer buy any Dell products is simple - we use a small number of Linux PCs in our office and all the servers in our office run Linux. We buy all hardware, peripherals including low end desktop hardware so that they are deployable with both Linux and Windows. We do this for obvious reasons - for example, we might want to plug in a printer originally purchased for use with Windows into a Linux server print queue, and we may want server applications to print to the printer. We may want to redeploy Windows Desktops later as Linux desktops - for example to use as a shared data access desktop. Therefore, although our desktop PCs are overwhelmingly Windows, we won't buy any hardware that isn't Linux compatible, even if it is intended for use with Windows initially. Dell unfortunately doesn't meet those needs, and we cannot buy equipment from Dell. I am sure a lot of other companies which use Linux in the office have similar issues.
Here is what Dell needs to do to have a chance of winning our (and other's) custom:
1) Advertise and inform about Linux compatibility or otherwise. Finding out about compatibility before buying is the most difficult thing about Linux, not installation or configuration. Any company that can do this has a huge advantage for little or no cost.
2) Provide full Linux compatibility information on all Dell products - not just high end desktops. Ideally, certify products for the top distros - RHET, SLES, Debian, the latest free Fedora, OpenSuSE, Ubuntu if possible. Linux users don't necessarily want a preload - most Linux users are quite capable of installing Linux themselves and would probably install some other Linux distro if one was pre-installed. Preinstallation is only useful to us as an indication that the product is Linux compatible. If a feature is only partially supported by Linux, say so and say what is supported - Linux users will understand, and may not need all the features, or like us they may only want the Linux compatibility for possible future redeployment. If driver support is external (most will be) then provide links pointing to those sites in Dell support, and if you need to make a disclaimer to avoid liability for a third party products outside Dell's control, do so. Again Linux users will understand.
3) Exclude products from the Dell inventory that don't support Linux as far as possible. Generally for every part that is not Linux compatible, there is one that is Linux compatible for the same price.
4) Don't ask customers to pay the Microsoft tax. Linux machines or no-OS machines with zero cost OS and no support should cost significantly less than a Windows pre-loaded machine. Customers know when they are being cheated and don't like it.
5) Linux support (except for driver information) is not usually required (except for servers), only web based information. If the customer needs Linux support, it will probably be from an independent consultant/techie rather than from Dell. Sell your Linux PCs as "Linux OEM - no support" PCs at a significantly lower cost than the equivalent Windows PC.
6) Linux on the desktop is most competitive on the low end desktop - particularly for schools etc. Sell Linux PCs preloaded onto low end desktop computers with appropriate free software for that market, at a competitive price rather than on high end workstations.
Upfront Linux capability would be difficult to implement on our web store. But, check some of the alternatives john_h posted.
10530
Linux Hardware Compatibility List
Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by s3indiana
02/20/07 **IN PROGRESS**
Create a listing of Dell hardware that's compatible with the major Linux distributions (Fedora, OpenSuse, ubuntu, Freespire) providing compatibility with not just systems (desktops and laptops) but include peripherals (printers, camera's, flash drives, compatible routers, etc.). Include levels of compatibility so the reviewer can make an educated choice. This would provide the greatest assistance for those looking at alternatives...
We're working to add something like this to our linux.dell.com wiki. Click here to see what john_h has to say.
25200
No McAfee
Software submitted by doomlord52
02/19/07
I think everyone agrees here. No McAfee. i cant unistall my copy because it will take all my settings for the Microsoft firewall with it. That includes my outlook settings, internet, and just about every program. Why cant i say "no McAfee please"??? is it really that hard? use Norton....
15154
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
12447
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.
120904
The Clutter Is Forming: We Need A Moderator
Dell Community, IdeaStorm submitted by googideas
02/17/07 **IMPLEMENTED**
Approximately 48 hours into its life, and Ideastorm is filling up with repetition and senseless comments. Since moderation cannot be exercised by the participants a moderator a la Dell Employee must put up her hand. Or his hand. We aren't picky!
One: Repeating the same ideas from earlier posts is a pain to the reader and a waste of space and time. These should be removed.
Two: Suggestions which are without applicability to the issues at hand should be removed: one post states that "Dell should set up Dell Pay to compete with Paypal." Sigh. Why?
For what unique purpose? Dell's business is not online payments, in the same way Apple's is not selling music (they sell music at a loss to sell iPods at a gain). There is no benefit to Dell and it meets no need.
Since this format is experimental and fully funded by Dell, I encourage Dell to cut the wheat from the chafe and remove as much as they see fit. For all of the "I have rights" and "freedom of speech" advocates, you don't. This is a place where the good keep going and the bad go out.
The less posts the better. It provides Dell what they want: the opportunity to test strong ideas properly. Without the removal of clutter, the good ideas will by dint of the time they are posted (e.g. 3am) and the increasing volume of posts, inevitably suffer at times the forest's size despite the grandeur of the tree in question.
I may be going against the grain of popular opinion, but you add your vote to this post if you believe in the goal of this site, and not the freedom it offers to utter the first inane thing which comes to mind.
jackie_c is IdeaStorm's moderator. Also, for any mod updates, check out the talk with the moderator blog at the top of the page.
12547
Alternative OS
Linux, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by thehookersunion
03/10/07
There are many PC (x86 arcitechure) users who want to use other OS's such as OpenSolaris (Which I use, when I have to use a PC, I'm writing this on a Mac), Ubuntu/Kbuntu/Xbuntu, or ReactOS.
Surely if a system is sold without MS Windoze the price would be lower due to MiicroSoft's stupid licencing policies.
A DVD/CD's could be supplied with systems that contains various flavours of Linux/Unix and MS Windoze could be offerd as an optional extra...
370
Dell Linux Launch Page
Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by reg
03/12/07
Have a Dell Page that lists Links to Linux Distro download sites.
The Dell Linux Launch Page would also promote on-sale Dell products for Linux
(notebooks, PCs, printers, network cards, video cards, etc) - all 'Linux Supported Devices'. It's a market category as well as a Dell Linux branding strategy.
Laptops / PC come installed with a Fast, Small Linux install, under 100 MB.
Just big enough to quickly boot, find the internet, and display the dell Linux Launch Page. [I recommend a Dell modified version of www.puppylinux.org, www.knoppix.org, or www.vectorlinux.org ]
Then the User can keep to mini install and use it for internet browsing and web email and basic documents and graphics - or use the Dell Linux Launch Page to find and download a 'Full Sized' Distro.
IDEAS IN ACTION STEPS:
1. Dell Builds and Posts its own Dell Linux Launch Page EASY!
2. Dell selects one of the above mentioned small fast linux systems, and works with that community to customize a Dell Hardware version - auto detects all Dell Hardware.
3. Install that little Dell Distro on Hard Drives, and include a Live Boot CD copy with each computer. ( for system restores if their downloaded Linux doesn't work out...)
4. Now people can select Dell Linux as one of the choices for OS - and not pay for Vista!
5. New PC/notebook owners boot up their machine with Dell's little linux, opens with a Welcome Page with 3 links - Help files (on PC), Manuals (on PC) and Dell's Linux Launch Page (internet).
There is plenty of money to be made this way, all they need to do is get on the ball... It also has the added benefit of Saving Dell System Build Times, and reducing costs!
Any less than 100 MB partition image will copy onto a Hard Drive and CD very quickly.
530
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.
68060
Become the open source OEM
Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by ntaylor0909
02/17/07 **REVIEWED**
I read the same question on Linux forums, all the time: What is the best brand of computer/laptop to purchase for Linux. I know that there is the n series of computers and notebooks, but it could go a step further. Accept the recent offer of free Linux driver development from the Linux Kernel Community so that DELLs "just work" with Linux. Maybe look at some ideas like LinuxBIOS and/or OpenBIOS. Become the OEM that everyone recommends. There is a growing market for Open Source friendly computers and DELL could own that market.
In the past year, we've made a lot of progress on getting Linux to work well on all of our products. Our goal is to become the hardware vendor of choice for Linux users. Click here to learn more from john_h.
34118
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.
86220
Have Firefox pre-installed as default browser
Software submitted by robinjfisher
02/19/07 **REVIEWED**
Does what it says on the tin! Most people only use IE because they aren't aware of other browsers - they think Internet Explorer is the Internet! What would really drive take up of alternative browsers is if Firefox was pre-installed as the default browser so that when people look for the "Internet" in Windows, they are using FF.
Firefox advocates at Dell have initiated discussions and driven action around exploring alternative internet browsers and experiences. As you can tell from our response to the Linux community, open source continues to be a part of our conversations about new products and services.
118323
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.
140819
 track my votes
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