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Tux Inside logo...

Linux, Servers and Storage submitted by phubert 05/09/07

We've had something along the line of 'Ubuntu certified' ... why not a nice, generic "Tux Inside" logo... or would Intel SUE???

O.K. True, a somewhat frivolous suggestion... but cute brings smiles... and smiles create a POSITIVE IMAGE of (in this case) Dell...

No?? 11 Comments »

An endorsement for Ubuntu over Microsoft

Dell, Linux submitted by phubert 05/10/07

For those who have advocated Ubuntu on Dell systems, here's a VERY PRACTICAL endorsement

FON Abandons Microsoft, Adopts Ubuntu

http://blog.fon.com/en/archive/technology/fon-abandons-microsoft-adopts-ubunt...< of today Fon will disengage from Microsoft and adopt Linux in the Ubuntu form as our operating system of choice. 17 Comments »

Getting Ubuntu on a Dell

Linux submitted by mikifinaz 05/08/07

@mikifinaz - when we announced on May 1 we'd offer Ubuntu on Dell, we said it would be available in the coming weeks. Please visit www.dell.com/ubuntu in the coming weeks to order a system. 17 Comments »

Embedded Linux OS

Linux, Software submitted by bogdano2 05/20/07

How about an Embedded mini-Linux with Firefox browser?

This would ensure that the PC was useable when:

- no OS was installed on hard disk

- hard disk failed

- OS was somehow crippled due to virus, boot config error, file system corruptions, etc.

...and woud remove the need to keep a Knoppix-like CD/DVD lying around.

There are countless examples of embedded Linux OS's with very small footprints and browsers.

Lets face it, we've all been is situations when we just did not have the right CD/DVD to get us out of a bind. This feature would give all of us the ability to get what we need as long as the machine had a working network connection.

See my post at: http://www.dellideastorm.com/article/show/67418/PCs_With_Embedded_Internet_Ca... 1 Comment »

Release the Axim hardware specifications

Broadband and Mobility, Linux, Service and Support submitted by jtzapp 05/09/07

Now that Dell has gotten out of the handheld market, why not release the specifications for the chips et al, for the Axims? I would love to be able to run linux on my Axim X50v, and I'm sure I'm not the only one -- but that's not really going to happen unless developers can tailor the kernel to the hardware. Michael Dell and the rest of the company have recently made a public promise to further linux on Dell hardware, and this would go a long way towards engendering brand loyalty. I don't see how this can harm Dell in any way, and as I said, would certainly help to assure me that Dell doesn't want to leave its customers out in the cold even if they no longer sell the product. We're not asking for any sort of support whatsoever, just the ability to exercise our freedoms with respect to the products we purchase. 7 Comments »

Create a Separate Linux Area on the Front Page

Linux, Software submitted by rockettech 05/06/07

Create a separate category on the front page for Linux: Home/Home Office, Small/Medium Business, Education, Enterprise, Linux. One of the potential pitfalls I see for Dell offering Linux machines would be the uninformed user selecting a Linux machine. Picture this- It's Tax time, Joe Customer goes to Staples and purchases TurboTax and attempts to install it on his new Linux Dell. Nothing but problems ensue, so who does he blame? Himself?? Heck no. The backlash will be on Dell, Linux, and TurboTax. Emulators are not the answer in all cases.
I think Linux needs to be differentiated some way on the Dell site, to allow easy access to those who want it, and to obscure it from those that may be harmed by it. 9 Comments »

Linux Quickbooks - dell and intuit work together for linux version

Linux, Software submitted by hello77 05/20/07

I would love to switch to linux --- but as a small business the lack of a native linux version of quickbooks is my only stumbling block. I realize there are other finanancial packages for linux--- but quickbooks offers me online banking, credit card processing, and mailing of invoices to my clients through the internet (I submit the invoices over the internet - then intuit physically mails the invoice in a envelope to my client). In short, quickbooks offers me a feeling of reliability and ease of use which I am hesitant to part with as my business depends upon it.

I think there maybe many other people in the same boat as I am with regard to lack of being able to run quickbooks in linux. It could also be that not much work need to be done in that intuit already offers a mac version of quickbooks --- and the mac os is based on unix and mostly open source code --- so perhaps only minor modifications need to be done to make it work on linux.

It would seem to me that dell and intuit could work together on this as it could be a great marketing program for both companies. 6 Comments »

End the Novell/Microsoft Deal

Dell, Linux, Operating Systems - Multiboot submitted by plasticboy 05/07/07

Dell should end its deal with Novell and Microsoft to distribute SUSE Linux and provide patent protection to end-users:
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2007/may07/05-06MSDellNovellPR.mspx

This deal violates the spirit of the open source license under which Linux is distributed and is a slap in the face for every free software contributor.

Entering into this deal will put Dell in a tight place when open source projects that are key to Linux, such as the Samba project, begin to use the next version of the GNU General Public License which will specifically prohibit such deals:
http://www.linux-watch.com/news/NS7188736246.html

If Dell is serious about Linux, then it must be serious about the freedoms that Linux affords to its users. The Novell deal endangers these freedoms by acknowledging the intellectual property claims that Microsoft has made over Linux:
http://www.computerworld.com.au/index.php/id;839593139;fp;16;fpid;1 27 Comments »

Build a Linux Info Page on Dell.com

Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by josmar52789 05/04/07

This would be a great resource for people who are unfamiliar with Linux and would help existing users to learn more about Linux.

By the way, use ubuntuguide.org as a model... 10 Comments »

Remote OS (re)-Install Service

Operating Systems, Service and Support, Software submitted by bogdano2 05/20/07

Offer a Dell service that allows customers to request an OS (re)-install over the web with all correct drivers, etc. Dell systems now come with a 'Factory Restore' option on a hidden partition; while that solves some problems, it does not help us when we buy a new hard drive to upgrade/fix our machine or when we want to install a different operating system. Given today's broadband download speeds, this would be relatively easy to implement. Especially when combined with my post at: ttp://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/67418/PCs_With_Embedded_Internet_Capability Comment »

No Novell EVER

Linux, Operating Systems submitted by jaswax 05/07/07

There is no way I or anyone else in the Linux community will ever buy a Dell computer with Novell Linux on it. If you want to stay in the computer manufactuing business you will reassert your comitment to Ubuntu or some other Linux distribution that is not Novell or RedHat.

You are currently the #2 computer manufacturer. You know this. Your WERE #1. I see you taking another dip to #3 and then #4 if you keep going back on your promises to your customers and potential customers. Come on. Who helped you build your empire, your customers or Microsoft?

I was the guy that sent the email to Michael Dell warning him of the impending fall from the #1 position over the poor tech support about a year and a half ago. My warning was not heeded.

Don't make the same mistake again. This may make me sound like some arrogant idiot but I was a customer and you almost had me back with the whole Ubuntu Linux thing. I am sure a lot of others feel the same way. I will never buy a Dell with Novell or Microsoft on it. 13 Comments »

Dell Could Become the OpenGL Hero to the Open Source Community

Linux submitted by hmwamboldt 05/01/07

For a very long time, OpenGL support in the Open Source community has been spotty at best.

If Dell would take on the role of comprehensive testing, and repackaging (for updates) Nvidia or ATI drivers for several supported hardward (and software) configurations, that would make Dell a hero, at least to me. I've spent an inordinate amount of time installing, updating, patching, downgrading, and repairing damage done to systems by installing OpenGL drivers and OpenGL related system crashes over the last few years. It should be noted, (in defence of ATI and Nvidia) that many, if not most, of these problems stem from interactions with various chipsets, bridges, and bugs in various Xorg components. Hence my emphasis on testing.

Furthermore, if Dell could encourage Nvidia and ATI to release the specs for their oldest propriatary hardware (it's gotta be at least 4 or 5 years old now), that would probably provide a global benefit. But, if nothing else, comprehensive testing of new drivers and providing "Dell certified" update packages for Linux, would probably make Dell a prefered vendor for many, many midtier OpenGL users like myself.

-H- 5 Comments »

Stay away from SUSE Linux (Novell/Microsoft)

Linux submitted by sirro 05/08/07

Please don't make us have to pay dollars to Microsoft to use Linux on our servers! That is just so wrong. 5 Comments »

Paypal Payment option!

Dell Web Site, Service and Support submitted by john_saddington 05/19/07

How about letting us pay with Paypal? 6 Comments »

Promote the new Ubuntus Pc's in Mexico and other countris early

Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by quiketaz 05/08/07

Promote the new Pc's and Laptops with Ubuntu preinstalled, include commercial tv's, and the publicity like Dell's with Microsoft Windows. Include the Ubuntus Pc's in the dell's catalog.

1 Comment »

Education and drivers

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by womanwithacamera 05/19/07

Ubuntu is great for Education: promote Dell + UBUNTU for Education - with discounts.

Teachers haven't the time continually to be tweeking and maintaining another marketed platform.

BUT make drivers easier to find and cut the jargon! WHO knows a driver can be a BACKUP for example?? Driver-discovery and installation are currently a nighmare. 1 Comment »

PCs With Embedded Internet Capability

Broadband and Mobility submitted by bogdano2 05/18/07

When my hard drive crashed my Dell was unusable for days while I awaited replacement.

I kept thinking that if only I could just browse the Internet from my machine, I wouldn't feel so trapped.

I have seen many devices with embeded Internet capability including phones; adding this baseline functionality is certainly within Dell's capabilities...

We would never accept a cell phone that occasionally did not boot; in fact all PCs could provide baseline Internet Phone (VOIP) capability and notebooks could provide baseline cell phone capability; all available without a wokring hard drive!

Benefits to all of us include:
- No media to carry EVER!
- Perpetually useful device (as opposed to the doorstop a PC becomes when you cant boot to the traditionally installed OS's).
- A hybrid device that could be used as a phone, media player, or any service that all cell phone companies already provide.
- A truly serviceable device that Dell could fix remotely without making me part of the troubleshooting process !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also, I think I could have had better luck with my Dell technician as I went through the troubleshooting process if I had had Internet capability. After all, only my hard drive had failed, my network card, video, etc. were still functional.

I won't go into the OS re-install hell that I had to go through after the replacement drive arrived but again, with embedded Internet access, I think much could be done by Dell to improve even this aspect... 46 Comments »

Make all parts optional

Sales Strategies submitted by yank 05/20/07

Plenty of people spend a LOT of time shopping around on Dell's site for a great deal. They trust the brand and haven't the time or interest to build there own PC so when they see a good deal they try and buy that new Dell PC with as few options as they can manage.
Let them!
Allow them to remove:
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
Hard Drive
Video Card
Etc.
Keep just the minimum basics and allow them to pick and choose what they want! 12 Comments »

Offer Beryl (or Compiz) preinstalled on Ubuntu computers

Linux, Software submitted by zhinker 05/16/07

The 3D eye-candy from those computers is something that's getting a lot of my non-linux friends wanting to try out Ubuntu. It makes a great selling point (look at how big a deal MS tried to make of it's simple little side view thing) and any new linux buyers expecting to already have that sort of thing working will be extremly dissapointed when the realize they still have some work to do. 5 Comments »

Keep Ubuntu computer on the selves for at least a year

Advertising and Marketing, Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by zhinker 05/16/07

I don't know what your plans are Dell, but I know some companies often run experimental campaigns like your one with Ubuntu for just a couple months before deciding if it's a success or not. I'd recommend keeping Ubuntu available as an option for at least a year or more before shelving it (shouldn't cost you much to keep it) because that way you would give a better chance to plan on buying a Dell computer for their needs instead of some other one that they would have gotten otherwise, and it would allow more time for the word to spread to non-linux users about the "cheap new Dell computers," especially since it doesn't seem like you're trying hard to advertise them anyways 5 Comments »