zolyfarkas

Linux: We are happy, but what about Open Office & Firefox

Linux, Software submitted by macmoh 05/06/07

Thanks.
For giving support for Linux, now we are very happy but sir where is Open Office and Firefox??

We are waiting for your next step towards...
Hope you will not disappoint us.
:) 3 Comments »

pre-install Adobe Flash Player Plugin

Software, Desktops and Laptops submitted by helmecj01 05/07/07

pre-install Adobe Flash Player Plugin for IE or Firefox on dell computer Comment »

Offer Linux Friendly Peripherals

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Linux submitted by wh0rd 05/08/07

With Dell offering Linux on the Desktop, it would be just awesome if there were peripherals thrown in with Linux compatibility. Purchasing a new Linux computer you might also need things like Printers, Webcams, Scanners, Wireless Mice/Keyboards, etc. This wouldn't be limited to new purchases either. I think the rest of the existing Linux users will find comfort in purchasing peripherals from Dell also. This is because there are numerous threads on Linux support forums just on silly peripherals that don't comply with Linux out of the box. 3 Comments »

Dell Charges $49 to Remove Their Own Spyware

Dell, Software, Desktops and Laptops submitted by thebittersea 05/07/07

I recently purchased a new Dell computer. Previously I made a promise with myself to never purchase a Windows based computer again, but due to work-related complications I had no choice. The Dell arrived three days after I ordered it, which was great considering the shipping was free.

Fearing that my computer would become infected with a virus within 12 minutes, my first line of order was to purchase and install anti-virus software. Once that was finished, my next task was to delete the unnecessary programs that come pre-installed on the machine. Having purchased a Dell before, I was well aware that Dell computers ship full of bloat. I anticipated to find garbage such as AOL coach, Dell Picture Studio and Internet Explorer. What I was shocked to find, however, was My Way Search Assistant.

For those of you recently in a coma (or those of you that use a Mac or Linux), My Way is a spyware program that claims to block pop-ups and provide other nice features for users on the web. In reality, My Way spies on your browsing habits and reports this information to a central server so that customized ads can be delivered to your machine.

I’ve been a fan of Michael Dell for about ten years since I read an article about him in Reader’s Digest. Not wanting to believe that my friend Michael would allow this garbage to be installed on computers that bare his name, I assumed that somehow a virus had snuck its way onto my machine in the ten minute window where my computer was without anti-virus software. Sadly, Google search after Google search revealed that in fact Dell is being paid to pre-install this filth on their machines.

I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. Michael Dell, how could you allow this to happen? It really hurts to see a former hero *sarcasm* falter like this. Now I know how fans of Tom Cruise must be feeling. :-) Michael, I thought I knew thee so well!

After spending an hour in shock and mourning, I gathered myself off the floor to remove the program from my machine. I opened the control panel and selected “Add or Remove Programs.” After removing My Way, I was told that I would have to reboot my computer. A quick reboot later and I was back in the control panel. At this point I was ready to forget the entire ordeal and move on with my life.

Looking back on it, I should have known there would be more problems. If only I had paid more attention to the screeching violins that could be heard in the background. That’s right, My Way still appeared in the “Add or Remove Programs” window. However, this time around there was no uninstall button. My Way appeared to be permanently on my machine.

Having read that Adaware can remove My Way, I downloaded, installed and ran Adaware from Lavasoft. Perhaps because My Way had already partially removed itself, Adaware was unable to detect My Way on the machine. It was time to call Dell support.

After a 30 minute wait on hold, a man with an Indian accent who asked to be called Stewart answered the phone. Our (abbreviated) conversation went something like this:

-----------------------
Stewart: What seems to be the problem?
Me: I’d like to remove My Way Search Assistant from my computer. I tried to remove it through the Control Panel, but it still appears in “Add or Remove Programs.”
Stewart: What do you know about this program?
Me: I know that this is Spyware and I know that I want it off my machine.
Stewart: How did My Way get onto your computer in the first place?
Me: What do you mean? It came pre-installed when I bought my computer from Dell.
Stewart: I have trouble believing that this was on your computer when you purchased it.
Me: So do I Stewart, so do I.
-----------------------

Obviously Stewart is not very up to date with the sotware Dell pre-installs on their computers. If anybody doubts that Dell has a relationships with My Way, one only need visit http://www.dell4me.com/myway< then explained that he would no longer be able to assist me with my problem. He indicated that I would need to contact software support services for help removing the spyware that Dell installed on my machine. Oh yeah, and he indicated that they would charge my credit card for the call. $49, specifically.

What Dell is doing should be illegal. They are being paid to install spyware on new computers. They are making it difficult for customers to remove the spyware on their own. Then, they charge $49 to teach you how to remove it. This would be like a doctor being paid to infect you with a disease and then charging you for the antidote.

Dell claims that people like me are overreacting, but a lot of people seem to disagree.

If you feel comfortable messing with the Windows registry, here are some instructions on how to remove My Way. More information can also be found on the Dell forums.

I’m responsible for the purchase of eight Dell computers for myself, friends and family in the past few years. After this ordeal, I will never again purchase a Dell. I will never again recommend that anybody else purchase a Dell. In fact, from this point forward I will go out of my way to recommend that people looking to purchase a computer avoid Dell altogether. I doubt that I’m alone. With practices like these, Dell shouldn’t be surprised to hear its customers say, “Dude, you’re getting a boycott.” 17 Comments »

Innovate! Create "Dell Labs"

Dell submitted by badblood 05/08/07

Dell is famous for its relatively inexpensive range of computers. Cost savings and reliability have been predictable and a selling point over the years, but innovation has been sacrificed to standardization.

Todays market is more fickle and people are captivated by regular upgraded technology and design releases. One only needs to see the hundreds of blogs totally devoted to emerging technology and new gadgets to get the picture.

Dell needs to try and capture some of this market, some of this buzz, by spending more resources on innovation, research and development, and publicizing this work.

Whether it is in the field of ultra mobile computer solutions, emerging screen technology, alternative power, 'going green' and so on, Dell needs to participate.

Create a 'Dell Labs', a technology playground where you can show off what you are working on, investing in and what interests you. Bombard the gadget community with press releases and impress us with what's coming!

10 Comments »

Up to date video drivers: ATI requires Dell's permission...

Gaming, Monitors and Displays, Service and Support submitted by zorgkang 05/08/07

Dell doesn't bother "forwarding" to us video card driver updates released by ATI. There is an easy solution though and all that Dell has to do is say "ok" to ATI. Please read on.

When trying to update directly from ATI, I am told that I can't update my system and I should ask my laptop manufacturer. Frustrated with this, I search for another way to update my drivers and find much information on

http://www.driverheaven.net/modtool/< found out that ATI is not to blame, but Dell is. ATI comments: "We are working diligently on attracting tier1 OEMs to participate in the mobile catalyst program. Once that happens, we will update the validation tool to allow the mobile catalyst drivers to install on those platforms."

So this thread is to strongly insist that Dell join the mobile catalyst program immediately! Please let Dell know we are not satisfied with the video card driver support they provide! 6 Comments »

A single DVD that will install correct drivers on any model of Dell PC

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops and Laptops submitted by danwarne 02/18/07

I've just posted an opinion editorial about this at APCMag.com -- http://apcmag.com/node/5359. Seems to me that a largely overlooked feature of Apple Boot Camp is the driver CD that will install drivers onto any model of Intel Mac with no searching/downloading required by the user. This could be a 'Dell crushing feature' unless Dell comes up with something similar. It has to be this easy: one click, and all drivers for that machine are identified and installed. And the CD or DVD image has to be downloadable. 18 Comments »

Add linux option to Canadian dell computers!

Linux, Operating Systems submitted by furtivefelon 05/06/07

Please add linux option to computers sold to Canada! 11 Comments »

Backlit Keyboards

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by rarmasu 02/21/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

I find myself many, many times in dark or poorly lit environments having to guess the various keys - would be fantastic to have a backlit keyboard - with backlit individual keys as the best option.

I would actually pay extra for that convenience if the option was available.
This could be done for desktops or notebooks.


Check out Vida_K's comment below on the New Latitude.
300 Comments »

National Call Centers [and other Service Improvement Ideas]

Service and Support submitted by henrieb 02/17/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

As a corporate customer I like Dell's products and my USA customer support. I have read the web about all the people that have had problems with Dell customer service and mine and others are not isolated incidences. If you want people to be loyal take a hint from the corporate sales and give Home users even a little customer support. My corporate help does not read scripts, they have the power to take ownership and fix the problem. Granted I do buy Gold support. If Dell thinks it saves money for bad support; I have personally talked 20 or 30 people out of buying a Dell.

* Addition: After reading several of the comments on this topic it appears that what we really want is someone in customer support that will listen to us, and hopefully help us. Culture and language barriers just make this harder. Maybe a better way to track customer performance would be to find out if they really helped someone and not how fast they can end the call. Dell management needs to start taking ownership of this problem. Maybe Dell management needs to start calling Dell support with fake problems and see it the system they created can help them, it sure does not work for us.


663 Comments »

Stop Installing Crippleware

Software submitted by leado 05/02/07

Please stop installing demonstration software (demoware), more appropriately defined as "crippleware" on new Dell machines. These useless applications slow down a machine and many are worse than spyware or viruses. 2 Comments »

Warn people of poor Vista performance where they choose between XP and Vista

Gaming, Operating Systems submitted by jmxz 05/07/07

Another new review today. http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTMzNCwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA== And it's not just performance:

We initially had some major problems getting this game to patch under Vista. It would say that a shortcut could not be created, or more interestingly, “An unknown error has occurred. Process will end.” Good times – fodder for the “Mac vs. PC” commercials.

Better Looking Laptops

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops and Laptops submitted by wh0rd 05/08/07

Internally Dell might have it all together, but externally the Dell Laptops need a makeover. Compared to Sony's Laptops and Mac Notebooks, Dell looks like old uncle Tom in gray and back. Although they are a nice color combination, it would be awesome to see them in a better, more sleeker design. This wouldn't be hard to do for a company like Dell. 1 Comment »

Provide a way to associate similar ideas/posts

IdeaStorm submitted by hjwasson 04/26/07

There should be a way to associate many similar posts together. If you page through IdeaStorm, you will find clouds of posts regarding "Please don't kill the Axim," "Fix the search feature," etc.

1. IdeaStorm members should be able to click on "This post seems similar to another post."

2. They can then paste the URL of the similar post(s) and click Okay.

3. There should be an "I agree/disagree" voting function for each URL, similar to the current promote/demote. This would appear on all of the potentially similar posts.

4. Once the agree value reaches a set threshold (say 100 points), the posts become associated.

5. Associated posts get a sub-heading stating "This post is associated with x, y, z" and there should be an aggregate value of all the points earned by the associated posts.**

**This is the heart of the matter - if there was an easy way for Dell (& all of us) to see just how popular a general topic of discussion was, I think you'd be able to spot huge trends that might otherwise get buried because no one individual post got enough posts to rise to the top of the discussion lists. 10 Comments »

Make Carbon Fiber Based Laptops to Minimize weight and Maximize Strength

Laptops submitted by wonderworm 05/07/07

Sony's has a big winner with their Carbon Fiber based Vaio laptops. Carbon Fiber has become extremely cheap over the past several years so for little cost, Dell could reduce the weight of some of their laptop lines significantly while actually improving structural integrity.

Plus Carbon Fiber is just cool. 1 Comment »

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 »

Built-in camera in notebook lid

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by filipzahradnik 05/06/07

I'd love to see a small camera built into the lid of the notebook - just above the display. Some notebooks (like Asus) already have it and it works great for video calling. This would save people having to lug a web cam around... 4 Comments »

No more junk software

Software submitted by samjabr 05/04/07

Please please please make your computers available without any software, except necessary drivers and apps that allow devices to function.

I can honestly say this is the one thing that keeps me from buying your computers. I already buy printers, monitors, accessories etc..

1 Comment »

Design & Form Factor

Desktops and Laptops submitted by logi 02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

This forum is a great idea to get Dell back to #1.

What I like to see is new and innovative styling across the board on notebooks and desktops. Dell's product line looks 5yrs old and needs a total refresh.

As you can see Apple Inc. is winning conumers hearts because Apple owners are actually proud of displaying them in the living rooms instead of hiding them. Get rid of that XPS desktop design that thing is so ugly.. and come up with something consumers would be proud of displying in their media rooms.

Also I would like to see Dell create a sleak new design for a media center box so we can utilize vista home for the entertainment room and display it next to my audio and video units.

Thanks for listening Mr. Dell.



Hope_l talks about how passionate we are about design in this thread. To read more about how this idea is being put into action click here.

222 Comments »

Stop overcharging for upgrades (memory, hdd, etc. )

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Sales Strategies, Laptops submitted by uklathemock 02/17/07

Almost everyone I know buys the smallest harddrive and the lowest amount of memory for their Dell notebook, and then upgrades later. Why make your customers turn to other sources to buy memory and hard drives? I think quite a few e-tailers were created and have flourished because everyone (Dell, HP, Apple, etc.) overcharges for upgrades. 17 Comments »