Linux gets a Boost from Dell

Jimmy 2004 · Feb 25, 2007, 02:27 PM

After conducting a survey to find out what consumers wanted, desktop and notebook builder Dell has announced that it is planning a new line of computers which have the option of pre-installed Linux. Until now, Dell hasn’t been overly keen to provide the open source operating system, opting instead to persuade users towards Windows. However, this new line of user-ready certified desktops and laptops could encourage people buying a new computer to give Linux a try, with SUSE Linux being made available on a number of OptiPlex and Precision desktops, along with Latitude notebooks. The company may eventually choose to expand its range of Linux machines and even offer more distributions, but at present it is only working with Novell.

Source: COMPUTERWORLD

strick94u · Feb 25, 2007, 02:44 PM

Like most of us Linux users need dell to build us a PC,though not searching 100 user groups to find a working modem or wireless driver would be nice

EastCoasthandle · Feb 25, 2007, 02:48 PM

wow, that's big news there. Hopefully it will catch on

jocksteeluk · Feb 25, 2007, 03:11 PM

since linux is open source what odds would you give on Dell developing their own dell branded version with full support should this venture be successful?

WarEagleAU · Feb 25, 2007, 03:17 PM

Strange move by Dell, but I guess Mikey knows what he is doing.

magibeg · Feb 25, 2007, 03:18 PM

Call it whatever you want but it seems the mighty dell has listened to the users and is acting accordingly. This is a big step towards Open Source in general. If dell does make its own set of special open source drivers and such that would be great. Just decompile it all and add it to the open source community

. (on a side note i believe novell is owned by microsoft so we're still a far cry from being free from MS's grasp)

WarEagleAU · Feb 25, 2007, 03:19 PM

True...but still a strange move by Dell to say the least. Of course, with the recent problems they have had their, its no wonder they are doing this.

kakazza · Feb 25, 2007, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strick94u

Like most of us Linux users need dell to build us a PC,though not searching 100 user groups to find a working modem or wireless driver would be nice

And you've last used linux when?

strick94u · Feb 25, 2007, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kakazza

And you've last used linux when?

Oh because I use Xp means I'm not a true Linux user? Lets see my first linux install was in 1994 32 bit Red hat caught my eye ran it off the floppy but much like the dos commands the pretty Gui has me forgetting much of the terminal commands. I have 7 pc's in this house and a mac and I don't like Linux better than Xp or mac better than 2000.But I use them all I also know I am not the only multi user on here

Thanks for the doubt I hope we can move on from here or do you need a screen shot?

Benpi · Feb 25, 2007, 06:22 PM

I'll definately not buy a Linux PC. I want my software to work, thank you very much.

Wile E · Feb 25, 2007, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benpi

I'll definately not buy a Linux PC. I want my software to work, thank you very much.

Bashing Linux now? Just because you can't get it to work, doesn't mean the software doesn't work.

Back on topic: I think this is good news, I would like to see Linux become more accessible to more users. User friendliness is it's key pitfall, imo.

Jimmy 2004 · Feb 25, 2007, 09:22 PM

TBH, when I did try Linux, once I actually got round to trying Wine (the Windows 'emulator') it did seem to work ok. Takes a while to get used to, but it isn't as bad as some people make out. Software is getting easier to install, but drivers are a pain.

kakazza · Feb 26, 2007, 07:15 AM

Well, I have had no problems with my wifi or any other driver ever since. But that's probably because I always used Live-CD based installs which have excellent driver support like kanotix has. (www.kanotix.com)

I also tried Slack and it worked like a charm too.
Don't like SuSE too much, apt-get > YaST anytime

So far all my hardware worked, so... I can't remember installing a driver on linux >_>

Wile E · Feb 26, 2007, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kakazza

Well, I have had no problems with my wifi or any other driver ever since. But that's probably because I always used Live-CD based installs which have excellent driver support like kanotix has. (www.kanotix.com)

I also tried Slack and it worked like a charm too.
Don't like SuSE too much, apt-get > YaST anytime

So far all my hardware worked, so... I can't remember installing a driver on linux >_>

Do you have ATI?

Feb 25, 2007, 02:27 PM	#1
Jimmy 2004 Eligible for custom title Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: England Posts: 5,047 (1.64/day) Thanks: 134 Thanked 276 Times in 185 Posts System Specs	Linux gets a Boost from Dell After conducting a survey to find out what consumers wanted, desktop and notebook builder Dell has announced that it is planning a new line of computers which have the option of pre-installed Linux. Until now, Dell hasn’t been overly keen to provide the open source operating system, opting instead to persuade users towards Windows. However, this new line of user-ready certified desktops and laptops could encourage people buying a new computer to give Linux a try, with SUSE Linux being made available on a number of OptiPlex and Precision desktops, along with Latitude notebooks. The company may eventually choose to expand its range of Linux machines and even offer more distributions, but at present it is only working with Novell. Source: COMPUTERWORLD

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Feb 25, 2007, 02:44 PM	#2
strick94u Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 1,308 (0.51/day) Thanks: 80 Thanked 71 Times in 64 Posts System Specs	Like most of us Linux users need dell to build us a PC,though not searching 100 user groups to find a working modem or wireless driver would be nice __________________ http://service.futuremark.com/compare?3dm06=5404335

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Feb 25, 2007, 02:48 PM	#3
EastCoasthandle Eligible for custom title Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 6,244 (2.09/day) Thanks: 382 Thanked 1,528 Times in 865 Posts System Specs	wow, that's big news there. Hopefully it will catch on

Feb 25, 2007, 03:11 PM	#4
jocksteeluk Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The 13th room on the 13th floor of the 13th building. Posts: 1,427 (0.53/day) Thanks: 22 Thanked 48 Times in 39 Posts System Specs	since linux is open source what odds would you give on Dell developing their own dell branded version with full support should this venture be successful? __________________ XXXI III MCMLXXXII

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Feb 25, 2007, 03:17 PM	#5
WarEagleAU Bird of Prey Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Gurley, AL Posts: 9,994 (3.94/day) Thanks: 3,810 Thanked 557 Times in 521 Posts System Specs	Strange move by Dell, but I guess Mikey knows what he is doing. __________________ =-TheEagle-= http://www.heatware.com/eval.php?id=62454 “You crazy? Surfing any website without an antivirus is like freaking with a dirty woman without protection” -OzzmanFloyd120 - Edited for content and clarity

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Feb 25, 2007, 03:18 PM	#6
magibeg Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,367 (0.53/day) Thanks: 126 Thanked 200 Times in 151 Posts System Specs	Call it whatever you want but it seems the mighty dell has listened to the users and is acting accordingly. This is a big step towards Open Source in general. If dell does make its own set of special open source drivers and such that would be great. Just decompile it all and add it to the open source community . (on a side note i believe novell is owned by microsoft so we're still a far cry from being free from MS's grasp) __________________ Arguing with the moderators is like shaking your fist at God. There's nobody there; and if there is, he's not listening. And if he's listening, all you're doing is pissing him off Fold for Tech Power Up!!

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Feb 25, 2007, 03:19 PM	#7
WarEagleAU Bird of Prey Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Gurley, AL Posts: 9,994 (3.94/day) Thanks: 3,810 Thanked 557 Times in 521 Posts System Specs	True...but still a strange move by Dell to say the least. Of course, with the recent problems they have had their, its no wonder they are doing this. __________________ =-TheEagle-= http://www.heatware.com/eval.php?id=62454 “You crazy? Surfing any website without an antivirus is like freaking with a dirty woman without protection” -OzzmanFloyd120 - Edited for content and clarity

Feb 25, 2007, 06:22 PM	#10
Benpi Banned Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 415 (0.17/day) Thanks: 6 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts System Specs	I'll definately not buy a Linux PC. I want my software to work, thank you very much.

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Feb 25, 2007, 09:22 PM	#12
Jimmy 2004 Eligible for custom title Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: England Posts: 5,047 (1.64/day) Thanks: 134 Thanked 276 Times in 185 Posts System Specs	TBH, when I did try Linux, once I actually got round to trying Wine (the Windows 'emulator') it did seem to work ok. Takes a while to get used to, but it isn't as bad as some people make out. Software is getting easier to install, but drivers are a pain.

Feb 26, 2007, 07:15 AM	#13
kakazza Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 470 (0.19/day) Thanks: 3 Thanked 7 Times in 5 Posts	Well, I have had no problems with my wifi or any other driver ever since. But that's probably because I always used Live-CD based installs which have excellent driver support like kanotix has. (www.kanotix.com) I also tried Slack and it worked like a charm too. Don't like SuSE too much, apt-get > YaST anytime So far all my hardware worked, so... I can't remember installing a driver on linux >_>

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