Computer maker Dell has chosen Ubuntu as the operating system for its range of Linux computers for consumers.Fans of Linux hope that the move will persuade more mainstream PC users to abandon Microsoft Windows and opt for the open-source operating system.London-based firm Canonical, the lead sponsor of the Ubuntu project, will ensure the software works on Dell PCs.Ubuntu includes software like office programs, e-mail, a browser, instant messaging software and a media player.Michael Dell, the founder, chairman and chief executive of Dell, is himself an Ubuntu user. He has the operating system installed on a high-end Dell Precision M90 laptop he uses at home.
Even now, though Ubuntu I think does REALLY well to emulate a windows type experience... it just ain't quite ready for mainstream... even Dell mentions that I believe.
Dell says Linux is not for business SMEs must buy WindowsBy Nick Farrell: Thursday 21 June 2007, 08:17 WHILE DELL MAY have made some moves towards Ubuntu Linux, it is refusing to allow its business customers to buy it. According to one poster on an Ubuntu forum, Dell refused to sell him an Ubuntu machine for his small, non-profit business. Cosborn72 said he wanted to support Dell in its decision to sell computers with Ubuntu installed and tried to order one. The small business representative told him that he could not order one of the Ubuntu-based computers through the small business department. Instead cosborn72 had to go through the "home and home office" department. The Home office department told him that Dell had a policy which was remarkably like Holland's drugs' laws, in other words "personal use only". Cosborn72 lied and said he would use the machine for his home and then tried to use a business credit card to pay for it and was told he couldn't. Since he could not buy the Dell without paying tax he didn't bother. "I am just blown away that they would refuse my money because I was buying it to use for a business," he moaned. Cosborn72 also questioned any outfit that goes around telling its customers how they can use their products, although the Music and Movie industry has been doing this for ages. He did not think that Dell was really interested in supporting Ubuntu and Linux. Maybe someone should point out to Michael Dell that if he really wants his company out of its current financial doodah, and perhaps beat HP, he should allow his staff to flog some gear. Michael does not make much money if the computer is sitting in the warehouse. µ
Dell puts Ubuntu on Euro computersUK. France, and GermanyBy Nick Farrell: Wednesday 08 August 2007, 07:16DELL HAS announced that punters in the United Kingdom, France and Germany can order an Inspiron E1505N 6400 notebook or an Inspiron 530N desktop with Ubuntu 7.04 pre-installed.Dell's US customers have been installing Ubuntu in the United States since May, and a spokesDell said that there had been many requests from customers all over the world to offer Linux in their home countries.Under the scheme, Dell will configure and install open source drivers for hardware, when possible for these new products.There are no prices announced yet, but normally the laptops work out about $50 cheaper than Dell's Home Versions.It seems that Dell is also offering SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 factory-installed on select consumer notebooks and desktops in China.
