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840

Provide ubuntu's next LTS iso, 100% compatible with Dell

840 points posted to Linux, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops by shaikailash Apr 10

I'ts going to be release the long term support (LTS) version of ubuntu, Hardy Heron 8.04. It will be supported by the community for 3 years.

It could be useful and appreciate (I think) if DELL will customize this distro to be compatible with the hardware of Dell's laptops and desktops, and permit to download the official iso from the website.

It could be fantastic to download the iso, install it and have an operative system perfectly working.
Many people could be convinced to buy a Dell with Linux, without go crazy with the hardware compatibility.
Thank you

matt_d
Apr 10		 Dell's Linux engineers are working very closely with the Ubuntu developers to ensure the systems we sell will work "out of the box" with Ubuntu 8.04. The customization is happening in the release itself, not after the fact.

Ubuntu also has a large list of mirror servers around the globe, many with faster network connections than Dell could easily offer. If Dell releases an Ubuntu CD, modified in some way to make installation easier on our systems, we'll post them on linux.dell.com as we always have.
aikiwolfie
Apr 10		 More excellent feed back. Now I have nothing to post. Matt said it all.
shaikailash
Apr 11		 This is a wonderful news :) So, we'll wait for the 8.04 and try it in some weeks.
Could be useful to provide a Dell's page where user can report a bug or a problem with the dell's hardware?

About the hosting, If the normal Ubuntu distro available on the ubuntu's sites and mirrors will work out of the box, it's not necessary to host an iso on the Dell's site too, I agree.
Thank you
Have a good work
aikiwolfie
Apr 11		 There's a Dell section over on Ubuntus own forum.
notwen
May 1		 Dell creates their own custom images for the N-Series models they offer Ubuntu on. They have made custom images for Feisty and Gutsy. I'm certain they will eventually release a custom Hardy image w/ hardware support for each of the N-Series machines. They also post issues/fixes for these machines. You can check the Dell Linux Wiki for more here.

Dell Linux Wiki - http://linux.dell.com/wiki/index.php/Ubuntu_8.04
Dell Ubuntu sub-forum @ ubuntuforums.org - http://ubuntuforums.org/forumdisplay.php?f=342

The whole point of these N-Series models is to have hardware that is compatible w/ Linux, I think asking Dell to make a custom Ubuntu image that works on all of their models is ridiculous. If you want Ubuntu Linux working w/o any hassle on your machine, purchase a N-Series model. Dell offers Linux hardware support and you will have the option of purchasing Ubuntu support from Canonical during your check out if you purchase a N-Series machine. Support Dell in offering pre-installed Ubuntu systems. =]
aikiwolfie
May 1		 Here's the thing I don't understand though. The hardware in the N-series machines is every bit as good as the hardware in the other models. The M1330n is just as good as the M1330. It was also more configurable. So why bother with two branches. The Linux machines will run Windows with no more issues than the Windows specific machines. And consumers have the added benefit of being able to choose an alternative OS that will work without issue.

It's a win win solution.
libertyshadow
May 21		 aikiwolifie: Issues like warranty and tech support come in to play... I bought the XPS M1330 with Vista during a promotion to save some money and because Hardy was going to be out within the week. Since I installed Ubuntu, I have no idea what my hardware support situation is. I get mixed responses from Dell on the subject. Also, for those of us living in countries in which decoding DVD's is illegal (ahem US), we would have to buy LinDVD separately.

It would be nice for Dell to preinstall 64-bit Hardy on its N-Series models, especially for the Open Source enthusiasts out there. Either way, we should be thanking the Dell Linux Engineering team for their efforts.
aikiwolfie
May 21		 Your hardware is still covered by the warranty. The OS your running doesn't affect that. I have an overly sensitive "g" key on my keyboard. I've been putting off the warranty call after all the hassle with the missing remote control. Besides if Dell were to offer Linux and Vista on the same hardware sets you'd be covered as normal. I'm not really sure how the warranty would be an issue. I think Dell specific versions of the Ubuntu ISO are now available for download on the Dell Linux Wiki page. As far as I know Ubuntu automatically installs the appropriate version of the kernel. But if it didn't you can go change it with Synaptic.

The Dell Linux team have done a great job so far. The 6 month Ubuntu turn around is a huge challenge for such a small team. The failure is on the part of Dells marketing people and policy makers who have chosen not to market this stuff and give it a more visible presence. Offering Linux isn't hurting the sales of the Asus Eee PC!
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