1212jtraceur

Offer at least one "free upgrade" option for Linux PCs

Linux submitted by seeking_alpha 07/10/07

Vista PCs has a lot of "free upgrade" options and thus some of Ubuntu models cost $225 more than the same model with Vista. Details can be found at http://www.devside.net/blog/dell-ubuntu-lies< we get the same for Ubuntu? By the way who sponsors these free upgrades, Microsoft? 5 Comments »

Dell Should Post and Pass on Rumors about itself.

Dell, IdeaStorm submitted by jorge 07/03/07 **NOT LIKELY**

Dell start a bevy of rumors to get your name in the headlines! This will put your name up in society and get people to recognize you. Whether its a home made porn video or just a product to be released and everything in between. Hire some paparazzi to follow your product developers they'll have some nasty secrets to get on the 10 O-clock news. 15 Comments »

CLEARLY identify hardware

Dell Web Site, Service and Support, Software submitted by streaks 07/06/07

Ok so, my wife gets her an XPS1710 and I make an account and start snooping around Vista. When I notice that the LCD is listed as a generic plug-and-play monitor. I go out to the support site to try and find a driver but I need to know the exact model. I do not currently have her driver CD's handy, so it would be GREAT if I could just punch in my service code and have it list hardware by the same MODEL number that the driver selection page offers! How difficult can this be?

I was in a job that had me supporting over 200 people, all using Dell. And this issue caused me a lot of frustration. Please, Dell, it's not a big thing to change!

Thanks 4 Comments »

Give costumers a reason why Dell recommends what it does

Dell Web Site, Sales Strategies submitted by sakuramboo 07/08/07

I would like to see exactly WHY Dell tells me that it recommends one option over another. Why does Dell recommend 1 Gig of ram over 2 Gigs or 512 Megs of RAM, for example? Show us comparisons with in depth analysis as to why I should go with one set of options over another. 4 Comments »

Why Dell doesn't need Apple - and why Linux beats it!

IdeaStorm, Linux submitted by phubert 07/10/07

Suggestions have landed on IdeaStorm regarding Dell and Apple.

This is to assert that Dell's move to Linux is an effective counter TO Apple.

Stay the course! Expand your Linux efforts and become better than Apple in the process!

Linux has a long, long way to go yet... and MANY many people are paddling it there! 9 Comments »

Make Installation of Microsoft Internet Explorer Optional

Software submitted by badblood 07/12/07

And/Or -

-Microsoft Media Player
-Microsoft Movie Maker
-Microsoft Mail
-Microsoft Calendar 13 Comments »

Dell Sponsor or Hold your own BBQ Competition!

Dell submitted by jorge 07/04/07 **NOT LIKELY**

Dell Sponsor or Hold your own Dell-BBQ Competition!



Your in Texas, cattle a plenty, lots of cow-pokes! The perfect mix to have a BBQ Competition! Once you're done offer the recipes on-line so fellow Dell BBQ-ers can share the tasty recipes! Have different categories, like charcoal briquettes, smokers, natural gas (propane not the other natural gas), solar reflectors (you know for the Green aspect), and microwave (one's fav).

This will get managers to mingle with the regular grunt employee's and hopefully this will allow two through five to sneak out the results of this site to them, so they can start working on what we want and will buy, avoiding the regular and super slow process of getting things done, as opposed to some managers (one) pet projects which won't sell.

Three here's one for ya! (aka burger boy)
http://allthingsbbq.com/show_recipe.php?id=33 4 Comments »

Where is the tag cloud on idea storm?

IdeaStorm submitted by ttchang 07/05/07

I would love to see what the biggest tags are for the entire site. 3 Comments »

Dell List the Error Codes from the Dell Diag. CD

Service and Support submitted by jorge 07/08/07

Dell List what the Error Codes from the Dell Diag. CD mean so your customers can identify what it wrong with their systems without having to call and go through at least 2 people to get the meaning of a code. Most phone support techs do NOT have the look up table (call and find out if you don't believe me) even though the manager above them states they do as they read off what the code means, yea I take up to get the answer to this.

7 Comments »

Dell only offer No-OS on all your computer systems worldwide.

Dell, Operating Systems submitted by jorge 07/14/07

Dell quite forcing us to decide which OS should be installed, don't install any OS, that way you can earn more cash by selling any if not all or No-OS on the side after a customer picks out their hardware. You can add your own bloatware to the install CDs/DVDs to get your current kick backs and sell the OS at MSRP price! You'll make so much money selling the OS's on the side you'll have enough money to buy any OS manufacture and actually be able to re-brand any OS to say Dell-OS! 6 Comments »

Dell Install Iceweasel browser on all computers regardless of OS or Country, even No-OS Systems!

Software submitted by jorge 07/14/07

Dell install the Iceweasel web browser on all your computer systems throughout the whole world of possible sales on all your offered OS's. Its the wave of the future so join in before it passes you by like a members only jacket in the 80's.

Iceweasel is like Firefox but better! Of course most tracking websites won't think so as it has more anti-track features and more privacy features which limit hackers from getting your info.

All the proceeds of Iceweasel sales also saves real Iceweasel's on the arctic circle, note all proceeds not just a micro fraction like the other funds in the world.



2 Comments »

Disable the spyware pre-built into Vista - or warn customers about it before the purchase

Operating Systems, Software submitted by jmxz 03/21/07

One of your software vendors (Microsoft) seems to have a habit of building spyware into the software they get you to pre-install.

There are many examples, but I'll give 3 specific examples here to let you know

For one example, the Windows Media Player
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,3995,00.asp
"February 21 Associated Press report that alleged the existence of DVD-tracking spyware hidden deep within Windows Media Player for Windows XP (aka Windows Media Player 8, or simply MPXP). .. It's bad enough that the very existence of a DVD cache might tempt nosy roommates, private investigators, and overzealous government agents. But, the article asserts, privacy experts fear that the ID-based tracking mechanism could even be exploited by media conglomerates"
I don't really want Microsoft and my ISP knowing my preferences in home movies; and I assume neither do many other Dell customers.

For another example, Windows Activtation's Hardware checks. I don't want Microsoft checking on what kinds of hard drives I put in my system - for example, if they don't like one particular hardware vendor in the future, I don't want them making my machine flaky on purpose.

For a third, Vista has spyware that scans your software as well looking for software they don't like:
http://www.itbusinessedge.com/item/?ci=20916
http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/6149/983/
"Vista 'Spyware': The Best Thing to Happen to Linux" "Microsoft's intention to crack down on software piracy by putting what amounts to spyware on users' computers. Now I'm thinking twice about whether I really need or want this new operating system."

.

Remember, it's us your customers buying these machines - not Microsoft.

And I promise you your customers would prefer getting their machines spyware-free regardless of how well-intentioned it was.

And as much as your home customers don't like it; corporate IT security should be even more panicked that your servers out of the box are off sending packets around the internet at one of their competitor's (many of your customers are competitors of the company in question) requests.

If you can't (for technical reasons) disable these spyware features - please make sure a pretty visible "spyware warning" is placed right on the infected OS's right on the "select your OS" part of your web page; since I'm pretty sure your customers would at least like to be warned that you're helping companies spy on your customers. 15 Comments »

Dell offer a No-OS option in {insert your country here} for all possible computer systems you offer.

Linux, Operating Systems submitted by jorge 07/11/07

Dell offer a No-OS option in{insert your country here}! We also want to have the option of having (or is it not to have) No-OS as an option when buying a computer!

Everyone fill in your own {insert your country here}.

If this doesn't work then create your own idea, it worked for Linux, why not No-OS?

Update: Added all possible computer systems offered by Dell. 52 Comments »

Free Software, not Open Source

Linux, Operating Systems, Software submitted by mrintegrity 07/15/07

There are a number of common miss-conceptions that are being reinforced by Dell's use of certain terms in it's Ubuntu marketing. I believe that it would be beneficial to the growing Dell Ubuntu community and to Dell it's self to clarify these issues.

The issues are as follows:

Open Source is an ambiguous term which is used in all of the Dell Ubuntu marketing. For example, in the video "Linux 101" seen on the main page, the watcher is told that:

"The beauty of Linux is that it's open source, and open source means that no company owns it, it's not proprietary. You might say the world owns it".

This is incorrect in a number of ways, the most important of which is that the term "Open Source" can be applied to any piece of software where the owning company or individual can say "My application is open source" but accompanying the program is a license that forbids the user to modify or use the code in any way, they can look at it, but not use it (and the copywrite holder 'owns' it, not the user - regardless of license).

The common miss-conception is that "Open Source" implies freedom to use and modify the software but from my previous example it is clear that this is not true. A much better term then should be "Freedom Software", more commonly shortened to "Free Software". With this term, there can be no ambiguity.

The second issue, in this lengthy post, relates to the use of the term "linux operating system". Although some might say that this is the simplest way to refer to the collection of Free Software that makes up operating systems such as Ubuntu, it is not strictly correct and can lead to user confusion.

A better solution would be to refer to [the operating system] as it is really called, in Dells case it would be Ubuntu.

In short:

Linux is the kernel.

Gnu is (mostly) the userland.

Ubuntu is the operating system.

With the advent of Free Software operating systems that don't use Linux, such as Nexenta which would be indistinguishable from so called "Linux Operating systems" to the end user it is ever more important to get the terminology laid out straight, it's not too late!

Not addressing these issues because it's easier to ignore them is no excuse. 5 Comments »

Dell's Website must work with Firefox running on Linux

Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by qgonjon 07/16/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

It's discouraging to have a Tier 1 vendor (Dell) selling Linux products and yet not really tailoring to Linux. Don't get me wrong Dell, I am not trying to take away all the good you have done. Offering Linux is a step in the right direction and I would like to see more steps taken in a monthly or quarterly basis. But, it seems that the basis for your current Linux promotion is for the Open Source enthusiast like me. I use Linux at home and at work as my main operating system. I use Firefox as my browser and I'm trying to order a Dell Inspiron 1420N. However, it seems that the embedded flash script that shows the different colors choices for the Inspiron is not working under Linux. It also shows that I can't see the different images thereafter. It works with Windows running Firefox as my vmware machine verified. But that is not the type of user that will most likely purchase a Linux laptop.

My request is simple. Can someone fix and verify that this page works well with Linux browser technology? So, that users can enjoy purchasing your Linux products and demonstrate that Dell really cares about their customer's operating system preference.

Dell I wish you the best in this venture as your success in this territory will help the Linux Desktop become a reality to the open source community.





73 Comments »

License this cool patent - seems much profit can be made here.

Linux submitted by jmxz 07/17/07

Wow this is an audacious

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070717-microsoft-patents-the-mother-of...

Microsoft patents the mother of all adware systems

The adware framework would leave almost no data untouched in its quest to sell you stuff. It would inspect "user document files, user e-mail files, user music files, downloaded podcasts, computer settings, computer status messages (e.g., a low memory status or low printer ink)," and more.

Seems some of your customers don't mind the spyware built into Vista (those who voted down the linked idea here) so they shouldn't mind the obvious consequences. For those users just take the next step and take advantage of the profit opportunity they're giving you.

[Why isn't there a Microsoft category to parallel the Linux one? I guess since the press describes Vista as The Best Think That Ever Happened To Linux I'll put it in the Linux category.]

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Dell - please stay focused on the highest-voted ideas, though. Don't distract yourselves with this one until you've addressed the ideas below which have been the top-ranked ideas for at least 6 months without adequate responses..

1. 147,808 - dhart - Pre-Installed Linux [and not just on a couple obsolete models in limited geographies]
2. 127,719 - dhart - Pre-Installed OpenOffice | alternative to MS Works & MS Office
3. 107,313 - robinjfisher - Have Firefox pre-installed as default browser
4. 89,183 - ootleman - No Extra Software Option [only a couple models are crapware-free today]
5. 78,007 - gergnz - Provide Linux Drivers for all your Hardware
6. 73,600 - agreer - No OS Preloaded [and not just on a couple obsolete models]

1 Comment »

Put your Windows ads on your Google Appliance pages - or remove them from the Ubuntu pages.

Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by jmxz 07/17/07

Dell seems adamant about advertising Windows on their Ubuntu pages; and on not mentioning their Ubuntu computers on their Windows pages - as explained by Dell's response in the comments to this idea: http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/71206/

However these Dell computers don't come with Windows but there's no such windows ad there:
http://www.dell.com/html/global/enterprise/index.htm?partnerName=google
http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/casestudies/2007_google.pdf
Perhaps Balmer could pay you to put windows ads there too?

---

Dell - please stay focused on the highest-voted ideas, though. Don't distract yourselves with this one until you've addressed the ideas below which have been the top-ranked ideas for at least 6 months without adequate responses..

1. 147,808 - dhart - Pre-Installed Linux [and not just on a couple obsolete models in limited geographies]
   
2. 127,719 - dhart - Pre-Installed OpenOffice | alternative to MS Works & MS Office
   
3. 107,313 - robinjfisher - Have Firefox pre-installed as default browser
   
4. 89,183 - ootleman - No Extra Software Option [only a couple models are crapware-free today]
   
5. 78,007 - gergnz - Provide Linux Drivers for all your Hardware
   
6. 73,600 - agreer - No OS Preloaded [and not just on a couple obsolete models]
   

Comment »

ubuntu on my computer: open source for education

Education, Linux submitted by raymako 03/23/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

I am a french teacher working in the south of France .The school's computers are Dell and Nec computers.
Like most of my colleagues, I am using "opensource" (free) softwares, and specially Ubuntu for 2 years.
It works perfectly and the pupils who tried Ubuntu like it very much. I hope it will be possible to buy a Dell computer without Windows very soon and I hope that all the Dell computers of my school will use Ubuntu.
Not only because Ubuntu is free (even if it's not insignificant in a french school...) , but because working with Ubuntu forces you to understand and to think how and why you are using your (Dell) computer.
I know that I'm speaking and writing english language like a spanish cow, so I'm sorry.
I just want to finish my message with this: please be the first big computer manufacturer offering Ubuntu or Windows (which is very performant, but not the only one and specially at school) .





138 Comments »

Visible Link to IdeaStorm on main Dell site

Advertising and Marketing, Dell Web Site, IdeaStorm submitted by ipaw 07/01/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

IdeaStorm should have a visible link and explanation on the main Dell site as well as a Desktop shortcut on all new installations.

I've been a Dell customer since my XPS-500 back in the mid 90's and I only just found out about IdeaStorm through a PodCast.

If people know they can have a voice and make a difference, they'll use it.

Thanks


This idea has been partially implemented, as our new home page now has a prominent link to "Dell Community" - within that page are links to IdeaStorm and our other community properties, including Dell Community Forums, Direct2Dell, StudioDell, etc. Thanks for the idea!!!
34 Comments »

There should be no more than 13 dell_admins

IdeaStorm submitted by badblood 07/21/07

There are now at least 10 administrators on this site, but there should be no more than 13!

In witchcraft and other similar forms of modern neopaganism, a coven is a gathering or community of witches, much like a congregation in Christian parlance. It is composed of a group of believers who gather together for ceremonies of worship such as Drawing Down the Moon, or celebrating the Sabbats.

The number of persons involved may vary. Although 13 has been suggested as the optimum number. Within the community, many believe that a coven larger than thirteen is unwieldy, citing unwieldy group dynamics and an unfair burden on the leadership. When a coven has grown too large to be manageable, it may split, or "hive". In witchcraft this may also occur when a newly made High Priest or High Priestess, also called 3rd Degree ordination, leaves to start their own coven.

Covens are generally jointly led by a High Priestess (dell_admin1) and a High Priest, though some are led by only one or the other. In more recent forms of neopagan witchcraft, covens are sometimes run as democracies with a rotating leadership. Comment...but not this one! 8 Comments »