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Dell's part of an amazing Windows supercomputer.

Operating Systems, Servers and Storage submitted by jmxz 09/07/07

This is a followup (but not a dup) to a previous Idea of an Amazing Dell Linux supercomputer. What I didn't realize is that there is apparently a a much bigger Windows cluster that undoubtedly has many Dell nodes. Who would have guessed that windows clusters could scale that well. The previous Idea mentioned that Dell may not be taking advantage of the PR benefits of the impressive NCSA supercomputer because it was Linux based and Dell seems to hide most of their Linux activities. With the existence of the Windows cluster Dell can say they can do big things on both Linux and Windows supercomputers. Idea: Dell - let the world know how good you are at supercomputers - the first names that pop to my mind are still IBM, HP, NEC, etc.

PS: But Dell, please - before spending any resources on this Idea - focus on the much neglected Top Voted Ideas on IdeaStorm first.

PPS: Why's there no Windows category on IdeaStorm? I'm misfiling it under Linux instead. 6 Comments »

Dell with Opensuse (not only Ubuntu )

Linux, Operating Systems submitted by xhen 06/01/07

I have read recently about this new idea of DELL which is perfect, but in my opinion (working as IT manager On Veolia environment for 8 years) I think dell should try opensuse instead of ubuntu, I think is more easy for the Final User who need to change from windows to Linux.
With opensuse you needn´t run any sudo command (ok sometimes yes but are less) to install things like ubuntu.
In my personal opinion and after my own experience,recently (i´m not very familiarize with linux) I have spent 5 days trying to install ubuntu in one computer and finally I have decided to give it up and install again Opensuse 10.2 which is more efficient for the final user and more friendly.

I hope Dell give us more options not only ubuntu, especially nowadays when Microsoft and Novell have made a deal to get a better relationship between Opensuse and Windows (actually a better relation of windows with Linux-Opensuse not on the contrary), I think this would be one of the most important distribution of Linux for companies which want to change windows for Linux.

Best Regards ;)

Go ahead with more Points!!! 12 Comments »

Add No-OS (not FreeDOS or RedHat) to the Dell Precision Workstation Line

Operating Systems, Precision Workstations submitted by jorge 08/09/07

Add a No-OS to the Dell Precision Workstation line of computers. Also, FreeDOS or RedHat are not No-OS so this ideas is for a true No-OS solution so without those pre-installed.

Customers buying these systems on 90% if not 99% of the time are under a in house IT dept handling those tasks such as OS install anyway and more than not they install some kind of custom OS not on Dell's current offerings or ever will be on Dell's current OS offerings.

These systems will of course only be sold with hardware warrentee not OS support making them cheaper to support for Dell and for the customer so they can buy more! 2 Comments »

Stop reccommending Microsoft Windows Vista

Advertising and Marketing, Operating Systems submitted by arigali 06/19/07

Windows Vista is a problem for computers. It does not improve user experience but degrade it. Maybe after its first service pack it (or second, or third) would turn into a good operating system. But now, Vista is closer to Windows Millenium than XP in terms of stability and user experience. Dell is compromising its name by promoting and reccommending that OS.

Microsoft Windows XP should be the default for new computers and Linux standing as optional, at the same level as Vista, worldwide (not just in U.S.). 18 Comments »

Stop Offering Vista

Operating Systems submitted by kenjennings 06/14/07

It's been out long enough for everyone to realize its a dog. It makes Dell's perfectly good, new computers run like old computers. It's buggy, expensive, unintuitive, and provides no worthwhile practical features. The people who die for eye candy are probably using Macs already. The power users who know (or want to know) how to get close to their computers use Linux. So, about all that's left are gamers -- and Vista isn't wonderfully compatible as a multi-gigabyte boot loader for games. The only real reason to keep Vista is fear of Microsoft. 37 Comments »

Ditch Windows

Operating Systems, Desktops and Laptops submitted by crawfjs 02/22/07

Dell needs to free themselves from the Windows stronghold. Focus on designing a solid system (like Apple has done) and offer a system without Windows.

Also, this website, the javascript that is used is not supported in IE7!! Way to go. Haven't tried it in firefox, but way to be :P 84 Comments »

Enable us to change an existing idea vote, if we make a mistake

IdeaStorm submitted by cosh 05/01/07

A few times I've accidentally clicked on the wrong button, or voted after reading the title of an idea but wanted to change it once I read the whole thing. Could you make it so we can still click the promote button after demoting or the demote button after promoting?

Better than having inaccurate vote counts because of clumsy people like me!

Thanks! 131 Comments »

Freedom

Software submitted by macmoh 02/27/07

Please make Openoffice and Firefox your default office suit and browser. 1 Comment »

Keep an up-to-date page on the evolving terms in various Windows licenses.

Dell Web Site, Operating Systems submitted by jmxz 06/21/07

Yet another article trying to help people understand the various
licenses (and the evolution of those licenses) in the OS's Dell sells:

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070620-microsofts-ditches-about-face-o...

Since the launch of Windows Vista, only Business and Ultimate editions have been legally approved for virtualization, thanks to the Vista EULA. A change in the EULA was forthcoming, [...]
the company relented on its transfer limitations in its retail license
[...]
The good news from all of this is that Microsoft does appear to be listening, and the company came really close to changing its mind.

I can't keep up with these license restrictions, and reading EULAs is practically a hobby of mine.

Dell has it's customers paying for these licenses without ever explaining them to customers or (as far as I can tell) even letting customers see the licenses before buying them.

When and if Microsoft does make these EULA changes, it'd be nice if there's a well-known place on the Dell website where customers can see the difference, and see that their Vista Premium has better or worse terms than someone else's Vista Premium that may have been bought earlier.

Also interesting is that Microsoft calls the restriction against Virtualization on Vista Premium a security feature -- which apparently Vista Ultimate is lacking --- so Dell might want to point out to their customers that apparently Microsoft sees Ultimate as being less secure than Premium (if I read the linked article right). 2 Comments »

HP lets me choose which Vista Sticker (or none!!!) they glue on their laptops. Dell, let us choose none too.

Sales Strategies submitted by jmxz 04/16/07

HP gives me the helpful option of letting me choose not to deface my laptop with a Vista sticker.
It also apparently saves me the $1 cost of the sticker.

VISTA label

- Microsoft® Vista Ready Label cannot be configured with Free DOS Operating System.
Please remove this label from your configuration. [3154]
- The Windows Vista™ Basic logo is not compatible with the 2 DIMM memory modules. [3769]

. No Item Selected <flash>[Subtract $1.00]</flash>
. Microsoft® Vista Ready Label [Subtract $1.00]
. Genuine Windows Vista™ Basic Logo
. Genuine Windows Vista™ Logo [Subtract $1.00]

Yes, they also give me the option of not getting Vista at all on that page (saving $75) but I think that's been pointed out in other ideas on ideastorm before.

Dell: Please give us the option not to get a sticker - and, like HP, to make the systems without a Vista Basic Logo cheaper than ones with the ugly sticker.
12 Comments »

Become the open source OEM

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by ntaylor0909 02/17/07 **REVIEWED**

I read the same question on Linux forums, all the time: What is the best brand of computer/laptop to purchase for Linux. I know that there is the n series of computers and notebooks, but it could go a step further. Accept the recent offer of free Linux driver development from the Linux Kernel Community so that DELLs "just work" with Linux. Maybe look at some ideas like LinuxBIOS and/or OpenBIOS. Become the OEM that everyone recommends. There is a growing market for Open Source friendly computers and DELL could own that market.


In the past year, we've made a lot of progress on getting Linux to work well on all of our products. Our goal is to become the hardware vendor of choice for Linux users. Click here to learn more from john_h.





45 Comments »

Vista - Do Not Want

Operating Systems submitted by hooboy 03/13/07

Do Not force vista on us.....

either at work or at home ... will NOT purchase a new pc with vista, I garantee dell will be giving my money over to its competitors.

offer XP or No OS options.. as it stands this will be the first year at my office... in a DECADE mind you, that we will not be returning to dell for new machines.

seeya dell, it was good while it lasted. 4 Comments »

Eliminate 'Ready for Vista' Case Badges - Do Not Get Sued

Operating Systems submitted by reg 04/11/07

<font>

Woman files a class action suit against Microsoft, the low end PC she bought with a "Windows Vista Capable" sticker can't run Windows Vista Ultimate.

</font>



Seems some people took exception to bare minimum PC configurations having
case badges that say they can run Vista, but can not run Full Vista Ultimate with
all the GUI eye candy.

<font>Dell should make sure NOBODY
can drag them into this lawsuit ! ! !

</font>
( Dell has enough worries of its own. ) 31 Comments »

Please give us a choice

Operating Systems, Sales Strategies, Software submitted by man19950901 02/22/07

Please give us a choice :
- to select OS other than vista or XP
- to select browser other than IE
- to select Office other than MS OFFICE
- to select cheaper other than expensive
- to select our prefer "Server OS" other than Win 2003 or Vista Server

Please let us Choice mine. No need default
We buy your hardware and choice our prefer software Comment »

Stop Offering XP

Operating Systems submitted by badblood 06/14/07

Now that I've been using Vista for a while I am happy and have gotten over my initial fears. XP isn't as good, lets face it. The only real reason to keep it is fear of change.

THIS IS NOT A JOKE.

91 Comments »

Be consistent in recommending an operating system

Dell Web Site, Sales Strategies submitted by mugunth 11/03/07

Sometimes I see
"Dell recommends Windows Vista® Business"
and sometimes,
"Dell recommends Windows Vista® Home Premium"

Why does Dell make this recommendation in such and such context?
Please make this clear to your customers... 8 Comments »

Stay aware of the ongoing Vista compatibility troubles - and do better at offering XP & Ubuntu alternatives on more models.

Operating Systems submitted by jmxz 07/21/07

Another interesting Reuters article this week:

Vista's growing pains leave room for XP

Thu Jul 19, 2007 7:27PM EDT

David Daoud ran into trouble when he started using Vista, the new version of Windows that Microsoft Corp. and PC makers have spent millions of dollars advertising since it came out six months ago.

He said it short-circuited key software programs he counts on: Quicken for balancing his checkbook, Lotus Notes e-mail and a networking program that connects his home to the office. His Sony camcorder also doesn't communicate with the PC properly.

"Basically they don't work," said Daoud, a computer industry analyst with market research firm IDC.
...
Hewlett-Packard Co. and Dell Inc. recently started selling XP machines on their Web sites. Lenovo Group Ltd. and Toshiba Corp. also offer similarly equipped machines.

Seems Ubuntu + Wine's got better Windows compatibility than Vista does (esp. when it comes to older hardware).

Perhaps this can be merged with some of the other cautionary ideas about Vista troubles - but it's not quite a dupe because the Idea here is to be aware that Vista's troubles are ongoing and still making major news stories half a year after they launched without signs of improvement. The followup Idea is to keep offering XP & Ubuntu so people can keep using their pre-vista software which often tends to work on both XP and Ubuntu. 3 Comments »

More OS Choices on the XPS Line!

Operating Systems, Sales Strategies, XPS products submitted by hoodedthing 12/30/07

Alright, the XPS laptop line is pretty good, but the OS choices are awfully limited. As a matter of fact, it's usually a choice between Vista or Vista Ultimate. Putting Linux, no-OS, and XP choices on all computers isn't a new subject, but I'm talking about the XPS line, because it seems to have been left out of the "partially implemented" part of those ideas.

The m1330 and the m1530 are both VISTA ONLY. I don't know about everyone else, but Vista pretty much sucks, and I would definitely re-platform any XPS I bought rather than deal with it. Can't we have a choice of XP, no OS, or Linux? Dell is really strangling these great computers by making Vista their mandatory OS.

The m1710 and m1730 do give you the choice of XP, but those laptops start at $2300. Why would you only offer XP on your high-end systems? It's not a new expensive product, it's still in demand, it's not anything inconvenient for Dell, so let's just stick it back in the pre-installion options.

So, they're great laptops, we want more OS choices because it's easy for us if we get the OS we want pre-installed, or at least don't have to wipe and then install one ourselves. I don't know how the legal whoop-dee-doo works with XP as opposed to Vista, but I know that a blank or Linux hard drive is free, and there's no excuse for not offering those. 14 Comments »

Option to upgrade to 64-bit Vista.

Operating Systems submitted by impulse 07/18/07

All Dell computers have the option to upgrade to to 4GB of ram. However, the 32-bit versions of Vista only support up to 3GB of ram. An option to upgrade to a 64-bit version of vista should be available, as well as notification that 4GB requires the 64-bit OS. 4 Comments »

In how many ways does Dell mislead customers about Vista

Operating Systems submitted by jmxz 04/04/07

Dell seems to be doing a lot of misleading customers about Vista:

• On Dell's High Performance Computing Clusters page [1] clearly states "Dell recommends Windows Vista™" on the same page that talks about Dell's impressive results in the Top500 supercomputers list. Yet when I go to the Top500 lists themselves [2] I note that all 17 of Dell's supercomputers on the list are running Linux (6 redhat, 11 unspecified)
• More generally, Dell *OFTEN* puts "Dell recommends [a specific version of Vista]" on a page where the version of Vista they recommend is horribly inappropriate for the system they're discussing on the page (for example, recommending a high-end version of Vista on a machine with a low memory setting)
• They do not show the various Vista EULAs and how severely they restrict the ways customers can use - and even talk about(!!!) - Vista [3]
• They put misleading and false "Vista" stickers on their machines [4]
• They never disclose to customers the spyware they're including with Vista [5]

Dell should fix this in a few ways:

• Dell: On pages that showcase your Linux successes [1], don't put the Dell Recommends Vista ad [6]
• Dell: Don't put the "Dell Recommends Vista" ads on a page if the computer being discussed has less than the 2GB Ram and very fast CPUs and high end graphics cards that Vista requires to get a decent experience.
• Dell: Don't even offer the Vista OS as a choice if a machine has less than the 2GB Ram and very fast CPUs and high end graphics cards that Vista requires to get a decent experience.
• Dell: Make your customers read a summary of the EULA (and the specific one that matches their version of Vista - because the versions have very different license terms[3]) before buying it.
• Dell: Tell people about the spyware you bundle with Vista that can be used against your customers [5]

[1] http://www.dell.com/hpcc
[2] http://www.top500.org/static/lists/2006/11/TOP500_200611.xls
[3] http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/65619
[4] http://www.computerworld.com/blogs/node/5302
[5] http://ideastorm.com/article/show/65249
[6] http://ideastorm.com/article/show/63583< more ways Dell misleads customers about Vista that I missed? 4 Comments »