Don't just install Linux but Also Support Linux
Linux submitted by barry5280
03/08/07
Not only should you install 5 of the top distributions but also help support and promote them. Take $20 for example of what you would of paid Microsoft and donate those proceeds to Ubuntu or which ever. You still come out better than if you paid microsoft and the Open Source Community can also continue what they are doing. This may still bother some people that want everything for free but I don't think most people that are requesting Linux would mind a $20 donation to the Linux Distributor to help the cause. A lot of these "Free" Linux distributions rely on donations, I've donated to my favorite distribution because I want to see it continue and prosper. Don't just pull an Oracle and undercut the Linux Distributor (Red Hat for Example).
220
No Linux? OK.... Linux-fan: don't buy Dell computers
Linux submitted by lonelovetenerife
03/03/07
Dell's Ideastorm was "stormed" with posts asking Linux incorporated as operating system in the computers. Now Dell make only shy measures like selling PCs without O.S.
Well, if Dell don't take care of consumer's wishes there is an easy solution: if you are a fan of open source don't buy Dell products until it comes with Linux.
70
Dell and Linux or O/S Free !
Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by brjones
02/20/07
I vote to have Ubuntu or Kubuntu installed or just be able to buy a new Dell cheaper (with possibly even an AMD processor) with no pre-installed O/S.
If Dell could do this, I might even replace my trusty old OptiPlex!
Dell Optiplex GX260/2.4 GHz
2GB RAM / Dual 160GB HDD's
Nvidia GeForce FX5500
Ubuntu/Kubuntu 6.10/OpenSuse 10.2
Billy in Sugar Land ;)
2183
Dell Operating System software
Operating Systems submitted by doug23314
03/02/07
Michael, I have read too many consumers having problems with existing software clashing with Vista. I realize that this will be solved by patches, upgrades or Vista SP1 eventually but a lot of people wish to buy your systems with winXP still so these type clashes don't happen. Can you still give them a choice between Vista and XP instead of forcing them to take Vista ? I think this might make them feel better about Dell systems right now.
-10
10 things that every laptop should have nowdays
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by eyefish
03/24/07
Please note that I'm copying this list from this URL which is the source of this article: http://eliax.com/blog/articles/2007_03_18_10-Things_every_laptop_should_have.htm
10 things that every laptop should have nowdays:
1. Allow us to use the laptop's built-in screen as a TV monitor for other devices (like external video game consoles, external analog/digital cable, secondary monitor for another machine, etc). In other words, let me use the LCD screen as a separate entity. It'd be nice if we could detach it for this purpose as well. As a bonus, include a remote control to operate it.
2. Modularize laptops so we can easily upgrade its CPU or GPU. I'm sure this will create an even bigger laptop market, just like it did for desktop PCs.
3. Ingregate GPS functionality, along with a password-protected BIOS setting to enable it or disable it.
4. Multi-touch screens like the Apple iPhone. HP already has one model that does this, and it is rumored that Apple will implement it across its whole product line. This would be great for presentations, music programs, POS point-of-sale applications, video games, etc.
5. Built-in accelerometer to detect movement and rotation in any direction. Apple already has this, but this has a lot of potential when coupled with the GPS function outlined above to report back over the Internet exactly where a lost or stolen laptop is. It's also be great for detecting the screen orientation when displaying a GUI, for games, as a musical instrument, for protecting the system in case of sudden movements, and for scientific experimentation, among other things.
6. Allow us to replace the built-in hard drive for some sort of solid-state memory. I know this exists but it is too expensive, so how about creating a standard form factor spec so that all makers of such devices can compete on similar terms driving prices down?
7. RAID support. You can count with the fingers in your hand how many laptops offer this, but this should really be an option on most laptops nowdays, specially when you take into account how often laptop drives fail (I deal with this problem at least once every two months with my family members). This way, if one drive fails the other continues operating and warns the user to replace it before data is lost.
8. Allow us to share built-in devices with other laptops or PCs via the USB port. In other words, I should be able to connect by laptop to my PC and automatically have the PC recognize the laptop's built-in DVD burner and allow me to use it as an external USB DVD burner. The same for webcams, hard drives, WiFi equipment, etc. For this purpose the laptop can have an A-to-B USB cable connector (similar to printers or digital cameras) so it is not mistaken for the other type of USB connector.
9. Allow us to access the music, images and videos stored in the hard drive, as well as media placed into the DVD tray, without turning the machine on. In other words, like a single-function device so we don't have to deal with booting into the OS just to play a movie. I know some laptops offer this in a limited way, but every laptop should be able to do this.
10. A remote control. Apple already does this with his machines, but this should be part of every laptop on the market. This would be great for suggestion #1 and #9 above, and it'd be very useful for presentations, video games, and to control other multimedia equipment in the home (like a Home Theater setup).
250
Should Apple licence OS X to Dell? | Bigmouth Strikes Again - Freelance journalist Gary Marshall on technology, the Internet, music, Macs and more
Operating Systems submitted by pwalker
01/30/07
There was an interesting op-ed by Doug Mohney in The Inquirer yesterday, which suggested that the launch of Vista provides a good opportunity for Apple - if it licences OS X to Dell.
However, Vista is being beaten like a dead horse by the mass media – most of them already are enthralled to the God of Jobs if you read between the lines, so Microsoft could make nuclear fusion work tomorrow and they’d give it a lukewarm review at best. The consensus view out of the babbling punditry is “Don’t buy Vista today, unless you have to buy a new computer tomorrow.”
On that front, I think the babbling pundits are right. Heh.
So what about Apple?
If Apple was serious, and I mean really serious, about gaining more PC market share, they’d realize they need to license/sell their operating system to another hardware manufacturer or two. Sure, Apple’s tried the license route before with mixed results, but it’s about time to bite the bullet, look into the mirror, and realize they should try something bold.
Apple should license their operating system to Dell.
Mohney isn’t suggesting that Apple should make OS X available to any PC user; the dangers of that (such as hardware incompatibilities or really crap machines ruining Apple’s reputation) have been talked to death for years. Rather, he’s suggesting that Apple could team up with a single PC manufacturing firm to make decent clones, expanding OS X’s market share without diluting the core Apple brand. It wouldn’t be an Apple Mac: it’d be a Dell Mac. Dell’s good at churning out PCs, so if Apple laid down strict criteria about what should and shouldn’t go into a clone you could get decent non-Apple Macs competing in different markets to Apple Macs. Does anyone really think Dell is capable of making something as sexy as a MacBook or as iconic as the iMac?
I’m sure Mohney will be inundated with angry emails, but I do wonder how many of the senders will have reacted similarly to suggestions a few years back that Macs should run Intel chips. I think his idea’s fascinating.
4471
Offer LINUX, but charge more for it, and make it difficult to order.
Linux, Sales Strategies submitted by steveoc
02/26/07
Yes, offer LINUX as an option on _some_machines (but not all of them, for goodness sakes)
Make it difficult for the customer to find the LINUX option.
And whatever you do, make sure that the LINUX option is significantly more expensive than exactly the same hardware supplied with Vista.
Every time you sell a LINUX machine, pay Microsoft a license fee anyway, and also fire off an email to IDC or Rob Enderle, letting them know that the sales figures show another Windows license has been sold.
Make some [profanity removed by moderator] press release saying 'See - we really do care about LINUX after all'
Sounds like a stupid plan ? .. well, thats exactly what you have been doing up to now, isnt it ? Why stop now ?
50
Preinstall open-source OS (Linux) + fully-functional FREE application software
Linux, Operating Systems, Desktops and Laptops submitted by doctorsuse
02/20/07
Adding to the other posts on this subject, yes, DELL makes great hardware. Facilitating the sale of this hardware by preinstalling an open source Linux OS and fully-functional OpenOffice suite + a selection of some of the other great open source photo editing, Internet browsing, email, multimedia software would be a great idea. This saves the consumer hundreds of dollars per system (have a look at the price of MS office 2007 + Vista, not including Photoshop and so forth). The recent agreement between Ubuntu and Linspire would offer all multimedia codec support for legal use. As well, Dell could no doubt come to some mutually-beneficial agreement with Ubuntu/Linspire as to the CNR (Click 'N Run) software downloading service (though which users can purchase or freely download other software, in addition to the hundreds of thousands of free packages available from the various Ubuntu repositories).
Dell could offer time-limited support for a standard OS and application suite image (community support for other packages, and also for after the support period). The Kubuntu (Ubuntu with KDE desktop) distribution might offer the easiest transition for Windows users. Including a "Dell standard" image CD set or DVD which a user could legally use to restore their own PC back to its original state - as well as legally doing the same to as many other PC's as they want, without going through any arduous and demeaning telephone "re-registration" sessions to do this - would offer another strong benefit to users, and make supporting the systems a snap.
I have always been a Windows user (starting with Windows 3.1), but I mainly have used Kubuntu and OpenSuse for the past 18 months, on all my home systems. I find that this does everything that I need and then some, and I have no reason to ever go back to a proprietary OS or software. I can also control everything that my PC does - what a nice change from Microsoft's efforts! I have installed Kubuntu on others' PC's, and so far they all seem equally satisfied.
Dell could also look at the installation of open-source software as a due-diligence issue. Considering the track record of Microsoft's products, selling such a system which could potentially be used for sensitive Internet transactions or banking to a customer may not be in the best interest of customers (at least, they should be given a choice for an open-source machine). Vista may improve security, but I (and many others, according to this poll) feel that the cost, security issues, and inconvenience of being forced into the morass of proprietary software is just not worth it.
The hardware issue is also and easy issue to deal with. Dell can configure their products for maximum compatibility with Linux. ATI and other companies should also be pressured to better support Linux (and Dell could easily apply this pressure). Still, Ubuntu and other distros have a better out-of-the-box hardware support than do any version of windows (including Vista), and I am happily writing this on an AMD machine with ATI video card, so the status quo is working well for me at the moment. All in all, the idea of Dell supplying open source OS's and software is very exciting!
1529
More Choice
Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by unger73
02/25/07
Customers need more choice even with the low-end computers.
One area where choice falls way short is in the area of video (graphic) cards. There should be a lot more choices here. One real need is some DirectX 10 video cards like the Nvidia 8000 series.
Another area is the choices of Vista - some low-end computers do not allow a selection of Vista Ultimate. All the versions of Vista with the exception of the Enterprise edition should be offered to Home Users.
I am ready to buy another Dell (number 10 or so, I have lost track) but I am waiting for some more choices.
110
More RAM!
Desktops and Laptops submitted by mwmtjm
01/30/07 **UNDER REVIEW**
Do away with 512MB of memory as a base option to buy consumer desktops and notebooks. With Vista running best on 1GB at a minimum, don't make customers have a basic experience with the new OS because Dell wants to be able to advertise at a lower price point. The success of Vista -- and subsequently for Dell -- will be largely in word of mouth. Take a long-term view and build the momentum one great customer experience at a time right now!
39922
Ubuntu Linux capable of running Beryl to compete with WIndows Vista
Linux, Operating Systems submitted by master5o1
02/25/07
In all markets competition is the key to keeping prices and quality good for consumers.
I propose to Dell to offer Ubuntu Linux with the ideal hardware to support Beryl (with XGL or AIGLX) for exceptional competition of a Linux based Eye-Candy supporting Vista alternative.
Stand up and speak out! This is the perfect time to curb Microsoft's 'monopoly' on commercial operating systems. Let's try make Linux as easily available to consumers as Windows is!
690
Option to Bundle a HDTV Tuner Card with Vista Premium Media Center
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by guest_houston
02/17/07
When someone buys a system with Vista Premium, which has all the Windows Media Center software, it would be nice if one could select an optional High Definition TV tuner card to go with it.
With the power of today's processors, and the availability of Over The Air (Free) hdtv signals, this type of machine could easily record and store HDTV as a PVR/DVR. Most major networks ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, PBS, TheCW, etc are broadcasting HDTV shows.
But buying and setting up the HDTV card with Vista is something I'm sure a lot of folks would rather leave to Dell!
166
Dell's Windows Vista Capable Sticker - Check It Out (Great for...Booting the Operating System, without running any applications or games)
Operating Systems submitted by icantseeyou
02/22/07
Windows Vista Capable: Good For Nothing!
Here, from a page about Windows Vista at Dell's site, is a shockingly honest explanation of just how meaningless the "Windows Vista Capable" sticker on some PCs is:
Click here for Graphic link to story
http://blogs.pcworld.com/techlog/archives/003769.html
Yes, folks, that does say that a PC that meets the conditions to be marketed as Windows Vista Capable may be a swell Vista system...as long as you don't try to run any programs on it. ("Great for...Booting the Operating System, without running any applications or games.")
(Did I mention that my new PC has a "Windows Vista Capable" sticker but not the at least somewhat more informative "Windows Vista Premium Ready" one on it? It's got a dual-core CPU, 2GB of RAM, and adequate integrated graphics, so I am indeed running applications, thank goodness. But it's still somewhat unclear how satisfactory a Vista machine it'll be, long term. More on that in upcoming posts...)
-70
Dell custom gadgets for Window Vista sidebar
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Operating Systems, Desktops and Laptops submitted by jeffwilson
04/09/07
Dell should take full advantage of the Windows Vista sidebar to help maintain its direct relationships and to separate Dell systems from competitors. One of the most prominent, new features in the Windows Vista operating system is the sidebar, which allows users to add custom gadgets. I propose that Dell should create custom gadgets that would come preinstalled on all Dell personal computers.
These custom gadgets would provide customers with an increased level of service and satisfaction. For example, imagine a customer support gadget that provides Dell support directly from the desktop, reducing the cost and overhead associated with customer support. Another custom gadget could be "Dell Deals," a gadget that would advertise new products or good deals on existing products. Imagine a modified version of the existing Microsoft Vista gadgets, but branded with the Dell logo to visually separate Dell PCs from competitors. The Windows Vista sidebar presents Dell with an opportunity to provide a new interface for existing Dell services, as well as a medium for new services, which well keep Dell in the forefront of the computer industry.
170
Dell's computers without OS, with Linux, eventuelly with Vista
Dell Web Site, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by ojag
02/26/07
I plan the replacement of my PC, so I went on Dell's site, but no configuration without MS W Vista, when it should be PC without OS, else with Linux, else with Vista.
We need to have choice between different OS, and without OS, since experience of MS products drives us to search for reliable altenatives.
140
 track my votes
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