Pre-Installed Linux | Release Early, Release Often, Release with Predictable Support
Linux, Service and Support, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dhart
12/19/07
Release Early: On PCs that ship with Pre-Installed Linux, always ship the very latest Linux versions (without sacrificing quality, of course!). For supported Linux distributions, this means same-day shipping when a new version is released.
Release Often: Ship updated versions of Linux methodically, like clockwork. For example, PCs with Ubuntu Linux pre-installed should ship with updated versions every six months, in sync with regular Ubuntu Linux releases.
Release with Predictable Support: With every PC shipped, commit to a fixed period of Linux support (ideally around 5 years) for the latest versions of supported Linux, so that every Dell PC can end its long life running a long-term-support version of Linux.
For example, Ubuntu Linux LTS versions are released every 2 years, and supported with security updates for a minimum of 5 years (that adds up to around 10 years of reliable support for Linux for every PC shipped by Dell).
Of course, this idea implies continually expanding the Dell/Linux HCL (hardware compatibility list) to incrementally include more models, both new and old, until all PCs and peripherals sold by Dell have predictable, reliable support for operating with Linux. Dell should commit publicly to fully support Linux on all new hardware sold by Dell.
Dell is doing a great job of ramping-up support for Linux across Dell product lines. To be competitive in the market for pre-installed Linux (expected by astute analysts to become dominant on desktop and notebook PCs within the next decade), Dell must consistently ship new PCs with the very latest versions of the most popular Linux distributions.
Most operating systems are developed with predictable alpha and beta release cycles, which should give Dell enough time for internal testing and to ship new machines on the very same day that updated versions of go gold. In the example of Ubuntu Linux, like clockwork, every six months. The built-in automatic-update features of most Linux distributions can be used by Dell to distribute updates until guaranteed minimum support periods have ended.
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The Dell Experience, Reloaded | on Linux & Windows
Operating Systems, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dhart
07/17/07 **IN PROGRESS**
Offer as an OPTION on all Dell PCs a well-chosen collection of add-on software, "Dell's best picks", including Dell visual themes and other software settings.
- Create a unique and distinguishable Dell look & feel (like Apple has done)
- Use advanced interface design with transparency, compositing, 3D effects, etc.
- Make it slick, polished, dead-easy to use and well integrated (e.g. make Vista look better than Microsoft has done)
- Make the Dell software pack look & feel similar on Linux, Windows XP and Vista
- Offer the Dell software pack on all new PCs, and for download for old Dell PCs and competitors' PCs
- Promote Dell software and services such as Online Backup & PC TuneUp
- Deliver updates for drivers and ALL other bundled software
- Include other rich online applications, with Firefox add-ons and themes
- Generate extra revenue with subscriptions, extended theme galleries, thematic tie-ins to movies, music, toys, and other consumer stuff (e.g. Spiderman™ theme by Dell™, etc.)
- Allow the user to easily revert to OS-default settings, and back again (with one click!)
- Allow the user to selectively choose to enable/disable each component (like Google Pack has done)
- Allow the user to select between profiles such as "Simple", "Family", "Power User", and "Custom"
- Set a high standard for any software to become part of the Dell software pack (e.g. components must be well-behaved and not popup-infested crapware)
- Make clear distinctions for each component whether it is open source, proprietary freeware, proprietary trialware, subscription-ware, etc.
- Make clear the impact on system resources for each component (e.g. startup items, estimated percentage of use of system resources such as memory, storage, CPU, network, etc.)
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Dell EV | Design and Sell an Electric Car
New Product Ideas submitted by dhart
02/21/07
Dell possesses the fundamental resources necessary to produce an electric car for the 21st century:
- Dell brand name and a global market
- direct sales infrastructure
- global supply-chain network
- manufacturing expertise
- electronics expertise
- customer service expertise
Of course, driver and passenger computer systems in a Dell EV would integrate smoothly with Dell PCs at home and in the office.
As a bonus, merely announcing development of a an electric car for mass production would send Dell's environmental credentials skyrocketing.
Dell is in a unique position to launch disruptive technology into the auto industry with an inexpensive and unprecedentedly mass-produced electric car. Partnering with an existing small automaker would be a rapid route to design, regulatory compliance and mass-production. An EV as a product should be considered as a top-end evolution of the consumer appliance or gadget rather than its commonplace treatment as a relic of the 19th century.
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End PC Payola | Pioneer a PC Builder Code of Conduct
Service and Support, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dhart
02/20/07
Dell's image was damaged by the $1bn Intel kickback scandal. Many in the computer industry believe that Microsoft's grip on Dell and other PC Builders is airtight due to secret deals and marketing kickbaks. Consumers appreciate lower prices on new Dell PCs thanks in part to bundled 3rd party software, however we are not permitted to choose the software that is pre-installed, and kickback deals are not transparent.
In the music recording and radio broadcasting industries, similar shady practices are called payola. Please, end PC payola, and give control back to your customers.
We encourage Dell to pioneer a voluntary PC Builder Code of Conduct, and regain the public trust.
CHOICE is what consumers want on their new PCs, not annoying surprise payola circus-ware (the typical smattering of confusing 3rd party popup-infested software found on most new Dell PCs). Transparency at Dell is necessary for true consumer choice. For example, transparency can be improved by providing the choice of pre-installing quality free and open source software (developed with near 100% transparency). Cast your vote to have the OPTION of buying a new Dell PC pre-installed with Linux and other free software like OpenOffice.org.
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Pre-Installed OpenOffice | alternative to MS Works & MS Office
Software, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dhart
02/17/07
Provide OpenOffice.org for free pre-installation alongside Microsoft Works and Microsoft Office. OpenOffice.org is more capable than Microsoft Works, and a serious competitor to Microsoft Office, at a fraction of the cost (it's free!)
OpenOffice.org can open, create, edit and save Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files.
Provide as OPTIONS for pre-installation many other high-quality free software programs such as:
- Firefox: web browser with popup and privacy controls; say goodbye to Internet Explorer infections!
- Thunderbird: email program with free anti-spam and privacy controls
- Pidgin: instant messaging all-in-one program for popup-free MSN, Yahoo, AOL and others
&nsbp;[ed: GAIM was renamed Pidgin in April 2007 to settle the issue with AOL's trademark on AIM]
- PDFCreator: creates Adobe PDF files from any program
- Scribus, Inkscape & GIMP: desktop publishing, freehand drawing & powerful image editing
- Audacity & VLC: multi-track audio editing & universal all-in-one media/video/movie/DVD player
- Stellarium & Celestia: planetarium viewer & outer-space mapping, like Google Earth, but for our Solar System
Pre-installed quality free and open source software drastically lowers the cost of new PCs, and helps prevent software piracy. Cast your vote for Linux and other free software. Cast your vote for the Universal Education PC [ed: article removed/merged by dell_admin] utilizing free software.
CHOICE is what consumers want on their new PCs, not annoying surprise circus-ware (the typical smattering of confusing 3rd party popup-infested software found on most new Dell PCs). Quality free and open source software is well behaved, and may be legally pre-installed on PCs, and legally shared with friends and family, sharing is encouraged! Cast your vote for consumer CHOICE and public transparency at Dell.
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Pre-Installed Linux | Ubuntu | Fedora | OpenSUSE | Multi-Boot
Linux, Operating Systems - Multiboot, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dhart
02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**
Offer the 3 top free Linux versions for free pre-installation on all Dell PCs.
Quality free and open source software drastically lowers the cost of new PCs, and helps prevent software piracy. For example OpenOffice.org, the Microsoft Office alternative, can shave hundreds of dollars off the price of a new PC. Cast your vote for OpenOffice and other free software.
Offer easy multi-boot options with Windows Vista, Windows XP, or NO Windows (yes, Linux can entirely replace Windows!)
Offer trade-ins and Linux CDs for older model Dell PCs. Cast your vote for the mini Linux Dell PC and the Universal Education Dell PC, both utilizing free software.
Would you try Linux if it were this easy?
CHOICE is what consumers want on their new PCs, not annoying surprise circus-ware (the typical smattering of confusing 3rd party popup-infested software found on most new Dell PCs). Quality free and open source software is well behaved, and may be legally pre-installed on PCs, and legally shared with friends and family, sharing is encouraged! Cast your vote for consumer CHOICE and public transparency at Dell.
Please take a look at www.dell.com/open for linux options on the Inspiron.
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