Give users a choice of distro
Linux submitted by dalekclock
06/06/07
So, Ubuntu is good, but there are loads of other Linux distributions out there and it would be useful to give people a choice of which to use. And don't just lock us down to one distro, give us a choice of several, maybe even let us provide a link to a distro we want to use.
-160
Why can't we get multi-boot Linux systems?
Linux, Operating Systems, Software submitted by winoffice
06/06/07
Many people would like Linux on their PCs (I don't want it now, but I might consider it if it is multi-booted with Windows), but some must get it multi-booted with Windows, as they may need Windows at home (they may love the new Vista looks, for example), work (they may spend the money for Windows because of requirements at work, for example), etc., or just to run some Windows-only applications.
First: Thus, please have Dell offer multi-boots too.
But do not just offer multi-boots.
Let us get any version of Linux available (let us choose more than one), and any version of Windows available (again, let us choose more than one). Dell should offer the following operating systms in a fashion shown below, but do not force us to get Windows, and do not force us to get Linux either (in other words, people should be able to pick one from each group of operating systems):
Windows XP (choose one): None, Home Edition, Media Center, or Professional
Windows Server 2003 (choose one): None, Web Edition, Standard Edition, Small Business Standard Edition, Small Business Premium Edition, Enterprise Edition, or Datacenter Edition
Windows Vista (choose one): None, Home Basic, Home Premium, Business or Ultimate
Linux (choose one): None, Ubuntu Desktop Edition, Ubuntu Server Editon, or Other Linux (if applicable or available)
By the way, about Windows Server 2003, Dell offers it on compatible servers, and since most Dell PCs meet the requirements, Dell can certainly offer Windows Server 2003 on compatible PCs, for managing web sites on a local network, for example. But I still included the "None" option there if anyone does not need it or does not want it.
Second: Also, once Dell does offer the multi-boot systems, offer all the stickers too -- but make them optional. Of course, keep the processor sticker as one of them. However, add all of the relevant OS stickers as well. For example, if a user selects a choice other than "None" for all four operating systems, then include five stickers: the processor, XP, 2003, Vista, and Linux stickers. If a user selected only Vista and Linux, then include three stickers: the processor, Vista, and Linux. Finally, add a page to the "Build my system" wizard called "Choose your stickers". Only if a user did not select "None" for a particular OS should a user be able to get the sticker for that OS.
The "Choose your stickers" dialog box should look somewhat like this. I assume here that all four operating systems are included. If not, then the dialog box should be changed accordingly.
Do you want the processor sticker? Yes No
Do you want the Windows XP sticker? Yes No
Do you want the Windows Server 2003 sticker? Yes No
Do you want the Windows Vista sticker? Yes No
Do you want the Ubuntu (or other Linux if applicable) sticker? Yes No
And, finally, the stickers should be all be put in the same, and in a reasonable, area, where they always have been (if only, of course, the user said that he/she wants them). Examples: For desktops/servers, this means the bottom-left corner of the front. For notebooks, this means the lower-right corner of the keyboard/touchpad area.
Third: Since a user will almost certainly get both Windows and Linux this way, make three types of keyboards (keep the original Windows keyboards; the other one should be for Ubuntu Linux; the third should be for both):
One should bear only the Windows logo on both start keys (they are between the Ctrl and Alt keys), and should be used on systems on which only Windows is selected.
Another should bear only the Ubuntu logo on both start keys, and should be used on systems on which only Ubuntu is selected.
The last should bear both logos on both start keys, and should be used on systems on which both Windows and Ubuntu are selected.
620
TV Commercial for New Ubuntu PCs
Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by josmar52789
05/03/07
Dell should produce a new commercial for the Ubuntu PCs. It could tell the consumers of America why Dell has chosen to pre-install Linux on mainstream computers and hopefully promote the advantages of this new endeavor. Plus, it's likely that Dell's Linux initiative would be much more successful.
19650
Always include all software and driver reinstallation discs for free (or at least let us get the option to)... don't make us pay extra
Software submitted by winoffice
05/01/07 **IMPLEMENTED**
Always include ALL software AND driver reinstallation discs for FREE (or at let us get the option do get the for free if we want as follows)...don't make us pay extra in case that we have a disaster and need to reinstall from scratch...!
No Discs Included (Included In Price)
All Discs Included (this means everything -- all software discs -- OS/Security software/etc., and all driver discs -- this means Windows or Linux drivers or both, whatever applies -- add $0)
Other options (OS disc only, all software discs only, driver discs only, etc. -- add $0)
For some computers, Dell does not include the reinstallation discs. Even if Dell offers them, Dell charges extra for us to get them. In fact, the only time I seen reinstallation discs being offered without charge were for Dell XPS desktops with the flashy lights -- that is, the Dell XPS 600, 700, and 710 systems, for those ware the only systems to offer operating system options like "Microsoft Windows XP Media Center WITH REINSTALLATION CD".
Also, most of the time when software reinstallation discs are not included, driver reinstallation discs (such as XPS flashy lights, as well as printers and monitors) are not included either. Therefore, don't just include the software reinstallation discs -- include as well the Windows/Linux drivers for the hardware (depending on the OS purchased with the computer, if any, which in turn depends on the user's preferences).
Besides, Microsoft as well as ALL software companies include the discs when you get the software seperately, so why can't Dell do the same when the software is preinstalled...?
Customers no longer have to pay extra for re-installation media.
21520
Provide Linux Drivers for all your Hardware
Linux submitted by gergnz
02/19/07 **IN PROGRESS**
I don't care whether the OS is pre-installed or not, I want all the hardware to be totally supported in the Linux kernel without in mucking around. I currently have a Dell M1210 and I wish the modem would work, just in case I need it. The web cam would work, just in case I need it. At least the Intel wireless card is totally supported. Thanks Intel!!
Drivers are available for Linux to make some but not all hardware work. We continue to work with our partners to provide for better hardware support. See more specifics from john_h.
84437
Have Firefox pre-installed as default browser
Software submitted by robinjfisher
02/19/07 **REVIEWED**
Does what it says on the tin! Most people only use IE because they aren't aware of other browsers - they think Internet Explorer is the Internet! What would really drive take up of alternative browsers is if Firefox was pre-installed as the default browser so that when people look for the "Internet" in Windows, they are using FF.
Firefox advocates at Dell have initiated discussions and driven action around exploring alternative internet browsers and experiences. As you can tell from our response to the Linux community, open source continues to be a part of our conversations about new products and services.
118103
Environmental Laptop Based on Solar Energy/Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Environment, Laptop Power submitted by gchakra
02/17/07 **UNDER REVIEW**
What's smart for the environment is smart for Dell. Dell should build units that are degradable or can be easily recycled. Sure, its going to be a little more expensive, but it will be a smart product. It will use a lot less energy. The laptops could have a solar panel or be powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. The first microelectronic implementation of a fuel cell will give Dell a tremendous marketing boost. It will be incredibly popular with kids in college.
Gopal
4235
Dell should make laptops that are designed to be modded
New Product Ideas submitted by couger
06/07/07
I think that if Dell went with the geek revolution of hackers and modders and used it to their advantage i think Dell could have a big seller. If Dell promoted that the laptop could be easily customized and personalized then some people could make their laptops look amazing. Dell could even have a competition for who could make theirs look the coolest.
240
No Extra Software Option
Software submitted by ootleman
02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**
Would love the ability to have a clean Vista install. No AOL software, no earthlink software, no google software - just a clean, original OS.
Check out jeremy_f's update on our current software options.
120804
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.
140619
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.
34078
OpenSuse or Mandriva Linux Preinstalled
Linux, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by gonetil
02/26/07
I am currently using OpenSuse 10.2 as an alternative for Windows XP, and I can not belive how awsom this OS is. I haven't used XP for weeks (only for some borland delphi code I hade to write), there's no reason at all. I have everything I need, and much more (security, speed, easy of use, a lot of applications...). Besides, it is really pretty and intuitive.
I have also used Mandriva 2006, and it's really nice too. Now I prefer OpenSuse, I think it is much better and complete, but I have to say that Mandriva is another great distro to try.
AND THEY ARE FREE!!!! THIS IS THE WOW!
600
Dell E-vote on which linux distro Dell will offer- "The Dell Linux Distro Elections"
IdeaStorm, Linux submitted by arclight
02/24/07 **IMPLEMENTED**
Why not have a online E-Vote about which linux distro to offer.
As the Ideastorm community update pointed out, even though there is a lot of interest in "linux"- there is diverse opinions about what is the best distro and which ones Dell should offer. Its not practical to offer all of them, yet in the end any single distro will result in complaints and be a compromise.
Rather then try to decide independently which distro to offer first, host a online e-vote election where distro's can be nominated and run in a large online election.
By having an organized election:
*it will be limited to clear choices (distro's that were nominated)
*Each will get the same exposure to voters, and in the same time frame.
In the long run, any number of distros could be offered but this could help make it clear what distro has a lot of support and take the 'heat' off Dell for whatever choice it does make. If a distro team is angry they did not get elected its the community not Dells fault, and they could always run again next year in another linux election.
Consider this excerpt from the Dell IdeaStorm February 23, 2007 release:
"As this community knows, there is no single customer preference for a distribution of Linux. In the last week, the IdeaStorm community suggested more than half a dozen distributions. We don't want to pick one distribution and alienate users with a preference for another. "
Dell does not have to pick, the community can choose for them with an election.
--Update March 13th--
They heard! From Ideas In Action:
March 13, 2007
Linux – We’re listening... Now Tell Us More... : )
The IdeaStorm community’s interest in open source solutions like Linux on Dell platforms has come through loud and clear. Many of you have suggested a survey to help Dell determine which distribution is most popular, and we think that’s a great idea. Based on your idea, we now have a short survey, which will be open until March 23, where you can tell us more about your favorite distribution of Linux, your preferred method of support, and more.
To access our Linux survey, see today’s blog post on Direct2Dell. We hope you’ll continue to be a part of this discussion on Direct2Dell and IdeaStorm, and check back for more details as we gather your input.
Here are the links (survey ended)
Link to the blog here here
Link to the survey here (survey ended link removed)
--Update March 24th--
The Dell linux survey ended.
Check out the Idea in Action that gives the details on the Linux survey.
1060
Add Mandriva to the list
Linux submitted by lostinspace
02/21/07
I have just gone through the process of trying several different linux distros as the main OS on a new OS-free PC I bought (not from Dell, obviously). I went through the latest Fedora to OpenSuse to Ubuntu, and finally tried Mandriva One, as well as Mandriva Free. Both the Mandriva versions were the least problematic and most flexible of the bunch, so You should add Mandriva to your list. PLEASE. PLEASE, PLEASE.
The others are okay, but the fits and finishes on Mandriva are the best I've seen. One simple example involves fonts. As a graphic artist, webmaster and editor, that has been the worst of part of trying out Linux. But in Mandriva, installing a font is a breeze, primarily because it automatically links the fonts with the big apps that will use them. With other distros I've tried, you're pretty much on your own. You can install a nice font in Suse, and then God help you trying to figure out how to use it in something like Openoffice.
That said, you should also talk to Warren Woodford, who does Mepis. It was the first I used, and is second best behind Mandriva, in my opinion.
1210
Stripped down, fast Linux Box
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops, Linux submitted by pawprintz
02/17/07 **REVIEWED**
How about a fast, Internet ready Linux desktop. Small form factor, pretty monitor, mouse & keyboard, the O.S., OpenOffice & Firefox. Cheap'n'fast
Dell sees the value of this idea, and is keeping the sugestions for a Linux small form factor on the radar. john_h will let the community know of any new information as it comes.
67970
 track my votes
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