gmat2k

Offer preinstalled LinuxBIOS

Linux submitted by sveinungkv 07/10/07

LinuxBIOS (http://linuxbios.org/) replaces BIOS or EFI. It does the first initialization of the hardware before it loads its payload. The payload could be anything, from the Linux kernel to a boot loader. It has the following advantages:

1. Boot time. Normal BIOSes are not very fast. In addition, the OS will often repeat what the BIOS just did in case the BIOS did it wrong. LinuxBIOS only do the first initialization before it gives control to its payload.

2. Freedom. LinuxBIOS is Free Software, released under the GPL.

3. Trust. EFI can connect to the internet and download a new copy of itself. EFI can also monitor and override what the OS is allowed to do. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsW88Efgmlk

4. Security. Sine LinuxBIOS is free software, it is possible to fix security errors in the BIOS for everyone, not just the vendor. This also applies to hardware errors that are fixable in firmware, see the Intel Dual Core situation where we now can not do anything ourself but must wait for the BIOS vendors to fix it: http://marc.info/?l=openbsd-misc&m=118296441702631

5. Customizable. LinuxBIOS can be customized to do what the user wants since it is free software and is designed to carry any payload.

I know this is not an option on Windows since Windows don't support LinuxBIOS yet, but it would be nice to have LinuxBIOS as an option for the GNU/Linux systems. The customer should be informed about the boot time benefit (those that would want it for other reasons are likely capable to install it on their own) and be warned that it would make it impossible to install Windows on the computer later.

PS! Sorry about my English, it is not my native language 12 Comments »

Get rid of BIOS, use EFI

New Product Ideas, Desktops and Laptops submitted by joeaguy 02/19/07

Why are PC makers so slow to swith from BIOS to EFI? Apple did it with their Intel macs, and there are tons of reports that Windows runs faster on a Mac under BootCamp than with equivalent PC hardware. There is something to be said for their simpler EFI based hardware architecture helping speed. If Microsoft is the big hold up here, surely PC makers can put some pressure on. The PC needs to shed all of the old tech that is still in the spec. 36 Comments »

Install LinuxBios instead of the usual BIOS.

Linux submitted by the_tick 02/27/07

Since Pre installed Linux has gained traction, why not go the next step and replace the proprietary BIOS with an OSS version? 1 Comment »

Standardize Power Cables for Laptops

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops submitted by badblood 08/27/07 **UNDER REVIEW**

Nothing is more annoying than laptop power cables that are not interchangeable from one computer model to another or from one brand of computer to another. Power cables have been standardized on most electrical applicances, including desktop computers for decades.

Make an effort to promote and implement standard power cables for laptops.


Please see dawn_l's comments below.
105 Comments »

Make Linux and no Operating system standard options on all future products

Operating Systems submitted by jervis961 08/17/07 **REVIEWED**

OK Dell you have committed to supplying Linux options in limited form. Since you have laid the groundwork already here is the next step. Every new product you release that needs an Operating system should have Linux and also no Operating System as an option in the configuration along side Windows. Since you have to write drivers and test compatability for Vista when making a new product just make it compatable with Linux at the same time. There will no longer be a need for a seperate sections for Linux or no Operating system since all of the products will have the option. this will help make your site easier to navigate for you customers. You can also create an ACCURATE help me choose section for the OS choices.





Check out what daniel_j has to say on the options we offer.





189 Comments »

IPKVM and DRAC

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Servers and Storage submitted by mdomansky 02/19/07

combine the IPKVM and DRAC into a single system. 1 CAT5 cable.
You combine the central management of the IPKVM with the out-of-band management of the DRAC and a single IP address. Instead of having 1 IP per system for OOB DRAC and then 1 ip for the KVM, expand it such that it is 1 ip for the whole thing. With support for virtual cd drives and whatnot, this would be your ONE solution for OOB/console system management. 1 Comment »

No OS Preloaded

Linux, Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by agreer 02/17/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

I have a XP Pro retail copy, will soon buy retail vista, I also like Linux: Make WINDOWS-FREE, and OS-Free an option for more than just expensive business lines.


Dell has systems available that do not have an OS pre-loaded called N-Series line. You can check them out at www.dell.com/nseries.

459 Comments »

Could Dell Own Green?

Environment submitted by adrian 02/01/07 **REVIEWED**

Environmental concern and sustainability are today real issues with consumers and voters in many of Dell's markets. It looks as if a genuine commitment to reducing carbon and cleaning up their footprint will become a more important factor for companies wanting to strengthen consumer loyalty in the coming years.

Dell has already made its environmental commitment clear.My suggestion is that this could become a hallmark of the company - why not make the products, literally, green? If Apple can own 'pretty' and IBM/Lenovo can own 'serious', why can't Dell own 'green'?
Dell continues to do a lot to support our environment like our Plant a Tree for Me program and other activities documented on our Environment blog on Direct2Dell. Click here for more details.




77 Comments »

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.




186 Comments »

Linux based PDA!

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) submitted by shrewduser 02/19/07

I would love to be able to buy a commercially supported linux based PDA, some exsist but they are difficult to obtain. I want to be able to use powerful linux tools on the go. 34 Comments »

coreboot (formerly LinuxBIOS) instead of proprietary BIOS

Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by yesmathew 02/20/07

coreboot (formerly known as LinuxBIOS) is a Free Software project aimed at replacing the proprietary BIOS (firmware) you can find in most of today's computers.
- Fast boot times 3 sec.
- Runs in 32-Bit protected mode almost from the start
- Can boot Windows too...

External links:
- http://www.coreboot.org/Welcome_to_coreboot
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linuxbios<

An Example:
- http://wiki.laptop.org/go/LinuxBIOS 92 Comments »