Set up an independent business unit for GNU/Linux systems
Dell, Linux submitted by glynmoody
03/02/07
Clearly, there is a huge pent-up demand for pre-installed GNU/Linux systems from Dell. But equally clearly, it would be difficult for Dell to make, sell and support such systems with its current business model.
Why doesn't Dell adopt the solution outlined by Harvard professor Clayton Christensen in his book The Innovator's Dilemma? That is, to set up a completely autonomous division, dedicated solely to meeting the demand for such systems - one that is not obliged to follow any of Dell's traditional practices.
Unconstrained by Dell's current methods or cost structures, it will be able to explore, devise and adopt innovative solutions to serve this very different market profitably. Dell makes money, people get their pre-installed systems.
5070
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
Pre-install Linux with option of licensed codecs
Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dominicwise
02/20/07
Provide customers with the option to have Linux pre-installed as an alterrnative to Windows when purchasing a PC or laptop. As there are a huge number of Linux distributions available it might be sensible to offer from a few of the most popular ones e.g. Ubuntu, OpenSuse, Fedora which can be freely distributed at no cost. This would provide a competitive advantage as with zero licensing fees lower prices could be offered to customers.
Because of patent laws in some countries many freely downloadable Linux distributions do not provide certain 'essential' software such as decoders for commercial DVDs and other comon media formats as part of their core distribution. There is at least one company (whose name escapes me for now) that allows a user to purchase a bundle of licensed media codecs that can be legally installed on Linux in most, if not all jurisdictions. Offering somehing like this as an option at purchase would make it possible for users to access common media content without having to jump through hoops or risk straying onto the wrong side of the law.
1599
Full Linux Support
Desktops, Linux submitted by richlake1951
02/20/07
I would love to see Dell sell a fully configured Linux desktop. One similar to the Xandros 4 OS. A multimedia power house loaded with the most popular opens source software, K3b, Amarok, Banshee, Open Office, GIMP, Kaudiocreator, etc. Also I would like the PC itself to be open to all developers, public and private, with full support of Dell and access to the technical knowledge necessary to develop open source drivers and software.
2336
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.
84417
Multiple Linux Options with default
Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by rukie
02/20/07
It would be great if you supported one version of linux, such as Ubuntu, but then also offered other pre-installed versions of linux without support to grab the entire linux community. (Every linux user has their personal favorite.) Offer non-supported versions of linux such as gentoo, suse, red hat, and fedora.
Most anyone who knows the difference between the linux versions will not need support, so only offer support for the default option (ubuntu or something similar).
Also offer the ability to have a two partitioned drive (or two drivers each with one partition) for dual booting. This may help with a crossover from the expensive windows tax into a linux only field because some people will want that "backup" if they do not like linux.
Please, just make some computers with no windows, and native linux support.
1977
Help create Open Source drivers - employ or hire a few developers
Linux, Operating Systems submitted by tingo
02/21/07
The Open Source market is growing - fast.
Dell should invest a small amount in this, in order to gain a huge market share and sales.
Employ or hire a few Open Source developers to create drivers for your products (for Open source operating systems).
Make sure that
- you support as many of the Open Source OS's as you can (Linux, *BSD, others)
- the drivers are completely open sourced (no binary blobs)
- that you take a long time view on this and support the drivers for as many years as you can
- you create open source drivers for ALL new products
- there are no strings attached to the use or further development of those drivers (ie. use an acceptable FOSS license)
This idea is completely free - the first company to use it wins.
6632
Provide Linux compatibility information on all products up front
Advertising and Marketing, Linux submitted by spm
02/21/07 **REVIEWED**
My company used to buy all out IT products from Dell. The main reason we don't buy any Dell products any more is that it is so difficult to get information from Dell on Linux compatibility, except from a few very expensive high end products. Calling Dell product support to find out if a particular product will work with Linux and where to get drivers is an offputting experience. Dell sales staff seem to take a perverse delight in telling customers that they don't support Linux, and when I tell them that I don't want support from them, only compatibility and driver information, they tell me that they can't give me that information, nor information on chipsets which might allow me to locate information from elsewhere.
The bottom line is that I expect at the very least to be provided compatibility and chipset information before I buy a PC. Neither myself or any other customer is going to buy a Dell PC to test it on Dells behalf - product testing and certification is the manufacturer's responsibility, not mine. White box suppliers, and other mail order suppliers on the other hand are only too willing to provide motherboard, chipset, and component information etc. to allow me to check compatibility.
The reason why we no longer buy any Dell products is simple - we use a small number of Linux PCs in our office and all the servers in our office run Linux. We buy all hardware, peripherals including low end desktop hardware so that they are deployable with both Linux and Windows. We do this for obvious reasons - for example, we might want to plug in a printer originally purchased for use with Windows into a Linux server print queue, and we may want server applications to print to the printer. We may want to redeploy Windows Desktops later as Linux desktops - for example to use as a shared data access desktop. Therefore, although our desktop PCs are overwhelmingly Windows, we won't buy any hardware that isn't Linux compatible, even if it is intended for use with Windows initially. Dell unfortunately doesn't meet those needs, and we cannot buy equipment from Dell. I am sure a lot of other companies which use Linux in the office have similar issues.
Here is what Dell needs to do to have a chance of winning our (and other's) custom:
1) Advertise and inform about Linux compatibility or otherwise. Finding out about compatibility before buying is the most difficult thing about Linux, not installation or configuration. Any company that can do this has a huge advantage for little or no cost.
2) Provide full Linux compatibility information on all Dell products - not just high end desktops. Ideally, certify products for the top distros - RHET, SLES, Debian, the latest free Fedora, OpenSuSE, Ubuntu if possible. Linux users don't necessarily want a preload - most Linux users are quite capable of installing Linux themselves and would probably install some other Linux distro if one was pre-installed. Preinstallation is only useful to us as an indication that the product is Linux compatible. If a feature is only partially supported by Linux, say so and say what is supported - Linux users will understand, and may not need all the features, or like us they may only want the Linux compatibility for possible future redeployment. If driver support is external (most will be) then provide links pointing to those sites in Dell support, and if you need to make a disclaimer to avoid liability for a third party products outside Dell's control, do so. Again Linux users will understand.
3) Exclude products from the Dell inventory that don't support Linux as far as possible. Generally for every part that is not Linux compatible, there is one that is Linux compatible for the same price.
4) Don't ask customers to pay the Microsoft tax. Linux machines or no-OS machines with zero cost OS and no support should cost significantly less than a Windows pre-loaded machine. Customers know when they are being cheated and don't like it.
5) Linux support (except for driver information) is not usually required (except for servers), only web based information. If the customer needs Linux support, it will probably be from an independent consultant/techie rather than from Dell. Sell your Linux PCs as "Linux OEM - no support" PCs at a significantly lower cost than the equivalent Windows PC.
6) Linux on the desktop is most competitive on the low end desktop - particularly for schools etc. Sell Linux PCs preloaded onto low end desktop computers with appropriate free software for that market, at a competitive price rather than on high end workstations.
Upfront Linux capability would be difficult to implement on our web store. But, check some of the alternatives john_h posted.
10490
Pre-Installed Linux on Desktops and Laptops and offer AMD
Linux, Desktops and Laptops submitted by nukem
02/20/07
Dell I hope you're beginning to see the picture of why HP is kicking your [profanity removed by moderator]. You need to ask your customers what they want, don't assume.. It sounds like they want an alternative to Windows! Dahhh..
If you want to be number one offer the three top Linux Version pre-installed on you systems. You just might move back to the top.. Oh and while you're about it install AMD and do yourself a favor.. They may no longer be the top dog, but some of us want an alternative to Intel..
Nukem
4247
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.
140599
Linux compatibility assurance
Linux, Operating Systems submitted by moseby
02/20/07
The first major PC vendor that provides a product line and an online ordering system that allows me to shop and configure machines that are assured of having 100% support by linux wins my business.
I would expect some hardware to require vendor supplied binary drivers. I would want an indication of that fact and be given the choice of choosing that device or other hardware with community support.
Other ideas offered here that I resonate with are: 1) I don't need machines preloaded with any distro but may choose that option if offered, and 2) I don't need Dell support for the OS, that is what the community is for.
7270
Linux Hardware Compatibility List
Dell Web Site, Linux submitted by s3indiana
02/20/07 **IN PROGRESS**
Create a listing of Dell hardware that's compatible with the major Linux distributions (Fedora, OpenSuse, ubuntu, Freespire) providing compatibility with not just systems (desktops and laptops) but include peripherals (printers, camera's, flash drives, compatible routers, etc.). Include levels of compatibility so the reviewer can make an educated choice. This would provide the greatest assistance for those looking at alternatives...
We're working to add something like this to our linux.dell.com wiki. Click here to see what john_h has to say.
25130
Website Dedicated to Linux Support for all Dell Model Computers
Dell Web Site, Linux, Service and Support submitted by jthurst
02/19/07 **ALREADY OFFERED**
A website that dedicated to Linux On Dell. Recommendations for xorg.conf file configurations and power management configuration/drivers. It would be great if Dell would dedicate some resources to Linux Support on Dell. When I think of what laptop to buy I think about which Vendor is the most Linux friendly or else what Makes and Model's seem to be working out best for Linux users. Dell laptops seem to have a lot of new powerful hardware that's tough getting Linux to work well on it. For example, the drivers/modules for getting the power management features to work and the Alps/Synaptic drivers and configuration tools is also tricky. The X-windows monitor and graphics card detection and auto-configuration doesn't work well on many Dell Models. Dell has an opportunity to do a lot for the Linux community and in turn the Linux community could do a lot for Dell. I used to have a Dell D600 and now have a Dell 620 and I'm always spending weeks trying to get everything to work properly.
Please see comments below
12427
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.
120784
 track my votes
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