March 29th, 2007
Dude, you're getting Linux!
Since launching the Dell IdeaStorm site in February, the #1 customer request has been for Dell to offer mainstream systems with Linux pre-installed. As I write this, the item has received over 117,000 votes (each registered user apparently getting 10 votes) and over 1,100 comments. Dell has been listening, and on March 13th they launched a Linux survey asking users exactly what they wanted - what distributions, what hardware, and so forth. Now, the survey results are in:
"Dell has heard you," reads a company statement, "and we will expand our Linux support." The company will be taking a two-pronged approach:
First, Dell will offer Linux "pre-installed on select desktop and notebook systems." The exact systems and distributions will be determined in a few weeks. Most Dell watchers expect Ubuntu to be chosen as the basis for the distribution.
Second, Dell will work with its hardware partners (those that supply parts such as built-in wireless chips and graphics chips) to "develop, test, and maintain Free drivers, and continue to make progress towards that goal for all drivers." Work at the driver level will "pave the way for more Linux offerings in the future," says Dell, meaning that Linux-savy users will have the freedom to choose distros other than the standard pre-installed one if they want.
People want Linux to "Just Work" right out of the box so it can be a viable alternative to Microsoft Windows for the general public — no fiddling with drivers, searching for patches, compiling kernels, etc.. Now, for the first time, a major OEM has stepped up to the challenge. HP, Lenovo, and other manufacturers will be watching the move closely. If Linux proves profitable on the desktop, then others will be sure to copy Dell's move.
Source:
- Dell Ideas in Action
- Linux: Driver Support is Key (Direct2Dell blog)
Ed Burnette is a professional developer and author of several articles and books about computing including Hello, Android: Introducing Google's Mobile Development Platform, 2nd Edition. For disclosure of Ed's industry affiliations, click here or to view his full profile click here.
Subscribe to Dev Connection via Email alerts or RSS.
