Dude, Certification Isn't Preinstallation

Shane Coyle

2007-02-27 18:28:55 UTC
Modified: 2007-02-27 18:28:55 UTC

"Major OEM to offer preinstalled Linux on desktops and notebooks"

2007 actually is the year of Linux on the Desktop!

Alot has been made of the prominence of preinstalled Linux as a request on the dellideastorm site, a community-driven site in which dell customers can (hopefully) influence the direction of the company's offerings, with more than a few internet news sites proclaiming that Dell will sell Desktops and Laptops with "Linux pre-installed".

Unfortunately, it's not what happened. Dell will be working with Novell and others to certify their hardware for Linux, including their desktops and notebooks, but they are not planning on preinstalling desktop Linux for their customers in the near future.

"Our point of view is that we are listening to our Linux customers," said Jeremy Bolen, a Dell spokesman. He noted that the company already offers factory-installed Linux on some specific Dell Precision workstations for high-end corporate users, but is not currently installing the OS on its other laptop or desktop machines. "However, I won't rule out the option of expanding the pre-installation program at a future date," Bolen said.

Comments

Roy Schestowitz

2007-02-27 23:54:24

It is amazing how many people fell for this PR stunt. Dell remains loyal to (or afraid of) Microsoft. It happens every time.

Did Microsoft want to 'whack' Dell over its Linux dealings? http://news.com.com/Did+Microsoft+want+to+whack+Dell+over+its+Linux+dealings/2100-1014_3-6153904.html

Dell's secret Linux fling [sabotaged by Microsoft] http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/01/09/dell_linux_china/

Microsoft 'killed Dell Linux' - States http://www.theregister.co.uk/2002/03/19/microsoft_killed_dell_linux_states/
Draconishinobi

2007-02-28 04:22:07

Yeah, well, so what can you do ? Really, all companies out there strive for maximum profit. M$ can produce a big dip in the profit margins of any extant computer company. So, they all play along. So, I ask, where's the ethics in that ? (on both sides)
Roy Schestowitz

2007-02-28 09:59:17

In my humble opinion, when there's such a deadlock on the market, industry watchdogs need to intervene. Take this other recent story from Bob Cringely as an example:

http://www.technologyevangelist.com/2007/02/microsoft_dirty_tric_4.html

Microsoft dirty tricks, part two
"So the outside vendor was Hewlett-Packard, one of Microsoft's hardware OEMs, which is to say Microsoft's bitch.

Monopolies are known to be the cause for poor support and high prices. Kickbacks/favours such as these are good for nobody. Except those who keep themselves inside the 'circle'. The worry here is that Novell wishes to enter this circle of friends, which act selfishly.

Dude, Certification Isn't Preinstallation

"Major OEM to offer preinstalled Linux on desktops and notebooks"

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