After XP, Dell offers Ubuntu as alternative to Windows Vista
By Ruben Francia
Many are resisting upgrading to Windows Vista. Unfortunately, many Windows users are being forced into Vista by large OEMs, who offer no other alternative on their machines. Dell, however, has taken a different approach. In addition to selling PCs with Windows XP installed, Dell has announced that it will ship PCs with Canonical’s Ubuntu Linux pre-loaded.
The move follows an unprecedented outcry from Dell’s users who demanded that Dell support Linux for consumers and specifically Ubuntu Linux.
“The reason we’re going with Ubuntu is because by far and away Ubuntu was the most requested distribution” by users who registered their preferences on the IdeaStorm site, said Jeremy Bolen, a Dell spokesman. “It was overwhelming, the response we got to the survey.”
“We’re obviously very excited about this. It’s a strong endorsement of Ubuntu and is recognition for the traction and momentum that we’ve been building over the last few years,” said Jane Silber, director of operations at Canonical. “As well it is a true broadening off access and adoption for Linux in general and Ubuntu in particular on the desktop.”
As per the Dell-Canonical deal, Canonical will certify Dell models that feature preinstalled Ubuntu, and will provide support for Linux distribution, which users will have the option to purchase from Dell’s Web site, Silber said.
Dell is still finalizing its plans around support, but the company intends to fully support the hardware as it does with its n Series products, Bolen said. The company has not yet confirmed which computers it will sell with Ubuntu pre-installed, only to say that it would offer Ubuntu 7.04 as an option on select consumer models in the United States in the coming weeks.
Reports on internet bulletin boards suggest that Dell will offer Ubuntu on an e-series Dimension desktop, a high-performance XPS desktop, and an e-series Inspiron laptop.
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