Slashdot Mirror
More on Dell Dropping Linux Support
coolgeek writes: "In this previous Slashdot story, we discussed Dell's claims of slow sales as their reason for dropping Linux support. (article on c|net News.com). Today, this article on Reuters news reports: 'Citing internal Microsoft memos, the nine states also said that in 2000 and 2001 Microsoft pressured Dell Computer Corp. into dropping plans to offer the open-source Linux operating system on some machines it sells.'" Update by HNQ: eWeek got more details about the memos. Update: 03/19 12:26 GMT by M : I think Hetz accidentally changed this story's setting when he added the update above. Fixed.
...a couple of years ago -- the machine arrived with Windows installed anyway -- even though I was not charged for it. Too bad, I wanted to see how Linux ships. Then I went on and installed FreeBSD, of course...
In Soviet Washington the swamp drains you.
I wonder if Dell will have anything to say. The article just has comments from the states and Microsoft.
In unrelated news, Dell CEO Michael Dell was given a speeding ticket in a new Ferrari 360. When asked where he got the car, Dell responded "it fell off the truck". When asked for his liscence, he "accidentally" handed over his freshly-inked honorary MCSE. He was promptly arrested for assulting an officer of the law.
I spent over an hour on the phone with a Dell salesman, trying to tell them I didn't want Windows or the MS Office/MS Works bundle, and would take Linux or no OS instead.
You have no life.
Seriously now. I had a call with a Dell tech go as following:
DT: Thank you for calling Dell's tech support, what can I do for you?
Me: Hi, I have a Dell computer with a dead hard drive.
DT: Ok sir, what is the support number for the computer?
Me: [recites support number]
DT: And what Operating System is on that computer?
Me: Windows NT 4.0.
DT: I'm sorry sir, that computer was preloaded with Windows 98.
Me: Yeah, so? The hard drive is dead.
DT: I'm sorry sir, you first have to install Windows 98 and call back.
Me: What part of "the hard drive is dead" do you not understand?
DT: I'm sorry but we cannot support that computer without Windows 98 on it.
Me: Do you hear what I am saying? The hard drive is dead. How does the Operating System matter when THE HARD DRIVE IS DEAD???
DT: I'm sorry but if Windows 98 is not installed on that computer I cannot help you.
... goes on for another 15 minutes before I give up and call back.
DT: Thank you for calling Dell's tech support, what can I do for you?
Me: Hi, I have a Dell computer with a dead hard drive.
DT: What is the support number for the computer?
Me: [recites support number]
DT: And what Operating System is on that computer?
Me: Windows 98.
DT: Thank you let me get you a RMA number right away.
Dude! I'm not gettin' a Dell!
Damn, DOS has gotten expensive!
Kind thoughts do not change the world
I had exactly the same conversation except a quick
substitue of "NT 4.0" with "Linux".
Also the Tech person told me I could still RMA the
drive if I could get Windows 98 back on it using
the restore CD. I thought it would be quicker to
call back and tell them I had Windows 98 on it than
to try to dissassemble the drive and try to set the
bits by hand.
XJS*C4JDBQADN1.NSBN3*2IDNEN*GTUBE-STANDARD-ANTI-U
So let's see... buy a monopolisticOS-free computer from a megaRetailCorporation that forces locally owned businesses out of business. Gosh, where can I sign up? Do you think we can get McDonald's hamburgers on the way home?
I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser gate.
Actually --- The Super Wal-Marts around here have a McDonald's already inside the store. You don't even have to make an extra stop! You can now get all of your globalistic-goodness in one place.
As below, so above and beyond, I imagine drawn beyond the lines of reason. Push the envelope. Watch it bend.
Huh? What crappy browser do you use?