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More on Dell Dropping Linux Support

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the company-politics dept.

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.

7 of 357 comments (clear)

  1. When I ordered from Dell... by mi · · Score: 3, Funny

    ...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.
  2. Wonder what Dell will have to say by cyberformer · · Score: 5, Funny
    My guess is that the "poor sales" they referred to were actually poor sales of Windows (ie. only 99% of Dell PCs were shipping with Windows, as opposed to the 100% that is required in Gates's "competitive marketplace").


    I wonder if Dell will have anything to say. The article just has comments from the states and Microsoft.

  3. Re:Dell by alcmena · · Score: 5, Funny

    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.

  4. Well... by tweakt · · Score: 3, Funny

    Dude! I'm not gettin' a Dell!

  5. Re:Preloads... by 3ryon · · Score: 4, Funny
    PC-makers are not interested in sending an ever increasing share of their revenue directly to Microsoft. 10 years ago, DOS made up less than 2% of a computer's total price, today that number is over 10% and rising every year.


    Damn, DOS has gotten expensive!
    --
    Kind thoughts do not change the world
  6. Re:Buy from Walmart.com instead!!! by daeley · · Score: 3, Funny

    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.
  7. Re:I doubt it, by rseuhs · · Score: 3, Funny
    Sorry, I did reply to this but my connection went down, I lost the reply, and couldn't be arsed to type it again.

    Huh? What crappy browser do you use?