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Dell's Secret Linux Fling
Slagged writes "The Register has up an article on Linux-based Dell systems being sold in China. While Microsoft quashed an attempt by Dell to create a market for Linux PCs in the U.S., such restrictions are not the case in Asia. From the article: 'Fifteen months ago our own Ashlee Vance, who broke the news of the first break-up in 2001, proved how hard it is to buy a PC from Dell without Windows. Not pre-loaded with Linux mind you - but simply a bare bones box. But far away from the prying eyes of Steve Ballmer, romance is blossoming. An eagle-eyed reader found the fruits of the union, brazenly on display in a Beijing subway.' The article has pictures of the advertisements, which offer Dell PCs preloaded with 'Red Flag Linux'."
My near guarantee is that a substantial number of those systems are being loaded or will be loaded with "pirated" or "illegal" copies of Microsoft's Windows software. Now call me a troll.
Tiger Direct and a whole bunch of other vendors have been selling barebones systems for years. Worrying about Dell's opinions on Linux is like worrying about what Fernando Llamas likes for breakfast.
Around 80% of the Windows machines in China are not legitimately licensed.
All this will do is continue to enable pirates, since they can now get a PC without a legit copy of Windows. Honestly... why would anyone actually want to use Lunix? The first thing they are going to do with their new Lunix Dell is drop in a Windows CD and format the drive. After that, they will probably load up some pirated games.
"Free as in worthless"
How to get a Dell laptop to work with Windows easily.
1 - buy dell laptop