Dell's Secret Linux Fling

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Posted by Zonk on Tuesday January 9, 2007 @05:34AM from the far-from-the-prying-eyes-of-the-world dept.

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'."

8 of 146 comments (clear)

Aim at foot, fire when ready. by caluml · 2007-01-09 05:36 · Score: 5, Funny

But far away from the prying eyes of Steve Ballmer, romance is blossoming.
Well, sticking it all over the front page of one of the largest tech sites means it will get his full attention now.

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Hard to buy a bare pc...really? by Gr33nNight · 2007-01-09 05:39 · Score: 5, Informative

Right before Christmas, I found an awesome deal for a Dell PC in their Small Business section. I configured it, added it to my cart and obviously found out I could not de-select Windows. So I called them up and the customer service rep saw my order and promptly removed Windows for me, saving about $50. 2 weeks later my PC arrived with freedos. Seems easy enough for me. Maybe it was because it was Small Business and not home.
1. Re:Hard to buy a bare pc...really? by nine-times · 2007-01-09 05:47 · Score: 5, Informative
  
  You actually can configure a desktop or notebook without Windows directly from their web site. The selection is more limited, and it's harder to find, but Dell will sell you a system with FreeDOS instead of Windows.
2. Re:Hard to buy a bare pc...really? by symbolset · 2007-01-09 05:59 · Score: 4, Interesting
  
  I've seen this before, and I didn't believe it, so I clicked your notebook link.
  The page you requested may no longer exist on Dell.com
  
  hmm...
  The desktop link still works right now though.
  
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3. Re:Hard to buy a bare pc...really? by multipartmixed · 2007-01-09 06:06 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  Your PC came with freedos?
  
  Like inside the case, or were they still in the bag? Barbecue, or plain?
  
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Re:Lawl by Gerald · 2007-01-09 05:45 · Score: 5, Funny

Does linux offer something similar to a HOSTS file?

The HOSTS file is completely different in Linux. It's spelled with lower-case letters.
Nothing Clandestine About It by Pakup · 2007-01-09 05:52 · Score: 5, Informative

Nothing at all.

Just look at Dell's Chinese website: there, right in the middle, amongst all those Chinese characters, you'll see the caozuo xitong ("operating system") listed in clear Roman letters: Linux.

http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/products/features. aspx/dimen_c521?c=cn&cs=cndhs1&l=zh&s=dhs

(The stuff at the top says Dell "recommends the use of" XP Professional.)
Hard to get a Dell with no OS? by fudgefactor7 · 2007-01-09 05:58 · Score: 5, Informative

No it's not. I have one. OptiPlex GX280n. The "n" is for "no OS", it does come with a CD of FreeDOS, but other than that, you're on your own. You can see their newer versions of the "n" series by clicking this link http://www1.la.dell.com/content/products/compare.a spx/optix_n?c=pr&l=en&s=bsd