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Dell Sells Open Source Computers

Posted by kdawson on from the ahhhhhh dept.

Lo5 writes with the excellent news that Dell is selling desktop computers without Windows preinstalled. They are called "n Series"; you can choose from Dimension E520, E521, or C521 desktops. The hard drive comes unformatted.

6 of 341 comments (clear)

  1. The real question by milas · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Has anyone figured out how much cheaper these computers come than those with OEM Windows? Dell's pricing/models are so scattered I don't even know where to begin.

  2. Demonstrates how screwed up the market is by dangitman · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Shows how much Microsoft's monopoly is silently accepted when it's news that someone sells computers without Windows.

    --
    ... and then they built the supercollider.
  3. Actually IBM used to publish complete BIOS source by AHumbleOpinion · · Score: 4, Interesting

    You have the source code for your BIOS?

    When I used a genuine IBM PC back in the day, yes, IBM published the complete source code to BIOS. The listing was *the* API reference.

  4. Trialware by tepples · · Score: 3, Interesting

    The only conclusion that came to my mind is that Windoze is a nuisance and therefore you must pay not to have it.

    Some makers of commercial software with a free trial, such as Symantec with its Norton Antivirus, pay makers of Lenovo-compatible PCs running Windows OS to install their products. Some claim that the trialware bounties more than pay for the entire cost of a Windows license.

  5. Acorn Atom came with schematics by MCRocker · · Score: 3, Interesting

    My Acorn Atom actually came with schematics (2) and it was easy enough to disassemble the ROM. The manual even had a complete definition of the syntax in Backus-Naur format. Too bad modern computer makers don't seem to have that sort of respect for their users.

    --
    Signatures are a waste of bandwi (buffering...)
  6. Re:This is not news. by IAmGarethAdams · · Score: 4, Interesting

    No, the difference is that Dell get paid to install third-party apps onto a Windows install.