Linux Preinstalled Dell Available Soon

An anonymous reader writes "According to a BetaNews article, Dell confirmed on Wednesday plans to offer Linux pre-installed on select desktop and notebook systems, beyond its current Linux-based servers and Precision workstations. No specific time frame was given for the expanded Linux plans, although the company said in a blog posting that it will provide an update in the coming weeks regarding the effort. It will detail 'information on which systems we will offer, our testing and certification efforts, and the Linux distribution(s) that will be available,' Dell said, adding that, 'The countdown begins today.'"

Comments

Re:I'm so excited!

[Kristoph]

Oh the joy, I can just see it now ...

Dell: Hello, can we help you?
Me: Hi, I am having some problems installing Linux on my new Dell laptop. I need some information about the video card so I can set up X.
Dell: Ok, umm ... sure ... you said Lyn-ucks?
Me: Yes?
Dell: Ok, umm ... can you spell that please?

You'll miss the old days

[MrClownLovesYourMom]

If Linux comes preinstalled that means stick to to Microsoft by putting Linux on instead. Where's the fun in that?

For some reason, I really want to see...

[bluemonq]

...a commercial with a stoner penguin saying, "Dude, you're getting a Dell!".

Greedy Gorilla...

[jkrise]

They're actually waiting for the next version of the ever-so-popular you-know.... GNU/Linux distribution. Although Greedy Gorilla would be a nice moniker for Vista....

Future Dell Windows Installs

[gemada]

Hopefully the only Windows they will soon be installing at Dell headquarters are chair-proof windows.

So, Linux will be preinstalled on Dell computers?

[Anonymous Coward]

So, Linux will be preinstalled on Dell computers?

Imagine a Beowulf cluster of those!

I, for one, welcome our new Dell overlords!

In Soviet Russia, Linux preinstalls you on a Dell computer!

1) Preinstall Linux on Dell computers.
2) ???
3) Profit!!!

"Talk is cheap. Show me Dell." --Linus Torvalds.

Re:So, Linux will be preinstalled on Dell computer

[benuski]

Cliche overload! My brain has been slashdotted...

Re:So, Linux will be preinstalled on Dell computer

[Anonymous Coward]

"Hello, this is Linus Torvalds, and I pronounce Linux as Dell!"

I can see it how...

[Barkmullz]

Dell: How can I help you today?
Me: I bought this computer with Linux on it from you guys, and now I am having problems with X.
Dell: RTFM, n00b!

Re:So, Linux will be preinstalled on Dell computer

[BlueTrin]

You ruined my search on the keyword 'Funny', you insensitive clod !

Re:Let the cheering being...

[suv4x4]

I know that most of the crowd around here will be thrilled.. BUT I do wonder how broad the market actually is for this..

The server market is a given, BUT linux is already doing well there..

I'm sure many of the responses were already fans and users.. BUT that might be counter-acted by people who would buy but didn't comment, or might not even be aware.

The lack of the MS tax will be great, BUT I have to wonder how many 'regular joes' and 'mom and pops' will try it out.

We all know the stories about people setting up their parents with it, BUT that comes with an implied, and personal support system.

I sure hope it catches on, even a little competition for MS is a good thing [...] I also wonder if they'll have the models available at brick and mortar retailers, and if they'll actually push them.

Sorry just couldn't stop myself reformatting your comment a little :D
Emphasis and formatting mine up there, the text is left as in the original post.

In a single post, you managed to give:

5 positive points

about the news and immediately refute them all.

You also wondered about:

3 things

Are we after some sort of record?

It gets better...

[Savage-Rabbit]

Oh the joy, I can just see it now ...

Dell: Hello, can we help you?
Me: Hi, I am having some problems installing Linux on my new Dell laptop. I need some information about the video card so I can set up X.
Dell: Ok, umm ... sure ... you said Lyn-ucks?
Me: Yes?
Dell: Ok, umm ... can you spell that please? Dell: ... using Nato Phonetics mind you...
Me: Uh... Phonetics??
Dell: Yes Phonetics... you know Lima, Indigo, November...
Me: Mmm... Ok... I don't know phonetics but I'll try... Lima, Indigo, November..... wait... let me seee.... http://www.google.com/ ..... phonetics.... Ah here it is: Uniform, Xray.
Dell: Excellent Sir! Now please spell out your full name and address, the model name of your Dell computer, it's serial code, the Linux operating system version and your corporate credentials... Using phonetics of course.
Me: All of it?
Dell: Yes, all of it.
Me: Is that necessary?
Dell: Yes Sir. In order to avoid any confusion about the origin of support calls Dell management has decided that all identifying information has to be spelled out by the customer using phonetics.
Me: Arrrghh... Very well then... Juliet, October, Hotel, Ummm..... let me see.... November, Delta, October, Echo.... Ummm.... Oh, fuck this..... **Hangs up**
Dell: Ahhhh... Yet another Linux support call successfully handled.
Me: Hmmmm.... let me see: http://groups.google.com/ comp->linux....

I actually had a conversation like this with a support guy (from Network solutions IIRC, it was a couple of years ago).

What I want to know is...

[Mjlner]

will a preinstalled linux prevoid the warranty?

Well, Okay, But

[aquatone282]

. . . if I have a problem with it is Dell Support going to tell me to reformat the hard drive and load Windows. . .?

Re:Stop wondering

[antdude]

I wonder about suv4x4. [grin] :P