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Linux to be pre-loaded on Dell desktops, notebooks
by Cyril Kowaliski — 10:02 AM on March 29, 2007

Dell has put up an update on its Ideas In Action website saying it will begin to offer Linux pre-installed on desktops and notebooks. The announcement follows the February 16 opening of its IdeaStorm "suggestion box"-style website, where the company received tens of thousands of requests for PCs pre-loaded with Linux. On March 13, Dell put up a survey to ask users what they felt they needed for a "better Linux experience." Dell says the survey's highlights include:

More than 70% of survey respondents said they would use a Dell system with a Linux operating system for both home and office use.

Survey respondents indicated they want a selection of notebook and desktop offerings.

Majority of survey respondents said that existing community-based support forums would meet their technical support needs for a tested and validated Linux operating system on a Dell system.

Survey respondents indicated that improved hardware support for Linux is as important as the distribution(s) offered. [The PC maker explores the topic of free versus non-free drivers in more detail on its Direct2Dell blog.]

With that in mind, Dell says it has decided to offer Linux pre-installed on select desktop and notebook systems. "We will provide an update in the coming weeks that includes detailed information on which systems we will offer, our testing and certification efforts, and the Linux distribution(s) that will be available. The countdown begins today," the company states.

Tags: Linux-Unix