Dell: certain PCs will be available with Linux

Dell plans to expand Linux support beyond existing offers of servers and the Precision workstation line. That means Linux pre-installed on select desktop and notebook systems, although which specific models is currently unclear. On Friday February 16, Dell launched IdeaStorm where it allowed the public to suggest what the second largest PC maker should aim for. Linux support was the number one request and on March 13, Dell launched a detailed Linux survey asking for feedback. Dell claims over 100,000 people took the survey, of which 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.

Dell also noted that based on comments on the Direct2Dell blog, the majority of users are less concerned about a specific distribution and are more interested in kernel level and open driver support. Dell is working on that as well: for new Linux desktops and notebooks, drivers already in the mainline kernel.org kernels will be used for as many components as possible and will be included in the user's chosen distribution. As well, where there is a choice, Dell plans to include components with a Free driver as opposed to components with a non-Free driver. Where there are open source drivers, Dell will continue to encourage the development (by all parties) towards open source drivers, but will also provide the closed-source drivers.

View: Direct2Dell Blog
News source: Ideas in Action