Dell to Sell Linux-Preloaded Notebooks and Desktops

February 26th, 2007

Dell Inc. will the most likely start selling Linux-certified laptop and desktop PCs, the computer maker announced after thousands of users voted for that idea on a company’s blog called Dell Idea Storm.

“It’s exciting to see the IdeaStorm community’s interest in open source solutions like Linux and OpenOffice. Your feedback has been all about flexibility and we have seen a consistent request to provide platforms that allow people to install their operating system of choice. We are listening, and as a result, we are working with Novell to certify our corporate client products for Linux, including our OptiPlex desktops, Latitude notebooks and Dell Precision workstations. This is another step towards ensuring that our customers have a good experience with Linux on our systems,” Dell published.

However, there is no information on Linux-preloaded systems in the popular Inspiron and high-end XPS lines of notebooks.

In addition to working with Novell, the Linux solutions specialized company, Dell is also working with other Linux distributors and evaluating the possibility of additional certifications across its product line, the post at company’s website says.

The most of Linux operating system distributions are free of charge and come with various free software, including the OpenOffice suite with word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, database and drawing applications, web browsers, instant messengers, a Photoshop-like GIMP photo application, as same as with various free multimedia applications.

After the users’ demand, Dell has also published that it is taking steps to make it easier for customers to remove unnecessary preloaded software once they receive their PC.

Dell