Dell Linux Details

jon_anderson_ca writes "Dell, through their direct2dell website, has released some details of their soon-to-be-available Linux machines. Among the highlights: Only hardware that works with Linux is offered; open-source drivers are used where possible; binary drivers for Intel wireless cards, etc.; and no support for proprietary media codecs. Seems reasonable, but it's too bad that Click2Run isn't in Ubuntu 7.04 for the sake of those wanting to (legally) play DVDs, use AVI files, etc." The direct2dell site divulges no details on what models will be offered with Linux. For those we turn to linuxquestions.org, where proprietor Jeremy published a scoop last week: "We will be launching a Linux based OS (Ubuntu) on the E520, 1505 and XPS 410 starting next Thursday, 5/24."

Support NIGHTMARE

[Gothmolly]

Customer: Hi, I want to watch erm, a video, which I downloaded.
Dell (best read with Apu's accent): I see that you are having a Dell Linux computer.
Customer: Yes.
Dell: What I can do for you sir is to tell you that you cannot watch a WMV file.
Customer: Um, but my kid sent it to me from HIS computer.
Dell: Please hold.
Customer: *fume*
(5 mins later)
Dell: Sir, I want you to take the system recovery disk and reinstall your operating system software.
Customer: Why?
Dell: Please hold.
Customer calls friend/child/etc on the other phone: Hey do you have a Windows Vista CD I can borrow?
(1 min later)
Customer: Great thanks.
*click*
Dell: Sir? Sir?

But can it run....

[adez]

Erm, nevermind.

97 billion USD can buy a big chunk of the MPAA

[tepples]

All the gold in Ft Knox would not be enough to get a license from the DVDCCA

The bullion depository at Fort Knox [wikipedia.org] holds 147 million troy ounces of gold. At 660 USD per ounce, that makes 97 billion USD. This is more than enough to buy a controlling interest in The Walt Disney Company, News Corporation, and Viacom Inc., and spin out their film divisions.

Re:But will they be cheaper?

[MLS100]

Don't give up hope, maybe McAfee runs under Wine!

Re:Proprietary Codecs?

[ceeam]

> Wine at Adobe...

And then - when you're seriously drunk - shout at them: Youuu baasterdss (hick)... When arrre you goin' to make siss... siss... sissty-fooourr bit Flassshhh pluginnnn... (throw up)

Yeah, but will it run...

[EtherC]

Yeah, but will it run Windows?
...
...wait wait, ok ok, just... please don't hurt me!

Re:And yes, you can play Theora in WMP

[Terrasque]

Open F-spot. Import images. Select the ones you want. File -> Export -> Webgallery.

While I personally love the command line, that was perhaps not the best example I've seen :)

Re:But will they be cheaper?

[Anonymous Coward]

The difference is that the PowerEdge line is servers. You can't install crapware on a server.

Sure you can. Dell offers Windows pre-installed!