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Our Blogs The BeerFiles Desktop Linux to get first real test with Dell
Our Blogs The BeerFiles Desktop Linux to get first real test with Dell | Desktop Linux to get first real test with Dell |
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| Written by Stan Beer | |
| Wednesday, 02 May 2007 | |
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Everything will pretty much have to be plug and play out of the box - or at least as plug and play as pre-installed Windows - including wireless networking and setting up a compatible printer, scanner and other peripherals, such as webcams, microphones, headsets et al. Pricing should be interesting because users will finally be able to compare the real cost of a pre-installed Linux distribution and an OEM Windows version. They will also be able to compare what they get for their money with Linux, with a multitude of free open source applications already installed on the desktop, such as Open Office, Evolution and The Gimp, and what they get with Windows, which is basically nothing. If Dell gets this right, however, it will mean much more than a turnaround in the fortunes of one hardware company. No doubt HP, Acer, Lenovo, Toshiba and others are watching to see what happens. If things go well for Dell, there is little doubt that other tier one hardware vendors will come charging in. Once that happens, the year of the desktop will have finally arrived. Conversely, if the whole exercise turns out to be a flop, desktop Linux may remain a system for geeks, with a market share of one to two percent, for years to come. There is also not the slightest doubt that a certain proprietary software is looking on with a great deal of interest and possibly more than a little trepidation. We intend to put in order to Dell for a loan of a review machine as soon as possible.{moscomment}
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