Dell at it again: Windows vs. Ubuntu Linux

By apexwm, 20 July, 2010 13:52

Dell updated its Europe site with a "Windows or Ubuntu?" page. I can understand Dell wants to continue to market PCs with both operating systems, however the information posted on this page is fragmented, at best.

On the page it states "Choose WINDOWS if:" and lists a few points:

"You are already using WINDOWS programs (e.g. Microsoft Office, ITunes etc) and want to continue using them". No mention of Wine, which actually allows Windows programs to run on Linux. Instead, they could have provided a link to WineHQ's Applications page, for customers to check application compatibility if they are considering Ubuntu Linux.

"You are familiar with WINDOWS and do not want to learn new programs for email, word processing etc". I partially agree. However even when sticking to Microsoft Office and paying for it, there is still a learning curve. Take Office 2003 to Office 2007, which are vastly different. In my opinion, this is about the same as using Office 2003 and going to the free OpenOffice software, there is a learning curve either way. Most email software is similar in design and functionality, so usually there is not much of a learning curve there. But Outlook 2010 will add a new design so there will be a slight learning curve.

"You are new to using computers". I totally disagree. People learn on their first computer no matter what operating system it has. Linux (Ubuntu) is laid out in a very logical manner. In fact, most things are 2 clicks away in the menu, when compared to Windows 7 where users find themselves digging for several minutes looking for things, buried in pages upon menus. Granted, a new user might not be as savvy at checking for help with the online community (they would have a better chance of knowing somebody else that uses Windows to ask for help). But, learning Linux is something that kids do all of the time and adult users can easily do so as well. There are also good books out there for self-teaching.

Now, lets go on to "Choose Linux if:" :

"You do not plan to use Microsoft WINDOWS". Yes, but that's not totally true. You CAN continue to use Windows programs in Linux, using Wine. And, even use Windows inside a virtual machine (with VirtualBox). I am guessing Dell just doesn't want to "go there".

"You are interested in open source programming". Hm, this one is interesting. So who are they trying to lure in with this one? I believe open source programmers would already know about Linux, and would already have their choice made. Originally I thought this page was meant for basic users that were considering Windows or Linux and needed some help in choosing. But now that I've looked closer, I'm not sure who they are trying to address with this page.

There are other items that they could have added to this page, like "Choose Linux if":

"You do not want to be locked in with Microsoft software, and continually pay for upgrades year after year".

"You want total privacy without information about your computer constantly being monitored by the vendor".

"You want the freedom to make copies of your operating system or install on multiple computers, without any licensing restrictions or broken laws".

There are many many other points that could be made here. So, all in all I guess it's good that Dell is exposing Ubuntu and Linux, however the way that they do it still favors Microsoft. I am guessing this is because Microsoft still has Dell held closely and under careful watch.

Talkback

I think Dells previous message about Ubuntu being very safe was much better.

Dell should also say that Ubuntu runs great programs like Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome, Thunderbird, OpenOffice, Google Earth and Picasa, can play DVD's MP 3's etc. It should let people know that it isn't necessary to run anti-virus programs on Ubuntu and it uses very little of your system resources. Dell should sell HP printers with it because it has very good support for Ubuntu.
Indian-Art 20 July, 2010 16:59
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Indian-Art : Those are excellent points, and I agree that they should be on that page, too. Thanks for the comments!
apexwm 20 July, 2010 17:09
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I forgot to mention that unfortunately, Dell will probably never sell HP printers since they market their own Dell printers. But, HP has the better track record with their line of printers and much longer history. In fact I have not used any Dell printers with Linux, it would be interesting to know how well that support is. Most of Dell's printers used to be Lexmark, rebranded. But I'm not sure with their newer models.
apexwm 20 July, 2010 17:18
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* Don't want your machine's lifetime to expire shortly after 3 years of use.

* Want access to free/open-source applications made readily available to you through a simple package manager.

* Want the freedom to customize and adapt your OS as you deem fit.

* There is the possibility to play a plethora of existing Windows games in Linux (I'm currently playing Fallout 3, Quake 4, Heroes of Might and Magic V, Diablo 2, Starcraft 2, etc, etc; also native linux games such as Heroes of Newerth, Warzone 2100).

* Be assured that your machine will receive constant security and application updates to allow optimum functionality and safety.

Need I keep going?

Yeah. It feels like Dell is starting to pander to Microstifle's whims. I was hoping to purchase an Ubuntu lappy in Canada. Seems they no longer offer them. I asked them why... They said it was the Marketing department's decision. I scoffed, told them they lost a customer...

Where did I go from there? www.system76.com - As simple as that. I'm not trying to advertise them, but it's a grand shame how many users are out there that do not know of these guys.

Cheers. I hope Dell smartens up.
CommonOddity 20 July, 2010 18:38
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This is a (very tepid) initial response to HP's new WebOS.

HP will certainly be including WebOS on future internet-connected netbooks, tablets, and laptops. HP wants to become another Apple.

Dell has no in-house OS. They have adopted Ubuntu. It will be interesting to see if Dell tries to divorce itself somewhat from Microsoft and enhance and promote its Ubuntu offerings in coming months as a response to HP/WebOS. The future is mobile, and it is looking increasingly as if Microsoft is NOT going to be a part of the mobile future.

Alternatively, Dell may adopt Android for its mobile devices. I doubt that Dell has yet decided where its future lies: Microsoft, Android, Ubuntu, or all three. But it makes sense at this point to at least begin reminding people know that Ubuntu is (somewhat) available at Dell.
trentreviso 20 July, 2010 19:13
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Dell has already taken the page down. The link in your article leads to a page saying "The page you requested may no longer exist on Dell.com". Brilliant.
djohnston 20 July, 2010 20:08
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The pages have been replaced. The subtle but sinister way the reader is 'persuaded' to avoid Linux is worthy of a Mafia Soldier (M.S.).
The gist of it is that you can't use any windows app on Ubuntu, and Ubuntu is just for people interested in open source programming.
I tried to post links but Zdnet spam blocker didn't like it. So here's a complete cut & paste:

Not sure UBUNTU is for you?

UBUNTU is an open source operating system – so is not compatible with Microsoft WINDOWS or any WINDOWS based programs (Microsoft Office, iTunes etc ).

If you want to buy a system that uses Microsoft WINDOWS please click here: Computers with Windows
What is UBUNTU?

UBUNTU is one of the world’s most popular open source operating systems. It is a Linux based system that is developed and updated by the community – often for free.

It comes with built-in office software (spreadsheets, word processing, etc) along with programs for email, calendars, chat, web browsing etc.
Advantages of UBUNTU

* They can be more reliable and more flexible than Microsoft programs
* Updates and fixes can be developed quicker and cost less
* Experts can customise the program – so it does exactly what you want

Things to note about UBUNTU

* Some open source software requires intermediate or advanced technical knowledge to use
* Most open source programs are not compatible with Microsoft programs
* You will need to learn how to use new programs

What Should I choose – WINDOWS or UBUNTU?

Choose WINDOWS if:
* You are already using WINDOWS programs (e.g. Microsoft Office, ITunes etc) and want to continue using them
* You are familiar with WINDOWS and do not want to learn new programs for email, word processing etc
* You are new to using computers

Choose UBUNTU if:
* You do not plan to use Microsoft WINDOWS
* You are interested in open source programming
AndyPagin 21 July, 2010 12:17
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It is amazing, digusting, and even nauseating how this content of such pages gets twisted around by companies like Dell, and whatever larger company is actually pulling the strings in the background. Here are my replies to the Choose xxxxx if points from the page:

Choose Windows if:

- (You are already using Windows and don't want to change) Perhaps the only valid reason to use Windows, in my opinion. "Don't want to change" covers a multitude of sins, ranging from "too lazy" to "too scared" to "have Windows-dependent software". I consider all of those to be valid - there are plenty of other things that I choose not to do because I am too lazy or too scared.

- (don't want to learn new programs) 90% certifiable bull. The programs and applications most frequently used on Windows have identical or compatible equivalents on Linux. Firefox, Opera, Thunderbird and OpenOffice are the most common examples, but there are plenty more. In fact, in my personal experience, more and more Banks are making their e-Banking software available available for both Windows and Linux, and that was one of the last really hard-core bastions of Windows-only software. In fact, propagation of this myth is itself one of the largest obstacles to Linux acceptance today.

- (you are new to using computers) This one must be a joke, right? Someone who is new to using computers is the perfect candidate for starting out with Ubuntu, so they will not be exposed to Windows security problems, operating system lock-in, application lock-in, licensing stupidity and all the rest.

Choose Ubuntu if: (these are all additions of obviously missing points from the list)

- You don't want to jump onto the never-ending merry-go-round of paying Microsoft for new licenses over and over again, not only for Windows but also for Office, and rest assured there are plenty more licensed packages coming down the pike

- You do not want to be locked into whatever changes Microsoft might want to foist on you, with no alternatives.

jw
J.A. Watson 21 July, 2010 13:06
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AndyPagin : Thanks for posting the updated content. I guess on a good note, I'm glad they elaborated a little bit on what Ubuntu really is, at the top of the page. But I see that they added a couple of new bullet points that are horribly inaccurate:

"Some open source software requires intermediate or advanced technical knowledge to use". This is a myth that still circulates around even today. Ubuntu is one of the leading distributions that makes everything point and click now. This statement is only true if somebody wanted to install something that is not part if the Ubuntu distribution, of if they want to do something that is out of the norm. But to be honest, I just don't forsee the average user needing something that isn't already included in the distro. And IF the user needed to edit a config file or similar, they should be able to learn the process, rather than shy away from it. Even when working in Windows, sometimes the user needs to edit the registry, edit a config file, etc.

"Most open source programs are not compatible with Microsoft programs". This is just not true. Most open source programs ARE compatible with Microsoft software, along with a huge list of others as well. In fact, this statement is really backwards. It should read "Most Microsoft programs are not compatible with open source programs", that is 95% true because of Microsoft's customer lock-in tactics.
apexwm 21 July, 2010 14:14
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You may be interested that Dell seem to have changed their online purchase options for Linux systems. Covered here: http://www.zdnet.co.uk/blogs/mapping-babel-10017967/dell-temporarily-cuts-online-ubuntu-offerings-10018103/

Best
JC
Jack Clark 26 July, 2010 17:52
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It is a long complicated story. The link to dell's website in your article is broken(page removed message), so I could not read the whole Windows vs Ubuntu. I have an Ubuntu 10.10 parallel to my Windows 7 Installation. Occasionally I have used an earlier versions of ubuntu and always went back to only windows installation. The main reason is that I needed two separate machines in one laptop.
My experience on Ubuntu so far: I had a hardware recognizing problems. I have an integrated microphone in my Philips Webcam that I could not get to work. Second I have an external monitor connected to my laptop. As the display of my laptop does not work properly I needed my external Monitor as a primary monitor. Spent more than 10 hours on reading forums and blogs with the solution. Finally wrote a shell script of three lines and add it to the start menu. The positive thing is that it really faster, so far it can handle Internet Connections, Skype, Torrents, More than 20 Tabs in opera on a three year old laptop. Additionally, I have a spell check in my mother tongue on open office. An option that I use regularly.
On my new Windows Installation, I needed for the courses at the university, I have only the office package and a few Microsoft developer's tools, like visual studio 2010 and SQL Server 2008 R2. And so far everything is going amazing. It is extremely fast and nice. I still prefer to use Power Point and Excel in their original versions. I use excel mainly for the university courses with additional functionality like "power pivot". I should also admit that as an University Student I only had to pay for the MS Office, everything else got for free.
The biggest pain remains the question - Which System should I choose for my further development? I mean not only Linux vs Microsoft, but basically Open Source vs Microsoft for a further work as a web developer.
Most of the web world are using open source and languages like php or java. Microsoft on other hand gives the possibility to develop from a bigger perspective, with all the Share Point and BI solutions. My university professors are advising us to use their technologies. Projects like Mono, allows .Net applications to run on a Linux distribution. It is a big complicated thing and I do not really see a easy solution in near future.
niko.petrov 4 January, 2011 10:15
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