Dell Sells Open-Source Desktops; Hell Freezes Over

**Lemur** · 01-24-2007, 19:23

I didn't think it would happen in my lifetime. They're calling them the n-Series desktops. I know, I know, Dell has sold Linux-loaded servers for a while, and you could buy a desktop in Europe, but this is here in the U.S.A.! You can get a PC from the world's largest PC maker without paying the Microsoft tax! Glory be, glory be.

Is this one of the signs of the end times?

**doc_bean** · 01-24-2007, 23:42

Which version of Linux does it carry ? Is the offical Microsoft approved one ? (SuSe I believe that is).

**Xiahou** · 01-25-2007, 01:14

Unfortunately, they don't really seem much cheaper than their Windows loaded counterparts.... so it doesn't really make much sense to pay the same for a machine that doesn't include and XP license.

**drone** · 01-25-2007, 01:22

Originally Posted by doc_bean

Which version of Linux does it carry ? Is the offical Microsoft approved one ? (SuSe I believe that is).

The hard drive comes unformatted, so you can stick whatever you want on it.

The main advantage I see in this is that you can get a Dell without the pre-installed crapware. Even if you want to stick Windows on it, you will at least have the OS disk in hand, you can partition the drive how you want it, and otherwise have complete control of your system.

**Xiahou** · 01-25-2007, 01:36

Originally Posted by drone

The hard drive comes unformatted, so you can stick whatever you want on it.

The main advantage I see in this is that you can get a Dell without the pre-installed crapware. Even if you want to stick Windows on it, you will at least have the OS disk in hand, you can partition the drive how you want it, and otherwise have complete control of your system.

It says it doesn't include a copy of Windows...

Dell's new open-source n Series desktop solution provides customers with a DimensionTM E520, E521 or C521 desktop without an installed or included Microsoft® operating system

**drone** · 01-25-2007, 03:06

Originally Posted by Xiahou

It says it doesn't include a copy of Windows...

Correct, it comes with a FreeDOS disk. However, if you were to desire Windows, you could purchase a copy somewhere and install it yourself, partition the drive however you want, and not have to worry about whatever messed-up backup/restore scheme Dell has these days for most of their PCs. With the OS disk in hand, you have control, and you don't get the crapware.

I guess the question is, what's the difference in price betweeen buying one of these plus a Windows disk, vs building a comparable machine yourself (plus a Windows disk)?

**TevashSzat** · 01-25-2007, 03:27

Won't that mean that all of the drivers that you need won't be on there too which would be hell to install for anyone who isn't at least half competent with computers

**drone** · 01-25-2007, 04:26

Originally Posted by Xdeathfire

Won't that mean that all of the drivers that you need won't be on there too which would be hell to install for anyone who isn't at least half competent with computers

Well, buying a computer without an OS is generally for the experienced only. I assume most of the MoBo/system specific drivers for Windows can be had at Dell's website, while the video/audio drivers can be downloaded from ATI/nVidia/Creative. Not familiar with the state of Linux drivers these days, I assume drivers exist for the options Dell is selling. Probably something the Linux buyers should research first.

I guess this move was logical after the AMD switch. I don't know about their deals, but I guess it has become worth it to Dell to forgo their exclusive Wintel product line.