Hey Linux Fans: Certification Isn't Pre-Installation

Pre-Installed Linux On Dells Coming

The post refers to remarks by Dell executives, who have been monitoring the company's new online suggestion box and the tens of thousands of requests for the PC maker to offer pre-installed Linux on notebooks and desktops.

Dell responded with this statement:

Dell says, ". . . we have seen a consistent request to provide platforms that allow people to install their operating system of choice." (Emphasis added.)

Certification means, essentially, that Dell would say Linux will work with its hardware. It doesn't necessarily mean that Dell will offer SKUs of notebooks and desktops pre-loaded with Ubuntu, SLED 10 or any other Linux distribution.

"Certification" doesn't mean pre-installation. "Support" doesn't mean pre-installation. "Pre-installation" means pre-installation.

If Dell certifies Linux on its clients, it will join the party already featuring Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo and scores of white box companies.