Buying a PC used to be a bit of a mission. It wasn’t so much the buying, as what you had to do when you got all the packages home. In times past the software would be sold separately, so when you got the boxes home, you would have to install all the software yourself.
Microsoft, and PC manufacturers, realised that in order to get more computer consumers, a better “out-of-the-box experience” would be required. Microsoft also realised that, by having its software installed on all manufacturers PCs, it would shut out all other software companies. The consumer would not even know that there was a choice, and Microsoft’s revenue would increase. That’s why, today, PCs come with Windows, and other Microsoft products, pre-installed.
I don’t use Windows, I haven’t done so for years. When I want a new desktop PC, I buy all the bits, and assemble the PC at home on the dining-room table. I have an understanding wife. I then install the Linux operating system and applications, my current flavour of Linux distribution is Ubuntu.
Things are bit more difficult when it comes to laptops. To my knowledge you can’t get all the pieces required to do it yourself. I have been toying with the idea of owning a laptop for sometime, but of course I don’t want Windows, or other software, installed. Trying to find a model that fits my requirements is proving impossible. So it was with some joy, that I read that Dell is making machines available pre-loaded with Ubuntu. Not only a Linux laptop, but my Linux of choice. Joy of joys, all I had to do was wait for them to be announced.
The wait was over a few weeks ago. Ubuntu Linux is now available from Dell, in the USA, on a variety of desktops, and laptops, at a considerable saving over the same machines, with Windows installed.
I rang Dell, and asked them what options are on offer in New Zealand with Ubuntu installed. I was told that none of the models of PCs are available here. When I asked when they would be available, the answer was that no date has yet been announced. On the off chance, I asked if I could buy a machine without Windows installed. The answer to that was an emphatic no, I can’t even get a refund if I uninstall Windows, and put my own operating system on the PC. I should imagine that replacing Windows with Linux would also void the warranty, thus making me use an operating system, I don’t want, until the warranty expired.
Call me picky, but I object to paying Microsoft for something I’m not going to use. It’s like buying a dining-table, and being told you have to buy a canteen of cutlery, that you don’t want, as well.
It is not that I can sell the unwanted software, because unlike the good old days, you don’t receive the software packages. It is all pre-installed for your “ease of use”.
Naturally I made no purchase but, went on the Internet, and joined the petition to ask Dell to release the Ubuntu PCs in countries other than the United States. Over 20,000 people have added their names so far. All over the world people are being forced to pay for something they don’t want, and the money goes straight into Microsoft’s coffers. It’s time to end this Microsoft Tax.
- Sign The Petition – Sell Linux PCs Worldwide – not only the United States
- Watch a video from Dell about Ubuntu – “Linux 101: What’s All The Fuss”
- Dell’s own blog on the release of Ubuntu PCs – With video interviews with the people involved
- Dell’s Ubuntu Offerings
- Restricting Dell Ubuntu to US a huge mistake
- Dell pressured to extend Ubuntu PCs outside US
- Pressure mounts on Dell over Linux PCs
- Dell Won’t Preinstall Ubuntu Linux On Small-Business Computers
- Will HP Follow Dell With Ubuntu Linux PCs?
- Michael Dell: Linux Coming to SMBs, Europe Soon
