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31/03: Dell to upgrade Linux support + A new Linux community

Dell, a leading computer manufacturer yesterday announced that it would provide its customers the option to get a system with pre-installed Linux based operating system. This option will only be available on selected notebooks and desktop systems.

Dell already has Linux available on its server and Precision workstations. The move by Dell to offer desktop computers pre-installed with Linux comes after over 70% of respondents [over 100,000], who use the IdeaStorm site, said that they would use a computer with a Linux based operating system.

Dell will release more detailed information, including the systems offered, and the Linux distributions that will be available, in coming weeks.

Personally, I think this is a great move by Dell. Now users of Linux distributions have the option to get a pre-insalled system alongside support for it. The latter point is particularly important since one of the key problems with spread of Linux is its learning curve and getting used to the environment which is different from Windows in many ways.

The majority of computer users get computers from vendors like Dell, Gateway, etc and this move would help the spread of Linux. The penguin is slowly but surely capturing public interest.

Now, I know many people say that Linux closely resembles the Windows environment but I disagree. Just yesterday, my installation of SUSE went wonky when I booted it after some time. I had changed the graphic card during this time. I have Nvidia drivers installed for my card. SUSE refused to show the login screen and instead reverted to the terminal.

I tried sax2, to no effect. Then I tried finding manuals for random words I thought might be commands and hit the jackpot with xserver. The manual page suggested xdm and xinit at the end for starting the xserver. Using xdm at least allowed me to bring up the GUI and logging in to my GUI based desktop.

I digress, but the point is, there are easier ways to deal with such problems in a Windows based environment. Of course, there is the critical factor that I am much more familiar with Windows troubleshooting than Linux troubleshooting. I can't really blame Linux for my lack of knowledge about it but it does makes for difficult and time consuming troubleshooting.

On another note, Pakistani Linux/FOSS users now have a new option for community discussions and problem solving. One of the oldest Pakistani Linux and FOSS communities is PLUC which has served the users of open source software in Pakistan well. The new community aims to provide diversity. You can visit the site by clicking the link below:

http://www.linux-pakistan.net

I think there are plans to make available the latest distributions at cheap prices to those people who are interested in buying them [this is a major problem with availability of distros in Pakistan, even via PLUC] but that might or might not come depending on what the site administration thinks. Anyhow, it is fun being one of the first few members of any new forum! :D

I urge you to join the new community since community based sites only thrive in the presence of an actively participating community.




Asad  Computers 
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Comments made

There are a lot of (actually most of ) people in Pakistan who don't know anything about Linux. In their minds computer conjures up a image of a certain fancy machine consisting of a box (system unit), keyboard and a sort of TV (computer monitor) which runs this thing called windows.
Asad, I think the real reason people don't use Linux is that they are ignorant. Now ignorance is not a excuse, with M$ WGA technology in place I am always worried how long can Pakistanis continue using pirated software. Ironically they also mostly don't appreciate how serious this issue actually is. Circumventing these measures such as WGA and DRM is at times painful or at least time consuming. However most Pakistanis still use the pirated treasure available in our "FAMOUS" shops without caring there is a world called open source where everything is free. In my opinion unless this trend is discontinued there is but no hope for Linux.
01/04 00:00:50
@ Usman:

Awareness is slowly increasing. the problem is, it is increasing too slowly. :(

Ignorance plays a major part, that's true, but the people can't do anything unless they know that alternatives exist. people need to be told that alternatives exist.

In that regard, I urge you to join the linked community. i know you yourself want to transition toLinux and you can get help and support from such communities. I myself am facing problems with GRUB and instead of going to some popular international forum, I am posting at the new community just so that we can develop local communities to the extent that they can offer help to other people.

Get as many people to join as you can.
01/04 00:35:43
I totally agree with you. I might join the community today.
01/04 18:06:25
Neat design. Substantial content.
03/04 17:53:13

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