OneAndOneIs2

Dell has announced they will finally offer Linux on their computers, rather than just a Windows-free option. This is an important difference: It shuts up forever all the "Linux isn't ready for the desktop" nonsense, such as the one in my previous post :o)

More importantly, it has the potential to dramatically increase Linux's userbase by making it available, installed and fully working, as an option from one of the biggest PC makers/suppliers in the world. No longer will the "It's too hard to install" argument hold any water.

But most important is the knock-on effect this will have with hardware support. If Dell is selling Linux and Windows on its PCs, which of the following will be most attractive to them:

- A card that has drivers for both OSes
- A card that only has Windows drivers

To make their life easier, Dell is almost certain to go with the first option wherever it exists. So, essentially, if a hardware manufacturer wants Dell to sell their stuff, they will need Linux drivers.

This would be a good time to make sure that Dell & co are aware of the standing offer from the Linux community to create drivers for free. There's about to be a sudden surge of urgency to get working Linux drivers merged into the kernel, there will never be a better time to ask for the specs.

Dude, you're getting a Dell!
           \