Dell Offers a Choice

It’s not every day that a hardware manufacturer gives you a choice of operating systems (well, recently you had the choice of Windows XP or Windows Vista, as they had experienced many complaints about Windows Vista), and so it is nice to see that Dell are happy to go against the flow and give you the option to choose freedom.  By freedom I mean Linux.

They even give you a handy Windows or Ubuntu webpage to help you see which is right for you.  Take a look, and then carry on reading…

Which one sounded the most attractive?

Let’s break this down.

Windows

1. Firstly that’s assuming that you are already using Windows.  Many windows applications will run on Ubuntu, using wine, including Microsoft Office.
2. Again, this is only valid if you use Windows.  Further to this is that many applications in common use are available on different platforms natively.  Firefox, Thunderbird, Openoffice.org, Skype, just to name a few.
3. “You are new to using computers.”! What?! Where did this come from?  Which platform is best if you are new to computers?  Mac, Windows, Linux, AmigaOS, MsDos? If you are new to computers it doesn’t matter which you pick.  When I was new to computers, I had a BASIC interpreter.  If you have no concept of computers, it is all confusing, and using strange language.  Windows offers no more to the “new to computers” category than OS X or Ubuntu.  There are many cases where Linux has been put on a computer for someone who is not familiar with computers, and they have gotten along brilliantly.  Lets face it – current desktop paradigms are pretty much the same.  If simplicity is the goal, compare installing software on Windows, which requires (often) navigating to the correct website, downloading said software (then the hardest part for a new user), finding where you saved it, and then installing it.  Most windows programs usually require you to enter much information before it will install (license keys, where to install, User name and company (why??)).  Then you get a lengthy file-copying process followed by “Please restart your computer.”  Great! Just what I want to do.  Compare this to installing software on Ubuntu.  Two mouse clicks and you are presented with a big list of categorised software.  Pick which one you want.  Click Install.  Enter password to verify (you did this in Windows too), what a few seconds while the system automatically downloads the software, and installs it in the correct place.  Done.  Look in your menu, it’s there already.  Drivers are the other issue.  What do you do on Windows when you don’t have the correct driver?  Off to the manufacturers website to download the driver.  “Ooh, which one?” you may hear the ‘new to computers’ user say, when presented with the list.  Then its basically the same as installing software (including finding where you saved that driver).  On Ubuntu all my hardware was supported out of the box.  And I’m using pre-release software, and it all works.  No unsigned drivers, no fuss.  Laptop soundcard not working?  Just let the system know what model it is.  Bottom line is Ubuntu is easily a good platform for a new user.

Ubuntu

1. Hmm.  Good idea.  Use an alternative if you don’t want to use Windows.  What kind of reason is this?
2. Uh seriously?  Apart from the reasons listed above, why would that possibly be a reason to do things?  That’s a little like choosing a car with non-standard controls because you want to learn how to use something different.  Again this doesn’t really encourage you to use Ubuntu.
3. Umm.  yeah I can see this one.  Actually I would remove the Open Source, and encourage you to use Ubuntu if you are interested in programming full stop.  Comes complete with a compiler, debugger, and plenty of tools to develop in any number of languages.  Unlike the MS offering (Visual studio, which supports 3 languages and costs $799).

There are plenty of good reasons to use Ubuntu.  Perhaps we should mention freedom.  Yes, that’s right – personal liberty.  It’s something I hold close to my heart.  If I want to pass my Ubuntu cd along, I can.  If I want to change some part of the operating system, I can.  If I want a different file manager/browser/email client I can.  With Windows we find the opposite.  DRM – digital restrictions management pervades the Microsoft operating system.  They prevent you doing what you want.  With your computer.

All this and I haven’t mentioned cost.  When you buy a computer with Windows on it, you are paying a premium to have it.  A computer with Ubuntu supplied on it has no extra cost for the operating system.  Microsoft have recently offered a free upgrade to Windows 7 with any newly purchased computer – subject to shipping and handling fees (£13 for the UK – must be a heavy package!).  Ubuntu comes with free upgrades for life – you’ll always have the latest and greatest software.  For a new version of Windows 7 Ultimate £230.  Ubuntu £0.  Yes that’s right, £0.  I no longer even have to pay for a cd to burn it off on, as I can just stick it on any usb stick lying around.  If you don’t have an internet connection to download it, just log on to www.ubuntu.com from any computer you can (library, cyber cafe, work,…) and request a free cd to be sent out to you.

It’s clear where my preferences lie.  It’s also clear where Dell’s preferences lie.  There’s  a little reminder in the top right of that web page – “Dell recommends Windows 7.”  I also love the slogan – “Windows. Life without walls.”  Funny, because I figure that if you have no walls, you have no need for Windows.

Come on Dell, give us a proper comparison, let us make an informed decision. Oh yeah, you mis-spelled programs.  A “programme” is something you look at in a theatre, or at a concert.

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