Dell IdeaStorm

Dell bows to demand for desktop Linux

Vendor listens to customers

Written by Tom Sanders in California

Dell has promised to add Linux desktop and notebook computers to its product line-up after seeing strong demand from customers. 

The announcement on a company blog was short on details, but promised additional information within the coming weeks. Dell will also beef up support for the Linux kernel and open drivers for its computers.

Users have been lobbying the computer maker since February to offer Linux systems. Customers have been using Dell's IdeaStorm website where the company solicits feedback and asks for suggestions. 

Dell followed up on the IdeaStorm site with an online poll in which it asked users what they would do on Linux computers. The survey attracted more than 100,000 respondents. 

The vendor currently offers Linux bundled on servers and professional workstations. Buyers can purchase some desktop and Linux systems without any operating system and then install Linux, but Dell will not install it in its factories.

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