Dell to Pre-install Linux OS on Its PCs

In what could be a major step forward for open source software, Dell the world's largest PC retailer has announced that it soon plans to introduce a new range of desktop PCs which will utilize Linux as their OS. This announcement came after Dell mentioned that nearly 83,000 users had requested that Linux should be provided on all Dell PCs.

These requests were made on Dell IdeaStorm, a forum and site which was launched by Dell 10 days ago, shortly after Michael Dell took back his CEO position. Dell IdeaStorm gives a platform for its consumers to get their desires out in the open as to what they expect from the PC major.

"It's exciting to see the IdeaStorm community's interest in open-source solutions like Linux and OpenOffice," the company has said in a post on the Web site. "Your feedback has been all about flexibility and we have seen a consistent request to provide platforms that allow people to install their operating system of choice. We are listening, and as a result, we are working with Novell to certify our corporate client products for Linux, including our OptiPlex desktops, Latitude notebooks and Dell Precision workstations. This is another step towards ensuring that our customers have a good experience with Linux on our systems."