Windows vs. Ubuntu: Dell's New Confusing Take

Wow, as if one didn't know that already!

One OS isn't 'safer' than another just because no one uses it.

Linux = Open Source
Open Source != Linux

???

"If you’re the kind of person who likes your computer to simply work, Ubuntu is right for you. It’s based on stable"

This is so wrong, in ubuntu 9 at least, I didnt try 10 yet, but I got loads of errors and difficulties, from installing java into firefox requiring a lot of weird console commands which is imo the reason why any linux based OS still fails tothe public, to the "ubuntu update" that failed in the middle and didn't install anything, but somehow marked all updates as installed and I couldn't reinstall them again, a mess of a OS compared to windows.

I wonder how many hours of research went into that comparison chart.

if you dun goofed, choose windows.

Did I just get downgraded to newb status for using Windows?

Who told Dell they needed to confuse their customers even more than they already do?!
Do Dell machines come with a choice of Ubuntu or Windows now? I didn't know they were allowed to sell Ubuntu as part of their packages.

Ubuntu 10.4 lets you install Java through their add/remove programs dialog. This is no harder to use than windows update and if you are looking at a clean install it is actually easier because you can search for "Java" and find the update easily.

There are ways to reset/fix the information that their update program uses, but yes that part is still a pain to use.

How is that confusing? Seems like common knowledge to me.

HEY EVERYONE, HACKERS DESIGN VIRUSES FOR THE OS THAT REPRESENTS 90% OF THE MARKET!

Ubuntu has many advantages in productivity over Windows. The problem is gaining market share. The Ubuntu development team probably would not be able to handle hackers targeting them. Even though Linux has less security holes, Windows has the manpower behind it to quickly deal with security threats.

Lawsuit in 3... 2... 1...

It is fairly clear that anyone using that chart to decide, should choose Windows. I can see their point, Unbuntu isn't for the majority of users, since it does require a tiny bit of willingness to find solutions and software that isn't on the shelf at BestBuy.

Why doesn't Dell put up some highlight reels of what all can/can't be done in both operating systems.

Show the end users visually, not bullet list two points.

They get an F for lack of effort.

That's a bizarre view. Linux has far more developers than Microsoft, and security patches are typically issued same-day or next-day for critical security flaws. Microsoft on the other hand takes 90 days+ to issue security patches, even for the most critical of holes.

You'd be surprised. I've tried to help people who are completely clueless about computers; I'm talking about people who only use Internet Explorer because it has "Internet" in the name, can't distinguish that program from their ISP, and don't understand how using the URL bar makes browsing faster than typing everything into Google and clicking the resulting links. They don't feel safe without Norton no matter how terrible of an AV program it is, and if they ever accidentally saw their computer's BIOS screen they'd want to return the thing immediately.
To me, these people represent Dell's main consumer base. They've never learned about the complexities of their computers and only use them as a small part of their daily lives. From what I understand about Ubuntu, it is a much more hands-on and involved operating system to get going, and this is the last thing people need if they just want their computer to do the same, very few simple tasks every day.

Why wouldn't they be "allowed" to sell whatever they want to sell? I didn't know you were allowed to access Toms Hardware web site. Who gave you permission to do that?

I bought one of the Dell laptops preloaded with Ubuntu mainly because I prefer to run Linux on a laptop more than Windows. The best thing is they even provide Windows drivers for all the hardware. Far as word processing goes, I can't stand Office 2007 anyway! The interface is WAY more confusing to me than Open Office. Also, who REALLY uses Itunes as a media player on Windows? Since I don't use a Ipod, I don't even bother installing it.

Also, to install JAVA on Ubuntu, just go into Package Manager, and search for "Ubuntu restricted". It installs Flash, JAVA, and mp3 support automatically.

Yes, using a newb operating system does indeed make you a newb.

... Dell, WTF!!! Ubuntu not compatible with m$ office??? It haz OOo, that i use in all OS'es... This is B$... how much is M$ paying Dell? I have Ubuntu 10.04 transformed it no something similar to OSX... it feels very OS X Leopard like... so in a sense you can say, that 'you better not use Linux or OSX, becouse is it not like windows'??? By the way i use OSX, Windows7 and Ubuntu 10.04, because this is needed for my work... and open-source make it compatible!!!

Exactly, and who laid out the Ubuntu desktop on the picture! It sucks, Ubuntu can be allot less intrusive looking than that in five minutes after the install. That picture is not what Ubuntu looks like after the initial install anyway.

Save for games I would choose Ubuntu any day over the Swiss Cheese OS known as Windows. Their Browser is still tied into the OS at the kernel level (Back doors for the FEDS) and it is still a patchwork piece of crap OS.

Isn't Ubuntu free? I didn't think you could sell freeware. Seems like people would get irked at me if I tried selling Firefox.

If they did that Windows would suffer and MS would get mad and sue, that's why.

i guess DELL has an option. for example the PC that has linux in it is $500. if you'll choose windows, they'll charge +$250.

They sell the hardware and include Ubuntu for free, how do you think Linux OSes end up on netbooks?

Last night, I went looking for a laptop with two internal hard drive bays and managed to look through Toshiba, Aver and finally, Dell. Their store is littered with so much stuff I'm amazed the standard user manages to get through it all with a product.

Dell, keep things VERY simple, please!

P.s. Why not offer the user BOTH

Sigh, I wish people would realize that Linux is becoming easier to use, and you don't need to be a programmer or a 1337 h4x0rz in order to use it. Ubuntu is very easy to use, and has plenty of software available. It's suitable for the average user. Oh well, what does Dell know anyways.

Actually, for the first time in a long time, i am happy with Dell trying to get Linux into the hands of the public, its just that they're making themselves look really dumb in the process.

Not really, Dell pays Microsoft for an unlimited amount of licenses for Windows, but it comes nowhere near close to +$250.00 per PC

Hahaha... I will buy the Linux one for the cheaper price, and then wipe it and install Windows!!!

So if you want Ubuntu they deduct the price of the windows OS? at least they should. Wish they had that as an option when I bought my laptop 2 years ago, all I did was uninstall vista and dual boot XP and Ubuntu anyways

So Windows 7 ULT x64 is noob now??

And I guess the the more consumerist version of linux is l33t?

On a more serious note, they should have a linux based kiosk-style OS. You know the kind who only have firefox and a few SIMPLE apps on a simple background with no options whatsoever. It would be great for elderly people or other computer illiterate.

They have that, the netbook version (the system options are still there but they're kind of hidden). It's actually pretty nice as a touchscreen interface as well.