Dell unhooks Windows from desktops

[Adul]

http://news.com.com/2100-1001-949671.html?tag=fd_top

Dell Computer is making Windows optional for some of its business desktops.

The PC maker next month will introduce n-Series corporate desktop and workstations that ship without Microsoft's Windows, or any other operating system, pre-installed.

The new desktops appear to be a slick interpretation of Microsoft's new licensing terms and a way to navigate customer demand for PCs without an OS installed. The Microsoft licensing terms, which were put in place on Aug. 1, specify that PC makers must ship PCs with an operating system. The new policy exists to prevent piracy and to better track OS shipments.

With the n-Series, Dell will include a copy of a free operating system--FreeDOS--inside the cardboard box. However, the OS will not be pre-installed, so customers will not have to worry about reconfiguring their machines should they want to use a different product.

 

[MasterHoss]

Interesting. But didn't Dell offer various flavors of Linux to be installed on their servers back in the day?

 

[John]

Originally posted by: MasterHoss
Interesting. But didn't Dell offer various flavors of Linux to be installed on their servers back in the day?

Yes.

 

[Sunner]

Nice, not having the choice of not getting an OS with a prebuilt has always pissed me off.

 

[Wolfsraider]

dell may very well be jumping ship but if the new licensing goes into effect as it is written

wouldn't dell be in violation of the agreement and given there is now only 2 strikes in the agreement won't dell's license be revoked unless they also add a microsoft version os?

found here at the bottom

The company also imposes a "two strikes" policy, which it can use to terminate a PC maker's Windows license. Under previous Microsoft licenses, PC makers were granted three strikes.

"The (two-strike) threat...has a remarkable chilling effect on an OEM's (original equipment manufacturer's) willingness to promote non-Microsoft middleware, platform software or otherwise," Fama testified. "Microsoft retains incredible power over Gateway and, presumably, other OEMs."

found here below the ad

"Agreement
PC makers can include a competing OS that would be as easily accessed as Windows. The competing OS could even launch before Windows in the boot sequence (provision III.C.4).

Potential loophole
It is unclear whether PC makers can sell PCs without Windows. One of the key complaints during the testimony phase of the case was the requirement that computer makers had to load a copy of Windows on each machine. "

could dell afford to lose millions if they choose not to conform to microsoft's policies?And again tell me how this isn't a monoply?


and then there's this to add

Although Windows can't automatically reconfigure the desktop, it can pepper consumers with requests to drop other software and adopt competing products from Microsoft within 14 days after the PC is activated.

the more i read about microsoft's positionary tactics the more i want to learn linux

 

[Valinos]

Originally posted by: Wolfsraider
dell may very well be jumping ship but if the new licensing goes into effect as it is written

wouldn't dell be in violation of the agreement and given there is now only 2 strikes in the agreement won't dell's license be revoked unless they also add a microsoft version os?

found here at the bottom

The company also imposes a "two strikes" policy, which it can use to terminate a PC maker's Windows license. Under previous Microsoft licenses, PC makers were granted three strikes.

"The (two-strike) threat...has a remarkable chilling effect on an OEM's (original equipment manufacturer's) willingness to promote non-Microsoft middleware, platform software or otherwise," Fama testified. "Microsoft retains incredible power over Gateway and, presumably, other OEMs."

found here below the ad

join the club

ffmcobalt not welcome

"Agreement
PC makers can include a competing OS that would be as easily accessed as Windows. The competing OS could even launch before Windows in the boot sequence (provision III.C.4).

Potential loophole
It is unclear whether PC makers can sell PCs without Windows. One of the key complaints during the testimony phase of the case was the requirement that computer makers had to load a copy of Windows on each machine. "

could dell afford to lose millions if they choose not to conform to microsoft's policies?And again tell me how this isn't a monoply?


and then there's this to add

Although Windows can't automatically reconfigure the desktop, it can pepper consumers with requests to drop other software and adopt competing products from Microsoft within 14 days after the PC is activated.

the more i read about microsoft's positionary tactics the more i want to learn linux

 

[McCarthy]

the more i read about microsoft's positionary tactics the more i want to learn linux

It might be that time.

Can't imagine Microsoft's going to agree on that interpretation, hope Dell sticks to it.

 

[shathal]

It's definately a good move on Dell's behalf, I find.

Not that I get Dell PC's myself, but I personally hate pre-installed OS's (as they're not the ones I use anyway), and am thus loathe to fork out on them (which makes sense, right?).

One can hope that "where Dell leads, others will follow"? A possible beginning of erosion of Microsoft's iron grip on the OS market?

It would be nice... .

My 2p on the matter.

- Shathal.

 

[tigerwannabe]

i just read the article not long ago. bold move on dell's part power should be in the hands of the consumer and not the vendor. should the other big oems follow suit, microsoft will be forced to change in licensing methods.

 

[AU Tiger]

This is a good move, especially for large corporations who have the licenses for the operating systems they want to run already purchased. Most companies usually ghost the new computers with a customized image of the operating system and software they use. They have no need for the preinstalled crap.

 

[dexvx]

I dont see whats so bad about preinstalled windowsXP Home in dell home series. I suppose if you would want a different OS it would be nice for a change, but winXP Home that comes with a dell computer is a LOT cheaper than purchased seperately, if you factor in the component costs, especially on their "bare bones" systems.

 

[bluemax]

But why PAY for WinXP if you already HAVE it? (Or another OS of choice...)

 

[ripthesystem]

It's not that getting XP on a prebuilt machine is so horrid... It's that if you don't want it- you don't have a choice. You have to buy it. And the priciples behind that monoploy attitude are even more troubling.

ripthesystem

 

[Wolfsraider]

Originally posted by: ripthesystem
It's not that getting XP on a prebuilt machine is so horrid... It's that if you don't want it- you don't have a choice. You have to buy it. And the priciples behind that monoploy attitude are even more troubling.

ripthesystem

amen

and i hope dell sets the standard