http://www.ubuntu.com/

Ubuntu Logo

Hooray and Nay to Dell in their recent decision to offer Ubuntu. Ubuntu is a user friendly flavor of Linux. This move by Dell to offer a free and open source software operating system will foster greater support and a larger community for this software. Microsoft’s operating systems are somewhat costly, especially given the need to ‘upgrade’ periodically. Outside of the techies and gamers, most people use their computers to email, IM, surf the internet, and perform functions supported by office suites. Ubuntu comes with software to help facilitate all these needs, including Firefox (browser) and OpenOffice.org (office suite).

Do you have an older computer that does fit the requirements of the latest Microsoft OS and version you have installed is no longer supported? Consider installing Ubuntu.
Not sure if Ubuntu will run on your old computer? Then run it from the CD before making the commitment to installing it.

Hooray to you Dell. A company with your weight supporting this OS should have a positive impact in the market place!

BUT Dell is a business and a business needs to make as much money as they possibly can. I found it disappointing when I customized the machine and found the cost was identical to a machine with a Microsoft operating system. The money Dell will save in licensing costs to Microsoft will be put in the company coffers. This was a disappointing revelation. I thought something was amiss when I was not able to choose between the two operating systems during customization. The systems needed to be configured separately. At first, it appeared the system with Ubuntu would be less expensive, but that was due to the Ubuntu base configuration had less horsepower. After completing similar configurations for both systems, the price was identical. The only significant difference between the two configurations was the CPU on the Ubuntu system was 1.80 GHz and 2.00 GHz on the Microsoft system. Not only was the price identical, Dell charges extra if you want software support on the Ubuntu system.

In this day and age, you probably have an older computer collecting dust. Stop watching the summer reruns and take some time to tinker around with this Operating System. You might find it easier then you think.