Ubuntu Founder: Let's Make Pre-Installed Linux Easier For OEMs

by suggesting the Open Source community

(Emphasis in original.)

One of the sparks for Shuttleworth's words is the current maelstrom that began at Dell's online suggestion box, IdeaStorm, where tens of thousands of people told Dell they wanted PCs with Linux pre-installed. Dell has responded by asking for suggestions about what type of hardware should be factory-installed with Linux first, desktops or notebooks, and what other specifications should be considered.

Hewlett-Packard, the world's Number 1 PC maker, has also said it is providing thousands of PCs with Linux pre-installed -- but only for custom orders and not as factory-ready SKUs. However, HP executives believe the tipping point is getting closer.

Writes Shuttleworth:

One commenter on Shuttleworth's blog responds to the back-and-forth discussions of PC Linux and writes: "i'm getting so sick and tired of hearing excuses and rationalizations. just put the cd in the cupholder, install it and sell it. period. there's no need to analyze or certify. what is so hard about this?"