What a wonderful way to start a week! Pop over to the Dell Ubuntu web page, and smile, smile, smile. I can't begin to say how impressed I am with someone at Dell having the courage to put something like this on their web site. I only wonder how long it will take before Microsoft "convinces" them to take it down.
I love the whole page. The "top 10 things to know" list is pretty much what I would have written myself. The "comparison chart" is just about as good, although I have just a couple of small nits to pick about it... on the line for "Microsoft Office" I would have written in bold italic 40-point under Windows "Extra Cost - Don't Get Suckered by Microsoft's 60-day Trial Version", and on the line for "Open Office" under Windows I would have written "Free Download". Finally, on the "Peripheral Support" line under Ubuntu I think "limited support" is a bit harsh, to say the least.
But all in all this is wonderful to see, and a great way to start the week. Now, should we count the time before Microsoft stops this out of existence in hours, or days?
jw
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But read the small print:
"The vast majority of viruses and spyware written by hackers are not designed to target and attack Linux."
They're not actually saying Ubuntu is safer (even though it is of course), they're just saying it doesn't get targeted as often by hackers. I guess this is corporate cowardice, so they don't get sued if one day someone does succeeds in hacking Linux.
Not to worry. Microsoft will have one of their "lackeys" write a report telling, "their version of the truth," that windows is the most secure, and safest OS on the planet. And, a lot of windows users will believe it and continue running their, botnet infected machines, and increasing infections around the world.
@AndyPagin - Yes, I sort of thought that too, and I think another part of it is that they are trying to write it in a way that Microsoft can't/won't slap them down. But for me the important thing is that they said the words for the first time. It has to be a good thing for prospective computer buyers to be able to read that information from the company they are considering purchasing from.
@Ator - too right.
jw
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Actually there is a game which contains a malware package, and installs a backdoor trojan in Linux machines. You have to download the program from a third party site, not a repository, or so I heard.
I expect Microsoft fanboys to make a big deal of this.
Of course the trojan doesn't break linux security, and can only access areas the logged in user has access to. Unlike the typical Windows hacks that elevate themselves to administrator.
I love it! Thanks for pointing this out, Jamie. Dell surprises me at time with things like this. The last thing that was a pleasant surprise was when they honored a full refund for Windows Vista when I purchased a new Vostro laptop a couple years ago. Haven't heard much if people have been able to get that refund with Windows 7 though. Dell definitely has problems with production the past couple of years, but I still think they are a good company deep down.
I am betting it will only be a matter of days (I doubt any more), before Microsoft puts the pressure on them to take the page down or change it. Microsoft seems to have a pretty tight grip on them.
It's still there (well, for now ;). I do like the “We’re glad you found Dell’s Ubuntu website”, as though they are an independent enclave.
As a counterpoint, I did see a big banner on the Dell UK home page which boldy stated "Dell recommends Windows 7".
Hi Jake. It makes for an interesting contrast, doesn't it? Coming from the same company, the statements "Ubuntu is Safer than Windows", and "Dell Recommends Windows 7"... Hmmm. It seems rather foolhardy to "recommend" the less secure alternative... Wouldn't it be nice to wake up one day and find "Dell Recommends Linux", or "Dell Discourages Customers from Purchasing Windows due to Security Problems". Wouldn't it be nice.
jw