● 08.14.08

●● Dell’s ‘BlackTop’ is Based on SLED 10: Does Dell Pay Microsoft for GNU/Linux?

Posted in Dell, HP, Microsoft, Novell, SLES/SLED at 6:49 am by Dr. Roy Schestowitz

Dell has begun booting GNU/Linux ‘by default’ on many of its new laptops. However, it was disappointing to find this information in an article which looks at Dell’s exciting new technology:

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The OS itself is based on SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10…

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This is not the first time Dell uses SLED.

Let’s step back and remind ourselves that Dell joined the Microsoft/Novell deal. Does that mean that Microsoft partially ‘owns’ that fast-boot operating system? Are buyers paying Microsoft for the ‘privilege’ to use GNU/Linux no matter what O/S they choose? We already know that Microsoft is paid for those Ubuntu PCs from Dell, but that’s for codecs (at the least).

Don’t allow Microsoft to control (elevate) the price of its competition.

It’s a shame to see the Big OEMs going down this route. Yes, it’s the same with Hewlett-Packard and here’s an article from a few days ago.

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HP has started shipping a $500 mini-notebook pre-installed with SUSE Linux.

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Great. Pseudo choice… Microsoft Windows or Microsoft Linux.

There is nothing wrong with other distributions.

That’s not how GNU/Linux is supposed to happen and its adoption come about. As the Infinite Hands song goes, there’s no room for Microsoft, for SCO, or for anybody else to control, to charge and to manipulate GNU/Linux. They sure will try. It’s a form of market distortion. Novell welcomes this distortion. Maybe it’s part of a plan. █

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