Dell Quietly Advertises Ubuntu Systems

A few readers reached out to me, asking whether Dell plans to promote its new Ubuntu systems. For a few days, Dell’s home page promoted the systems on a rotating basis. Now, the PC giant apparently is using Google and Yahoo search terms to promote the new systems.

Reader Feedback — Pro and Con — Welcome

Well, quite a few folks flamed me for my “Four Reasons to Avoid Ubuntu” post. Some readers said my info was too basic. Others said the info should have more clearly focused on Ubuntu limitations rather than broader Linux limitations. I accept the criticisms. But I also want to point out: This blog was launched to help everyday PC users — millions of consumers who are frustrated with Windows — consider a move to Ubuntu.

Sure, the vast majority of the Ubuntu community knows why you should run Ubuntu. They also know about some basic Ubuntu shortcomings (though many readers deny those shortcomings…). But in recent days, folks, I’ve been flooded with email from casual Windows users who say “Finally … a blog that explains Ubuntu to the masses!” Now, for my challenge…

HP Launching Ubuntu PCs?

There’s growing speculation on several forums that Hewlett-Packard Co. plans to launch PCs with Ubuntu pre-installed within the next few months or even the next few weeks. I need to get some sleep for some business travel on Tuesday June 26. But I’ll be sure to follow-up on this lead sometime late in the day. Stay tuned.

Getting to Know ZaReason’s CEO

Sure, Dell is new to the Ubuntu PC market. But plenty of smaller PC suppliers have long supported Ubuntu. One prime example: ZaReason Inc., a PC maker made up of volunteers. I reached out to Cathy Malmrose, CEO of ZaReason, to get a feel for the company’s customer base and market position, and to get her views on Ubuntu’s longer-term prospects. Here’s a look at our conversation as it occurred over email.

Four Reasons to Avoid Ubuntu

I’ve spent recent days praising Ubuntu’s simplicity. My $1,400 investment in a screaming Dell machine running Ubuntu was money well spent. But I also realize Ubuntu won’t appeal to all users. In fact, I can think of at least four key reasons why many Mac and Windows users won’t want an Ubuntu PC. Here they are.

Ubuntu’s User Interface: No Learning Required

A few hours after setting up my new Dell Ubuntu PC, my wife jumped onto the system. You know her kind: She is an Apple Mac OS fan who uses Windows — but doesn’t really like Windows. So, how did she do with Linux?

Circle the Date: July 22

I’ve booked my travel to UbuntuLIVE, a conference scheduled for July 22-24 in Portland, Oregon. It will be interesting to see how this conference evolves over the next few years.