Business
Dell yields to Linux demands
Installation of Ubuntu onto mass-produced machines recognises mounting user pressure on Dell to support open source
Faced with mounting user demands for PCs with a Linux operating system, Dell has finally yielded, announcing on Tuesday that it would provide a limited number of systems with pre-installed Ubuntu. Although the machines will be available initially only in the US, the move is a victory for customers, many of who have demanded Linux support in greater and greater numbers. Thousands of users made their requests through the IdeaStorm, a forum established by Dell to gather customers' opinions. Ubuntu, with this endorsement, continues to grow in popularity.