Dell Says Ubuntu Is Safer Than Windows and we agree!
In a brief but bold statement, Dell’s U.S. website suggests that Ubuntu is safer than Microsoft Windows, especially for customers looking to avoid viruses. The statement, also suggests that Dell will begin shipping Ubuntu 10.04 on selected U.S. systems sometime in mid-2010. Truth to the matter is they *are* correct, and I add a mention that it is more robust and a more efficient system overall.
Visit, Dell’s web site (www.dell.com/ubuntu) and you’ll find a “Top Ten” list of “things you should know about Ubuntu.” Item number 6 on Dell’s list states:
In addition, Dell describes why Ubuntu may appeal to customers and compares features customers would expect from a Windows operating system.
On the one hand, Dell states the obvious: Hackers target Windows (rather than Linux) because of Microsoft’s massive installed base, and poor design. But on the other hand, it takes guts for a major PC maker to state — in black and white — that Canonical’s Ubuntu is safer than Windows. The move will surely ruffle some feathers in Redmond, and one can only wonder if Microsoft will come calling to pressure Dell to retract the assertion…Among the reasons listed: Ubuntu, Dell says, is a safer choice than Windows because so many viruses are written to target Windows. Dell also hints that Ubuntu 10.04 preloads could arrive on Dell U.S. systems in mid-2010. That certainly represents some progress for Dell, which typically sticks with older Ubuntu releases as its preload options.
Either way, Dell’s Ubuntu endorsement arrives as Canonical tries to line up more Ubuntu hardware partners.
No doubt, Dell remains committed to Windows 7. But Dell’s decision to ship Google Android-based tablets and Ubuntu 10.04 systems reinforces a hard fact: PC industry leaders continue to seek alternatives to Windows, especially in emerging markets like mobile devices.
Ubuntu 10.04 is a long-term support (LTS) release that launched in April 2010. The offering has been generally well-received and is designed for longer-term commitments from customers and partners.
But back the story at hand: Is Dell’s statement — suggesting Ubuntu is safer than Windows — really news? Perhaps not. But it does take guts for a major PC vendor to endorse Ubuntu at a time when Microsoft is aggressively pushing Windows 7.
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