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Dell continues its support for Linux

by Parm Mann on 19 December 2007, 13:29

Tags: Dell (NASDAQ:DELL)

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Ubuntu 7.10 and Built-In DVD playback now available

In May, Dell began offering systems using Linux-based operating system Ubuntu in the US. It has since expanded its Ubuntu offerings to parts of Europe.

Today, the computer manufacturer announced the addition of Ubuntu 7.10 (a.k.a Gutsy Gibbon) to the Dell Consumer Linux line-up for customers in the United States. Ubuntu 7.10 will also be available on the Inspiron 530 in England, France and Germany later this week.

Along with Ubuntu 7.10 comes the added ability to legally play DVDs. Daniel Judd, Product Group Strategist, said on the official Direct2Dell blog:

"One of the key requests from customers interested in Linux is the ability to watch their favourite DVD movies."

"We totally agree and that's why we now include built-in DVD movie playback with all Ubuntu 7.10 systems.The experience we wanted is simple — when you put a movie in, it plays. It is easy enough for a child and an example of the steps we are taking to make Ubuntu as enjoyable as possible."

Responding to why it has taken so long for Dell to deliver v7.10 of Ubuntu, Mr Judd added "With any operating system, we take "gold" code and take the time to do extensive testing on our systems to make sure that customers have as few issues as possible."

Dell is certainly working on all fronts to make its products appeal to all users. Now offering computers with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Linux based operating systems, the company has most bases covered.

Source: Direct2Dell.com



HEXUS Forums :: 5 Comments

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This interests me.

Not because I want one, but because I'm intrigued as to what DVD decoder they're using.

If, as I imagine is so, they're using good ol' deCSS (which is easy to install onto Ubuntu and most distros) then Dell is affirming the fact that users should be able to use encrypted media without OS vendor lock-in induced by the proprietary GPL incompatible decoders.

Of course, some would still have us believe that deCSS is illegal, and Linux users are all DVD thieving communists, but that ship has pretty much sailed (and sunk) now.

And the forward-looking question should be… how will Dell deal with AACS and BD+ when enough customers start wanting to use HD-DVD and BluRay DVDs in a year or so?

Of course, if there was a GPL friendly DRM system for HD content, we'd not have this problem. Or, we could just stop screwing over the consumers who don't follow the pack, and start thinking outside of the box, rather than assuming that everyone's a potential pirate and implementing DRM that gets circumvented anyway.
They may be using libdvdcss - although the legality of that hasn't been tested in court. I did think that the DeCSS legal case had been dropped in 2004 as it had been available for 4 years and the encryption algorithm was “no longer a trade secret”

Bit more info here.. libdvdcss - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dell is using a non-libre (proprietary), non-gratis (costs money) software called LinDVD.

Also, its cost is being bundled into the hardware cost; its a non-optional purchase if you buy your system from Dell.
I guess that protects them from the risk of any legal action in the US then.
And it's also a great shame.