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24 May 2007
Dell's plans to sell consumer Linux PCs could hit a snag after the company admitted that the machines will not run popular video formats and might not work with cheaper printers.
The desktop and laptop computers will use the Ubuntu Linux operating system and will only support components that have already been set up to work with Ubuntu.
John Hull, Dell's manager of Linux OS technologies, said on the company's Direct2Dell blog: "At this time, we are not including any support for proprietary audio or video codecs that are not already distributed with Ubuntu 7.04.
"These include MPEG 1/2/3/4, WMA, WMV, DVD, QuickTime etc. We are evaluating options for providing this support in the future."
Hull also recommended that Linux users buy a Dell printer that includes a PostScript engine to ensure that it works with Ubuntu.
Dell's decision to sell PCs and laptops running Linux came from customer suggestions posted on its IdeaStorm website.
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Do you agree?
Lies - Multimedia in linux is easier than windows
Using multimedia in Linux is better and safer than in windows, and it's easier in many ways. Ubuntu Feisty even has a new automatic wizard that directs you through the installation of codecs when it recognizes that you need one. In MS Windows when I want to view a Quicktime video or watch a DVD, I have to go search around on websites, find an installation file, save it, and then run it and follow a bunch of instructions. And if I'm not careful, I'll probably accidentally install spyware and viruses on my Windows computer. In Ubuntu, on the other hand, all the software (including multimedia support) is in one place ("Add/Remove Applications") where I know that I can trust every program, and my computer will download it and install any software automatically, if I ask it to. I'd say this multimedia support is MUCH better than in MS Windows.
Posted by: Jeff 27 May 2007
Linux and open source are a new paradigm.
I am growing tired of reading articles like the present one, in which the author has not taken the time to research his/her material better. It's somehow sad to see laziness and/or ignorance in some authors that write a few lines in pretended authority (or knowledge) of an issue they don't. I'm sorry, Matt. Next time, before writing anything do your homework, read, ask questions, try it yourself, prepare better. Don't do a disservice just because you have access to write for other people.
Posted by: Mark Miles 26 May 2007
As usual, the commenters here miss the point
Being a Gentoo/Sabayon guy myself, you dont have to tell me that Linux supports Multimedia about as well as Vista does or better now, you have to convince the Windows junkies that Linux is better, and you DONT DO THAT by selling junk that works worse than Vista does due to lack of preloaded Multimedia support! Jeez, it sure seems to me that you "free software" eggheads are more on M$'s side than they are!!
Posted by: davemc 25 May 2007
Automatix!
Have you heard of automatix? Simple way to get proprietry codecs running on ubuntu. 32 bit: http://www.getautomatix.com/apt/dists/feisty/main/binary-i386/automatix2_1.1-4.3-7.04feisty_i386.deb 64 bit: http://www.getautomatix.com/apt/dists/feisty/main/binary-amd64/automatix2_1.1-4.4-7.04feisty_amd64.deb Download and double click to install......
Posted by: Dylan 25 May 2007
Linux printers
It is simple, buy a HP-printer and NO CANON. HP has good drivers for Linux. Canon has nothing. Even my (old) black and white Kyocera-laser has a good driver inclusiv of instructions on how to install on Unix / Linux.
Posted by: Janvl 25 May 2007
Multimedia
If a Ubuntu-user goes to: http://www.getautomatix.com He can install automatix and get all the multimedia he wants.
Posted by: Janvl 25 May 2007
Ubuntu and MP3-DVD is not the important part of the story
I understand someone must counterattack Dell's anouncement, but I think you failed the goal. The important fact here is not that a Linux Distro is installed at the computer when it arrives to your home, but that you can buy a computer that you know it will totally work with Linux and you are not charged on the operating system. You can easily upgrade your Ubuntu to work with those multimedia formats, or you can simply erase the operating system and install any other distro at your home. That's irrellevant. But you don't have to document yourself about a model linux compliance, you don't have to wait having your sistem home to discover if it works with your prefered os and you don't have to pay for an operating system you are not going to use. That's the important side here.
Posted by: Eduard (Bredax) 25 May 2007
Some complements
While it is true that not all printers will work with Ubuntu, this operating system has an extensive numbers of drivers already preinstalled. HP printers for example, except some models released after the release of Ubuntu 7.04 and a few old models, should all work. Support for mp3 and for copy-protected DVD's can be added quite easily. It is not present for legal reasons (mp3 infriging patents while the software for decrypting copy-protected DVD's violates copyright laws). For this the multiverse repositories must be added and then the appropriate packages installed. Ubuntu can play DVD's without copy-protection just fine.
Posted by: Alfred 25 May 2007
linux lacking multimedia ?
I keep reading statements to the effect that Linux based PC's do not support multimedia. This is not true. Linux has very good multimedia support these days, except for Adobe/Macromedia Shockwave. You just need to download a few missing features, free of charge. The reality is that the codecs to play DVD's, mp3s, WMAs, quick time etc are available to download and install but are just not included in Ubuntu by default. This is because of proprietary or legal restrictions on the codecs and their free distribution. This is not much different from Windows where again you may need to find, download and probably pay for software to enjoy personal and internet multimedia. It is not the same as 'not supported'. Please be accurate.
Posted by: Andrew Richardson 25 May 2007