SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED) was one of the distribution that was Dell was thinking of shipping with its computers, but (alas?) we could report about how an insider source had said that Ubuntu was the one for Dell. We’ve now been informed that Novell is having discussions with Dell regarding its Linux venture. Dell isn’t the only larger PC Builder Novell is talking to about shipping PCs with SLED, but in Dell’s case it seems that the first computers will still be shipped with Ubuntu. After that it would be in the cards to launch other PCs with SLED instead. These would then be more of enterprise computers, while Ubuntu would be for the Linux enthusiasts.
You can’t deny the diversity of the Linux-based distributions, which this is just another proof of, but the question is if any (or all?) will be able to break through. Most things point to that Dell will launch computers with Ubuntu Linux and even if there have been, sort of, a campaign lobbied by the community where they try to explain that Linux isn’t the hardcore geek stuff it once was, it hasn’t been all that successful.
On the other hand, Dell’s move to launch Linux-based computers will probably lead to a lot higher acceptance for Linux among regular users. Even if Dell maybe isn’t the primary choice for many of our readers it is still the world’s second largest PC builder and a power to reckon with. Since we’ve also heard that HP, the largest, is also planning to do the same one can’t help feeling a bit warm inside due to the old and torn Linux soul of yours truly.
