Dell Sidelines Ubuntu Linux as Users Prefer Windows

Dell has made the decision of removing Ubuntu Linux preinstalled computers from its website dedicated to customers in the United Kingdom, in favor of Windows PCs. It appears that the OEM giant is doing so in response from purchasing habits of people in the UK, which tend to gravitate in their vast majority toward Windows machines, according to PC Pro. Essentially, computers featuring Ubuntu, Canonical’s distribution of Linux, have been sidelined on Dell’s UK website, with the company revealing no plans to bring them back.

"Dell has offered select consumer systems with Ubuntu pre-installed for more than two years, and is continuing to do so," the company revealed, noting that all orders and sales must be done over the phone and not through the website. “A number of our current consumer and SMB systems are available with Ubuntu, including a number of our Inspiron and Vostro laptops and desktops, the popular Inspiron Mini 10 netbook and the Studio XPS 7100 desktop.”

“We’ve recently made an effort to simplify our offerings online, by focusing on our most popular bundles and configuration options, based on customer feedback for reduced complexity and a simple, easy purchase experience. We’re also making some changes to our Ubuntu pages, and as a result, they are currently available through our phone-based sales only,” the company explained.

I don’t know whether users still remember this, but for Dell, and additional OEMs, it all started around the time Microsoft was releasing Windows Vista. In fact, Dell was at the forefront of original equipment manufacturers delivering Windows and Linux PCs side by side. Back in 2007 it appeared that this would be a turning point for Linux, an excellent chance for the open source operating system to gain some traction, and win some market share against Windows. Three years later, Dell indicates that the consumers have spoken.

“This is not a permanent decision, and Dell remains committed to offering Ubuntu,” Dell stated. “The reason why they’re not on our main pages is because Ubuntu systems are primarily targeted towards advanced users and enthusiasts, and the vast majority of consumers purchase PCs with Microsoft Windows pre-installed.”

Windows 7 RTM Enterprise 90-Day Evaluation is available for download here.

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