Ever since Dell announced it would start selling Ubuntu computers, Linux people have been urging everyone to support Dell and buy a Dell Ubuntu PC whenever they need a new computer. Most recently, a Linux Journal article concluded “not only should readers of Linux Journal try to buy systems from Dell and other companies that are offering ready-configured GNU/Linux systems, but we should encourage others to do the same.” To be fair, the conclusion is “buy systems from Dell and other companies,” not just Dell, but still I cannot fully agree.

I am not trying to say that what Dell is doing is bad in any way, but it is just not up to the standards of smaller vendors such as System 76 and ZaReason. Dell hides their Linux systems so well that it can be hard to find them even if you are looking for them. The chances of someone not already familiar with Linux finding the page are very low. Plus, even if you do find the page, you’re first presented with a page that essentially directs new users back to Windows.

I suppose I can understand Dell’s concern. People expecting Windows and getting something else could be a tech support nightmare. Because I understand why Dell does what they do, I am not suggesting you not buy from Dell, but it seems like the spotlight should be put on smaller companies truly promoting Linux, not the huge giant that is still a little scarred of Linux.