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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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How Ubuntu Linux snuck into high-end Dell laptops (and why it's called 'Project Sputnik') (www.zdnet.com)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Today, the Dell XPS-13 with Ubuntu Linux is easily the most well-known Linux laptop. Many users, especially developers -- including Linus Torvalds -- love it. As Torvalds recently said, "Normally, I wouldn't name names, but I'm making an exception for the XPS 13 just because I liked it so much that I also ended up buying one for my daughter when she went off to college."

So, how did Dell -- best known for good-quality, mass-produced PCs -- end up building top-of-the-line Ubuntu Linux laptops? Well, Barton George, Dell Technologies' Developer Community manager, shared the "Project Sputnik" story this week in a presentation at the popular Linux and open-source community show, All Things Open.

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[–] [email protected] -3 points 1 year ago (3 children)

linux users when a laptop that ships Linux isn't absolutely perfect and cost $20 (they don't care that it helps get linux to average users)

[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Soldered SSD and RAM is something we expect from a cheap chromebook. It's just not acceptable in a high end laptop.

There are plenty of other good laptops that come with Linux installed.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

including, *checks notes*, ah yes... most of DELL's other offerings with linux pre-installed

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Which give you no option to forgo the Windows license.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Is it something that depends on the region? In Brazil their Linux offerings are usually way cheaper precisely because you can forgo the Windows license.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 year ago (1 children)

We are pretty happy with framework, tuxedo and system76 even if their products often cost loads of money and for sure aren't perfect.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

and yet people still find ways to complain when a manufacturer that is twice as big as all of these examples combined ships laptops with linux to the hands of millions of people, most of the time costing less than offerings by these companies

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

I came here to disagree with you, but in thinking a little about it, I'm not sure I do.

I find the lack of ports and upgradability extremely problematic. And while I understand they're supposed to be light, slim, quality laptops, the price point feels high even so.

But, these are personal gripes with the device. And nothing to do with Linux. But these are basically the same things Apple aims for and people seem to love that.

So, I might argue the price doesn't make it reasonable for the average user. But otherwise the more devices with Linux pre-installed, the better.