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Dell offers customers the choice of Operating Systems by providing the n-Series with FreeDOS^TM on the Dell^TM Dimension^TM 2400n desktop.

The Dell n-Series features select Dimension desktop systems sold without a Microsoft^® operating system. Dell n-Series desktops come with a blank hard drive. There is no operating system installed. Dell provides a copy of the DOS varient, FreeDOS operating system which is included in the system box and can be installed by you upon receipt of your Dell system. FreeDOS provides basic functionality only and many common applications will not run and/or fully function using FreeDOS. Applications are designed to run on specific operating systems. You should check the operating system requirements for the application software you wish to run on this system. It may be necessary to acquire and install device drivers or even acquire a different operating system to meet your application requirements. Consult http://www.freedos.org/ or your chosen operating system vendor for compatibility details.

Dell does not provide technical support for FreeDOS or other customer installed operating systems (normal hardware warranties and hardware technical support apply). If you are not comfortable installing and configuring operating systems, please consider the purchase of a system with a Microsoft Windows operating system pre-installed.

n-Series systems sold with FreeDOS are not eligible for upgrades to Microsoft client operating systems as part of a Microsoft Volume Licensing Agreement.


		Recommendations				Linux

Buy...

If You...

Dimension 2400n with FreeDOS^TM (n-Series)

Want a Dell system without a Microsoft operating system*
Plan to use a Linux^® or other non-Microsoft operating system as your primary operating system
Want to install and support the operating system yourself
Control over your operating system development and installation

Dimension 2400 (Standard)

Want a fully Dell supported system
Desire a Microsoft operating system
If you want to install Linux and work in a dual-boot environment**
Want to use Windows-based applications***

Please note: Dell does not provide technical assistance for customer-installed operating systems such as FreeDOS. In addition, many common applications will not run and/or fully function using FreeDOS, and in order to run these applications, you will need to install the appropriate operating system and/or device-specific drivers. Consult FreeDos.org or your chosen operating system vendor for compatibility details.

*Note: If you intend to install a Microsoft Windows operating system on your n-Series desktop, only fully licensed, full version retail Microsoft Windows operating system products may be installed, per MS license requirements. Re-installation of prior versions, copies, upgrades, volume license copies, etc. is not permissible, per Microsoft.

** Many applications, including Microsoft-based applications, require additional software to run in a Linux environment.

*** Dell does not support software in dual-boot environments.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER:

What is FreeDOS?
http://www.freedos.org/ is a DOS variant distributed under the GNU General Public License. It is provided with Dell n-Series systems but is not factory installed. FreeDOS is an open source operating system that will provide base level functionality for end users. Please note that many common applications will not run and/or fully function using FreeDOS, and in order to run these applications, you will need to install the appropriate operating system and/or device-specific drivers. Consult FreeDos.org or your chosen operating system vendor for compatibility details.

What is a Dell nSeries system and how is it different from the standard model?
An n-Series system has the exact same hardware, regulatory certifications and approvals as the corresponding standard system. In general, the n-Series will have the same peripherals as the standard system. However, the n-Series system does not have a Microsoft Windows operating system installed. Dell is making n-Series systems available to customers with needs for other operating systems such as Linux.

Where can I find drivers for n-Series systems?
With the exception of Linux on Dell Precision^TM workstations, Dell does not provide drivers for alternate operating systems. Customers should check with their operating system vendor for device support. Customers may also find drivers from the device manufacturer or from the open source community. Dell does not warrant or provide support for these drivers.

What is the technical support policy for Dell n-Series systems and FreeDOS?
Dell is offering FreeDOS under the GNU General Public License (see http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.txt for the full text of the license). FreeDOS is offered "AS IS" from the supplier and Dell does not provide any warranty or technical support for FreeDOS.

Dell will support the n-Series hardware; however, Dell does not warrant or provide technical support for operating systems installed by customers, including FreeDOS. Visit http://support.dell.com/index.aspx for more information.

Are other operating systems offered by Dell on n-Series systems?
Red Hat Enterprise Linux is available as a factory installed option on Dell Precision n-Series desktops on a world-wide basis. Other Linux distributions are available through Dell Software and Peripherals, but not as factory-installed options. Dell does not warrant or provide technical support for operating systems installed by customers. Microsoft Windows operating systems are not offered on Dell n-Series systems.