Is Dell going to post ISO image of Ubuntu version installed on Dell machines?

I read over at Ubuntu Forums that Dell was going to use off-the-shelf Ubuntu. No tweaks. Don't know if that's true or not.

a check on the downloads section does not show any linux drivers(YET anyway).so I think it will take sometime before any files for linux will be made available for download.

Wow, that would be GREAT if Dell released the "Dell/Ubuntu" cd online. Would save some time configuring stuff. I like Dell and I like my E1505... it's a good laptop.

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@rscheckler wrote:

There are a few tweaks to the Ubuntu that Dell uses. I just received my Inspiron E1505N laptop yesterday. The only thing that I have found so far is the special drivers included from Dell for your Wireless card, and any other hardware that is not integrated. Other than that....its you same good Ubuntu.

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Does everything work on your 1505, sound, video, movies, music, etc.?

Thanks, for I just ordered one and am curious.

frank

Really, there's no need for Dell to offer a special "Dell Version" of Ubuntu for download. The standard Ubuntu ISO is fine. All Dell needs to do (and it would be very simple) is to create a repository for any Dell System specific software, drivers and tweaks. Then, all the user would have to do is add the Dell repository to their repository list and install the dell-specific software from there. That is the Linux way.

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bongski55 wrote: "the Linux way" as in Linux experts?

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No. It is very "newbie friendly." It can be done with some points and clicks. In fact, it is much easier than "the Windows way." Dial-up will be problematic no mater what. Windows, Linux, whatever. The internet is how patches are distributed. In Linux, it is how most software is distributed. If you can't get the few packages that would be contained in a dell repository downloaded, how do you propose to download an entire ISO image?

"the Linux way" as in Linux experts? For me who happens to be a linux newbie then such things difficult. I am also using dialup modem unfortunately,so this thing about repository will not work for me unless I have an up and running internet connection. So the only alternative is the download section of Dell website where linux drivers can be made available thru windows.

i got a copy of kubuntu from the mail,not the latest but still the only way I can get a dist right now.The patches such as Bios upgrade I get thru vista which was preinstalled on my 640m-very long download time via dialup but what can I do? There is high speed internet but the price is too stiff for me. Anyway I already tried the kubuntu live cd and the sound,touchpad scrolling is working fine. The sound can even be adjusted using the front panel buttons on the 640m.If only I can make the modem work. there is a post on the modem here in the forum but nobody seem to be able to get it working in ubuntu.....most users here anyway have wifi so very seldom there will be people like me who use dialup these days. I do have the option of using a external modem. But again the 640m does not come with a serial connector. I will have a problem with USB to serial adaptor.....again!

Great idea! A Dell repository would totally rock. With all the problems I'm having with my E1505 + Feisty, a Dell repository would just be super. I wonder if anyone @ Dell would offer to do this?

Could you let me know Dell respository?

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Cuonght wrote: Could you let me know Dell respository?

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Dell has not been very responsive to our need for this. No Dell specific repository for Ubuntu exists yet. Even then, don't expect it to include a whole lot (it doesn't NEED too). All we need are some Dell-specific configuration metapackages and the proprietary driver for the modem. We are still waiting for drivers for the Conexant modem codec that come installed on the E1505 (and presumably other Dell laptops).

I concur HotShot. I would like to add that Dell's tardy response to this issue has me concerned about the gravity of their involvement with the Ubuntu community as a whole. I think this is an area where Dell could easily improve upon... hopefully this will be something that comes about shortly.

I understand you folks are real eager for Dell to rush right in and get this going. I'd like dell to get it right first. I've seen what Dell's rushing can do (search the fourms for bios problems). It's not fun. I keep checking the wiki page and the forums page for updates. I'm sure they'll let us know when they're ready.

Mr. Bleu:

As far as getting configuration metapackages and what-not ready, I whole-heartedly agree that patience is in order. That is something that might take a few weeks/months to really nail down.

What I'm getting a little impatient about is the Conexant modem driver. Those ARE ready. They are being shipped with the E1505n as we speak. If there is a licensing problem (the driver is third-party and proprietary) then just let us know -- and offer to replace our currently useless modems with one that will work in Linux (YES, soft-modem codecs for the intel sound architecture that work with Linux using freely available software DO exist).

All I ask is that they give Jesse something to tell us. Communicate with us. If you're being honest and trying, we'll understand (but the Linux community has very good and sensitive horse hockey detectors).