Windows maybe well in the lead but the number one open source operating system, Linux, is far from sleep mode.

Dell recently launched two high-end notebook computers and a desktop carrying Ubuntu’s Hardy Heron.

Dell packaged Ubuntu 8.04 in their new XPS M1330N and Inspiron 1525N laptops. The operating system now also powers the Inspiron 530N desktop computer. Dell is positive that this software and hardware combination will appeal to computer buyers in United States, France, Germany, Spain, Canada, United Kingdom, Mexico and Colombia.

But Dell and Ubuntu’s partnership doesn’t stop here. Dell will also be adding the XPS M1530N and the Studio 15N notebooks to its list of Hardy Heron powered computers. The product release will coincide with the LinuxWorld event on Aug. 4-7 in San Francisco.

Dell’s Linux computers are very friendly to global users; in fact they made a language selection menu available during the first boot process. “While this doesn’t mean we’re shipping in every country — yet — it’s a step in the right direction,” Daniel Judd, Dell’s product group strategist said.

Ubuntu Linux is widely acclaimed for its update release frequency. The next grand update will be this October.

Hardy Heron on CD can be bought in Best Buy and Amazon for $20 and $18, respectively.

Source: InformationWeek