Dell pushes for better Linux drivers

By Matt Chapman on Jul 30, 2007 7:18 AM
Filed under Hardware

Wireless, audio/video codecs and ATI graphics cards on the list.

Dell wants to see better software drivers for Linux so that the firm can ship more notebooks and desktops running the operating system, according to one of its software engineers.

Amit Bhutani told a session at the Ubuntu Live 2007 conference that Dell has several "areas of investigation" when it comes to Linux.

Dell's wish list, as reported on the Phoronix website, includes better support for audio/video codecs, printers, ATI video cards, wireless networking, TV tuners and remotes, LCD TVs, projectors and 3D effects.

Bhutani reportedly told attendees at the session that Dell knows that it will not happen overnight. He also referred to Nvidia 2D and 3D video drivers as "challenges in platform enablement".

Dell currently ships Intel-based desktop Linux systems using open source drivers.

Bhutani claimed that Dell expects to release a number of Linux products in other countries this year.

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