Dell Ubuntu machines debut tomorrow

Dell is expected to begin selling three models of its long-awaited laptop and desktop computers loaded with Ubuntu Linux from tomorrow.

According to Computerworld, the arrival day was unveiled by blogger Jeremy Garcia, a Linux advocate who runs the Web site Linuxquestions.org. In his blog last Friday, Garcia said he received an e-mail from an unnamed Dell employee who offered a few details about this week's product launch.

"We will be launching a Linux-based OS [Ubuntu] on the E520 [budget Dimension desktop PC], 1505 [Inspiron laptop] and [home entertainment level PC] XPS 410 starting next Thursday, 5/24," the Dell e-mail stated, according to Garcia's blog.

In an unconventional request, some users of Linux and other open source software are inviting Microsoft to sue them, says Computerworld.

The users have put their names on a public wiki as a way of protesting Microsoft's recent claims that Linux and other open source software infringe on at least 235 of its patents. They have listed the open source operating systems and software they use, along with frequently snarky comments.

"If you would like to invite a visit by Brad Smith, Microsoft's head litigator, please feel free to add your name here," according to the wiki, part of a blog by Digital Tipping Point, a video project centred around open source software.

Western Digital is getting more aggressive in the perpendicular race and today said it has begun shipping a 2.5-inch notebook hard drive with the industry's "highest capacity", reports TG Daily.

Announcements of the 250GB notebook hard drive have been making the rounds for sometime. For example, Samsung and Fujitsu recently said they would ship such drives in the first half of the year, but it appears Western Digital has become the first manufacturer to actually have a 250GB 2.5-inch drive on the market.

Western Digital's new 2.5-inch Scorpio drive spins its two platters with 5 400rpm and offers proprietary extensions that, according to the manufacturer, allow the device to run quieter and reduce power consumption.

A new survey released by the Business Software Alliance shows illegal downloading of digital copyright works by young people aged eight to 18 has dropped by 24% in the last three years.

Overall, 36% of those surveyed admitted to downloading without paying, says PC World.

When asked what dissuades them from downloading copyrighted games, movies, music or software, the youth said parental oversight is a significant motivator and key influencing behaviour.