Dell to offer computers with Linux

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Dell Inc. (DELL.O) said it is launching three computer systems, including one notebook, on Thursday that will come with the open-source Linux operating system already installed.

The computers, which come with a price tag starting at $599, will have the Ubuntu 7.04 Linux system, it said.

The move is a result of customer feedback, where Linux enthusiasts wanted the system pre-installed, the company said.

Earlier this month, Dell joined a collaboration between Microsoft Corp. (MSFT.O) and Novell Inc. (NOVL.O) to allow Linux software to work with Windows on computer servers.

Linux is the most popular variant of open-source software. Unlike proprietary software, open-source software lets developers share code and add functions, and users only pay for custom features, maintenance and technical support.