Update with information on Linux Laptops
I've updated the Spending Company Money page with the Security departments recommendations on using Dell for Linux laptops. Included in the update is a link to Dell's Linux offerings as well as some reasoning behind the recommendation. I've specifically avoided calling out vendors deemed questionable due to such things as possible supply chain attacks, and focused on the positive reasons behind endorsing Dell.
This is the text of the update:
For Linux laptops, we recommend purchasing a Dell computer pre-loaded with Ubuntu Linux. The reasons for using Dell for a Linux laptop are as follows:
- There are several manufacturers of laptop systems that offer Linux, but Dell is the only major manufacturer that has done so for years, and it has already worked out shipping issues for all of the countries where GitLab employees live.
- As we move forward with Zero Trust networking solutions, we need to have a stable and unified platform for deployment of software components in the GitLab environment. Standardization on a single platform for Linux simplifies this.
- Ubuntu 18.04 LTS is the preferred platform due to both stability and an extremely fast patch cycle - important for security patches.
- There are opportunities for corporate discounts in the future if we can concentrate purchases from a single vendor.
- To date, all of Dell's security issues have involved their use of Windows, not their hardware.