Problems with Dell hardware support

[Ben Ruset]

Patrick_Fischer at dell.com wrote:

 > Try that you get your open manage running like on a supportet OS.
 > Linux.dell.com provides help for Debian Users.

I'm sorry, but if your phone support does not know to direct users to 
linux.dell.com, or tell them what - exactly - to look for when there, 
then linux.dell.com is useless.

This situation could have been handled thusly:

"Oh, you're running Debian. Our diagnostic software does not support 
that software, but you can download a bootable diagnostic CD at 
linux.dell.com and run it. That will give us the information we need to 
open up a support case. If you'd like, I can email you a direct link to 
the file."

Dell needs to remember that these are customers who have made an 
investment in Dell gear. Chances are, it's not their first or last 
purchase. Treating the customer with a modicum of respect is a good thing.