Computer giant Dell has announced new plans for its PC range, which include offering an alternative to Windows and giving customers the chance to buy PCs from retail stores.

After years of selling direct to consumers, Dell now plans to make its PCs available in stores, enabling users for the first time to see and try a Dell PC before buying.

Desktop PCs from Dell will begin appearing in Wal-Mart stores in the US in June, and plans are being made to sell PCs through other retailers in the US and around the world.

The successful PC maker has also announced it is responding to consumer demand by launching three new desktop and notebook PC systems which will have the Ubuntu Linux operating system installed rather than Windows.

Because Linux is Open Source and does not have the same licensing costs as Windows, it means Dell can sell the PCs to customers at a better price.

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