Dell Masks CPU Feature with BIOS

Here's another argument for the LinuxBios project. BIOS disables CPU Virtualization Feature
An exerpt from a message I posted to a Dell Forum:

We have a Dell SC440 with a Dual Core 2.8 GHz Pressler CPU that Intel says supports the VT feature, but Dell's BIOS doesn't offer a configuration option for virtualization. Under Linux in the /proc/cpu file no vt feature is listed as it should be.

So beware. A dell representative confirmed Intel's info about the CPU being able to support the VT feature. The Dell Representative also mentioned that the SC440 is an entry level system and he initially thought that it would not support such an advanced feature. Now that my Warranty is set to expire at the end of this month I think I should consider the machine defective unless Dell is willing to commit to enabling this in a BIOS upgrade. Incidentally I have upgraded to the August 2007 BIOS (latest available) upgrade for the machine.

Dell, if you will supply a new BIOS that supports this feature I'll let three Linux User Groups which I participate in hear about the positive customer service I've received from Dell.