Linux Desktop Models are getting popular
Until recently, Linux PCs were about as easy to find in stores as a vinyl record. Now, personal computers with the Linux operating system pre-installed are becoming more readily available, thanks to new models from upstarts and established PC makers -- and disappointment with Micro$oft new Windows Vista OS. In just the past several weeks, a handful of new, low-cost systems have hit the market that are powered by Linux -- open source software first developed by Linus Torvalds and enhanced by enthusiast programmers around the world. Newcomer Everex, for instance, this month plans to introduce a robust Linux laptop. Everex's Cloudbook runs a Linux distribution from gOS and includes a host of open source and free software tools, such as OpenOffice.org's desktop productivity suite, the Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and links to Google gMail service. The Cloudbook, which uses a 1.2-GHz Via C7 processor, is priced at $399 and is scheduled to hit shelves at Wal-Mart on Jan. 25. Not to...