Lindows.com has released version 2.0 of its LindowsOS operating system to members of its Lindows.com "Insiders" program (http://www.lindows.com/signup).

LindowsOS is a low-cost Linux-based operating system that runs both Windows and Linux applications (Linux + Windows = Lindows); it supports Windows file types and runs certain Windows-compatible programs. The company is positioning itself as a viable alternative to Microsoft's operating system and Office productivity applications.

Version 2.0 includes a new GUI and improved e-mail client and Web browser, the company says. There is "tabbed" Web browsing as well as a function for blocking pop-up ads. Improvements to the desktop controls include the ability to adjust monitor resolution.

LindowsOS 2.0 users can also configure Wi-Fi (802.11) cards for wireless networking. Those in corporate environments can use Microsoft Windows file servers with the software, and find, browse, and connect to networked drives

You can read more about LindowsOS 2.0 at http://www.lindows.com/lindowsos20.

The company says customers will be able to purchase LindowsOS by itself for US$99 later in 2002 to install on an existing computer. When you purchase the operating system, you can download applications for the machine such as the Sun StarOffice productivity suite. (For more on StarOffice and Sun's strategy for gaining market share from Microsoft Office, see http://Advisor.com/Article/SMITT681.)

PCs with LindowsOS installed are already available from Wal-Mart (http://Advisor.com/Article/SMITT719). Customers who've purchased LindowsOS computers from Walmart.com (these range from $199 to $599) will be able to download LindowsOS 2.0 at no charge (http://www.lindows.com/warehouse).