LindowsOS Goes Retail

Software buyers may do a double take in retail stores over the coming months when they see a new operating system from Lindows.com perched next to Microsoft's familiar Windows.

That's because the renegade vendor of Linux-based software has kicked off its LindowsOS reseller program. It's the beginning of the firm's foray into the retail marketplace.

And, true to form, Lindows is entering retail sales with its own twist, by providing memberships along with software. It's only the latest of a growing list of new angles that has the start-up going head-to-head with arguably the world's most powerful technology company--both in the market and in court.

Lindows, which is being sued by Microsoft for trademark infringement, had previously sold its operating system only preloaded on low-cost PCs or via download from the company's Web site. However, the company's move into retail stores raises the bar in its battle with Microsoft, putting it on the same shelves as the software giant's dominant OS.

Lindows is offering its LindowsOS 3.0 Membership Edition for a flat $129 fee. The software license includes a one-year membership to the company's "Click-N-Run Warehouse" of software offerings that users can download to customize their PCs.

LindowsOS is also compatible with Microsoft Windows files, making it even more of a thorn in the side of the software titan.

The company released in November version 3 of the LindowsOS. This release added compatibility with more file types, including Flash, Real Audio, and most graphics files, as well as support for many Microsoft application file formats.

Lindows also scored a victory when StepUp Computing announced it will use a version of Lindows on its tablet computer system. The version of the DocuNote powered by Lindows is expected to ship in 2003 and be priced as low as $799, far below the tablet PCs that run Microsoft's Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.