Xandros, Opera Team Up for Free Browsing

Linux software vendor Xandros has tapped Norway's Opera Software to provide the default Web browser for the free Open Circulation Edition of the Xandros desktop operating system launched this week.

Xandros, based in New York, provides user-friendly versions of Linux--particularly Linux for desktop PCs--to mainstream consumers.

The free version of the product is for personal use only and doesn't include such features as an instruction manual, e-mail support, or the CodeWeavers software for running Microsoft Windows programs, Xandros says.

Advertising Supported

The Xandros desktop OS software uses Opera 7.50, a the full version of the product--including e-mail client--that is also advertising supported, according to Jon von Tetzchner, Opera's cofounder and chief executive officer.

"Users will see a small banner with the advertising, so it won't be obtrusive," he says.

The collaboration with Xandros marks the first time that Opera, based in Oslo, has been used as the default browser in a Linux desktop system, von Tetzchner says.

Features of the OS software include dual-boot installation with Windows XP, hardware detection and configuration, drag-and-drop CD burning in Xandros File Manager as well as file and print sharing on Windows networks, Xandros said. Users will also have access to user forums, free software updates through Xandros Network and access to an inventory of free Linux software.