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Hoping to help plant Linux more firmly on the desktop, Xandros on Wednesday unveiled an enhanced version of its Linux-compatible graphical environment with most improvements aimed at users.

Based on Debian Linux 4.0, a version of which is included with the product, Xandros Desktop 2.0 is better able to work with Windows-based applications (including Microsoft Office) and with Windows-based networks, too. It also contains a number of new security features.

Pricing Options

Available through retailers or online from Xandros starting on December 9, the Deluxe Edition will cost $89 and will include a 350-page user guide, 60 days of e-mail support, and a version of CrossOver Office 2.1 to enable users to run Microsoft Office; users can allocate install space from a Windows XP partition. The Standard Edition will cost $39 and will include 30 days of e-mail support.

Current users of Desktop OS 1.x, released last year, can upgrade to the new Deluxe Version for $69 and to the new Standard Edition for $24.

Company officials hope to cash in on Version 2.0's improved security, in light of the rash of security holes that many Windows desktop users have experienced over the past couple of years.

"Most users are fed up with viruses, worms, and the installation of patches. With this version, we think we are presenting a better alternative on the desktop for the masses," says Andy Typaldos, Xandros chief executive officer.

One of the attractions of the product, company officials believe, is a four-click installation that includes automatic disk partitioning and drag-and-drop CD-burning handled by the Xandros File Manager. The Deluxe Edition of Xandros Desktop gives users the option of running Office and an array of other Windows applications.

Product Specs

Using either the Deluxe Edition or the Standard Edition, users can share data files and other resources over a network. And desktop users can access an online collection of free Linux-based software with one mouse click, company officials said.

Version 2.0 contains a browser that lets users browse multiple Web sites in a single tabbed window. The product also carries a mail reader that has an automatic spam filter and can turn off pop-up ads, and it has an instant messenger compatible with similar products from America Online, MSN, and Yahoo.

The new environment ships with Version 1.1 of the OpenOffice.org applications suite, which can work with Microsoft Word and Excel documents. The presentations program within OpenOffice can export dynamic Web-based shows to Macromedia Flash.