The computer manufacturer, best known for its Linux servers and workstations,introduced the Niveus 1X Linux desktop, which offers a choice between Intel's Celeron and Pentium 4 processors.
Penguin said that with the machine, it hopes to address a movement among some companies, educational institutions and government agencies to use Linux desktops, as opposed to desktops running Microsoft's proprietary Windows OS, in specific areas, such as business call centers. Sun Microsystems announced a similar move toward that market last August. Penguin plans to begin offering its Linux desktops in 2003.
Most brand-name PC makers offer Linux desktops and notebooks to their largest corporate customers, but it's often difficult for an individual or a smaller business to buy only one or two of the machines. The efforts by Penguin, Sun and others should solve that problem.
Meanwhile, new versions of Linux, such as Red Hat's version 8--the OS that is preinstalled on Penguin's Niveus 1X--have added new features and capabilities designed to make the OS easier to use on the desktop. A growing library of Linux-compatible software for desktops includes the Gnome desktop environment, Ximian's Evolution e-mail and calendar software and Sun's StarOffice office suite, to name a few.
Linux on the desktop has even gained enough attention of late to begin worrying Microsoft, which on Wednesday admitted that a large increase in desktop Linux usage could limit its growth in the future. Microsoft's Windows OS currently dominates the desktop PC market.
"In terms of growing the company...it would be difficult if Linux were to become a phenomenon on the desktop," John Connors, Microsoft's CFO, said in a Webcast from the Credit Suisse First Boston annual technology conference in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Pointing out that many of its existing customers have already implemented large numbers of Linux servers, Penguin says it makes sense they would explore Linux desktops as well.
"Our customers are just at the cusp of this transition from expensive and complex licensing schemes, flawed security and painstaking registration procedures to Linux-based workplace machines," Sam Ockman, Penguin CEO, said in a statement. Ockman was referring to several areas in which Microsoft has been criticized.
