CEO Claims LindowsOS No Longer Vaporware

by Kristin Palitza

Lindows.com has overcome the state of being a pure idea and is now a product, claimed Lindows CEO Michael Robertson when the company recently released a sneak preview of its operating system. LindowsOS, an operating system that runs both Windows and Linux programs that is based on Linux and the open source WINE Windows emulator, is still questionable, though, since the preview is a very raw model that did not work for some programs according to early reviewers.

Robertson acknowledged honestly that the Sneak Preview "didn't work at all" for some reviewers, but was confident that those difficulties are only temporary hurdles, and stressed the fact that the LindowsOS is still in its baby shoes. "We're working with them [the beta testers] to make sure it does work in the future," he said. "For the many that were able to use LindowsOS, we believe there are some compelling features to note, even in this early version." It would be indeed desirable for Robertson to find some supporters for a Windows-Linux combination. He has invested $5 million out of his own pocket for the Lindows idea, and has hired about 20 engineers to make the system work.

A Lindows spokesperson said the company has set no hard timeframe to make LindowsOS properly run all Linux and Windows programs. She claimed, however, the beta testing of the operating system gave "positive" and "terrific" results, but could not base those euphoric claims on technical facts or examples, nor could she say how many people are currently testing LindowsOS.

At the moment, only basic applications are able to run on the LindowsOS Sneak Preview, such as Microsoft's Word or Excel. "Since we're focusing our efforts on productivity applications, those applications are most likely going to work at this early stage, such as Microsoft Office 2000 programs or Lotus Notes," Robertson said, but promised that "more exciting features are slated for the future as we move closer to Version 1.0." Version 1.0 is expected to hit the market in March or April and will cost $99.

The company keeps secret what the LindowsOS consists of. "Its base is Linux with a variety of proprietary tools on top," the spokesperson said vaguely. She declined to give any details about the proprietary software. Industry sources say LindowsOS is based on the freeware WINE project, which is a compatibility layer of APIs created to let Windows applications execute on Linux-based Intel-compatible desktops, workstations, and servers. The company did not comment on speculation that LindowsOS Sneak Preview users have to work in the administration mode instead of the less-dangerous user mode that most Windows users in corporations have access to. (Administration mode allows users to change anything on the system, while user mode has some restrictions in it to keep users or viruses from inadvertently doing damage to their machines.) Lindows.com says only that customers will need a machines with an Intel Pentium processor or an AMD processor with 128 MB RAM and 1GB of disk capacity to run Version 1.0.

San Diego, California-based Lindows has said that the first release will only include support for the English language. However, the company plans to include more language support after the system's initial release.

For Microsoft Windows users, Lindows will offer a so-called friendly install option. Unlike operating systems that require a completely separate computer to install, users will be able to deploy and play with LindowsOS on the same machine they run a Microsoft operating system and switch back and forth. "LindowsOS can be installed on an existing Windows computer, because we have eliminated the complex steps of having to reformat a hard disk, create partitions, or other involved steps," Robertson said. Even a novice Windows user would be able to install Lindows without hassle, he claimed.

The founder further said users would just have to restart their computer if they want to switch back to their previous OS. "It's a great way for first-timers to experience Linux. Microsoft Windows 98 users can simply double-click a file, click a couple of OK buttons, and 10 minutes later they're running LindowsOS alongside their existing operating system," Robertson explained. Other versions of Microsoft Windows will install in a similar fashion, he further said, but will require starting the computer with LindowsOS in the CD-ROM drive. Being very optimistic that users will adopt the Lindows idea, Robertson suggested, "if you have a computer without an operating system or one you don't mind erasing, you can install LindowsOS as the only operating system and it's just as easy...a couple of clicks and minutes later you're ready to go."

LindowsOS users will soon be able to migrate important data from Microsoft into the Lindows world, Robertson claimed. Users will find on their desktops the familiar My Documents and C:\ drive, which gives access to files and folders that were previously on the machine. Elements like bookmarks, icons, and e-mail are also automatically moved and converted, Robertson added.

Running Windows-based programs is one of the most challenging features to build for LindowsOS, Robertson admitted. It will also be the most important feature, because it enables users to safeguard their investment and data of their existing Windows-based programs. Users doing a friendly install will find a "Windows Programs" item under the "Launch" button in LindowsOS, Robertson explained, where they can launch programs installed prior to using LindowsOS. Users doing an install that erases their entire hard disk need to install Windows-based programs before trialing them.

Some analysts doubt that LindowsOS' installation method will find many supporters. Many potential customers might prefer pre-installed systems, they reckon, and might stay away from Lindows if they have to download and install the software by themselves.

Another big obstacle to Lindows, of course, is Microsoft itself, which sued Lindows.com in January 2001 for violating the Microsoft trademark with the LindowsOS name. Microsoft argues the Lindows name will make people believe the two companies are associated. "I don't think the public will confuse Microsoft with LindowsOS," the Lindows spokesperson said bluntly, but declined to give any further comment.

Microsoft demands not only that Lindows change its name, but also wants Lindows to pass on its database of names and addresses of potential customers. In mid-January, Lindows filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit.