Trade in laptops with installed free "Linux" software began.

Up to present time if somebody wanted to have “Linux” opened code software installed in his laptop he had to perform everything himself. Nobody sold laptops with already installed “Linux”, so the only thing the user could do was to buy a computer with Windows, then throw this software out and install “Linux”. Besides, it is not always easy to install this software: sometimes the user is obliged to find needed instuments, and this takes time. This may frighten off a user with little experience.

Certain Internet websites are trying to simplify this process, “Linux on Laptops” , for instance, which gives advice on how to install “Linux” into a hundred of different laptops.

Recently the companies have begun to sell the laptops with already installed “Linux” system. This month such companies as „Dell Computer“, „Atipa Linux Solutions” have offered to buy such computers, and a new company „Tuxtops.com“ began trad in laptops with “Linux” only. It has already offered three models, the prise of which varies from 1500 to 2500 USA dollars.

Soon other producers will also offer laptops with “Linux”. „Compaq Computer“ and IBM corporations presented such computers during the „Linux World” conference that took place in February. IBM is expected to begin trading this year. Two quite simple laptops-prototypes with installed “Linux” software were also presented during the conference. These computers have new „Transmeta“ company’s processor .

Now laptops with “Linux” software market is very specialized. System administrators, who monitor the “Unix” systems in their works and who are willing to have a proper instrument for making them up are interested in it. These programs will also be bought by programmers, schools and universities. So the demad mostly comes from those who already use “Linux”.The demand for laptops with “Linux” software grows. For example, NASA in the nearest several years plans to buy 3800 computers of such kind and to use them as on the Earth as in space. One of the reasons laptops with “Linux” software are becoming more and more popular is new” Linux” opportunities, which let to use up the advantages of sound and view devices. Another possible reason is always changing attitude at “Linux” system. People understand that this software is not only for the servers. And its usage in the laptops — one more improvement.

Larry Phillips ”theLinuxStore.com” claims that transition from Personal computers to laptops began approximately a year ago and during last seven years gained large acceleration. At first only hackers and amateurs were interested in it, later — professionals in information systems and information technologies. According to him it is right to apply “Linux” architecture in the laptops. This opened code software don’t ask for large system resources, that is why it suits laptops very well because as usual they are not very powerful.

Though the degree of trade in laptops with “Linux” software installed is not high, it is hoped that it will rise in the nearest future.