Lindows launches profit-share program

, maker of the Linux-based LindowsOS operating system for PCs, said Wednesday that it will share some of its profits from sales of software and services to consumers and businesses with PC builders. Under the program, dubbed RevShare, the San Diego, Calif., company will give back as much as 20 percent of profits from software sales. The size of the return, however, will depend on the number of units a PC builder sells per month.

The RevShare program requires that PC builders sign up for a program that includes a commitment to a $500 monthly licensing fee for the LindowsOS. For the fee, builders can install an unlimited number of copies of the LindowsOS on the PCs they build.