Lindows offers software for free over P2P
The Linux software seller plans to distribute its LindowsLive operating system, which retails for $29.95, for free via peer-to-peer networks.
LindowsLive allows people to run a Linux-based operating system from a CD, without installing it on their computer. The product previously retailed for $29.95 and was also sold over the Internet in a form that could be burned to a CD.
 | ||||
| | | ||
| Get Up to Speed on... Open source  Get the latest headlines and company-specific news in our expanded GUTS section. | | ||
| ||||
| ||||
"By allowing people to download LindowsLive from P2P networks instead of from our servers, we hope to reduce those costs," Robertson said. "At the same time, we'll be exposing millions of users on file-sharing networks to LindowsOS, all at a minimal cost. Hopefully, those users will purchase other products and services from Lindows.com, such as CNR (click and run), Web filtering, virus software or one of the many Click-N-Buy games or programs."
The company's move could help the fledgling peer-to-peer industry, which is trying to legitimize itself as an effective and profitable way of distributing legal content to consumers.
Lindows has a running legal battle with Microsoft over the name of the company, which the software behemoth claimed infringes on a Microsoft trademark. The two companies also have sparred over MSFreePC.com, a Web site set up by Lindows that offered to process customer claims from the settlement of a California class-action suit against the software giant. Earlier this month, a judge ruled against the Web site, forcing it to be shuttered.
James Pearce of ZDNet Australia reported from Sydney.