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Wal-Mart Online Store To Offer Linux PCs

In an invasion of Microsoft Corp's home turf, Sun Microsystems Inc's version of Linux operating system is now available on inexpensive personal computers sold at Wal-Mart's online store.

Sun's Java Desktop System is available on Microtel PCs starting at $298, according to the retail giant's Web site. The computers, however, are not available at Wal-Mart's brick-and-mortar stores.

It's the first time Sun's software has been made available on computers for consumers. Since its desktop Linux project was announced, Sun has mainly targeted it at companies, countries and schools looking for cost-effective desktops.

"Were we planning on getting into consumer and doing stuff like we're seeing at Wal-Mart? That wasn't in the original plan," said Peder Ulander, senior director of marketing for Sun's desktop group. "The reality is the market is coming back and saying, 'We're sick and tired.'"

Ulander said consumers want an operating system that doesn't attract worms and viruses.

Microsoft did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Major computer makers like Dell Inc and Hewlett-Packard Co have not made PCs with Linux available on its consumer systems, saying there's not enough demand and it's too difficult.

But Wal-Mart has been offering such PCs at its online store since 2002, when it began offering a Microtel computer with the Lindows operating system for as little as $199. It also now sells PCs with yet another Linux variant, called Lycoris, for $398, and another, called Linare Linux, for $199.95.

"Customer response has really exceeded our expectations, and we're really pleased with the growth in this business," said Cynthia Lin, a spokeswoman for Wal-Mart's online store.

She added that Windows-based systems are still the most popular. The company, however, does not disclose specific sales numbers for any of its products.

The $298 system with Sun's Java Desktop System runs on a 1.6-gigahertz Duron microprocessor from Advanced Micro Devices Inc. Ulander said the machine and the more expensive versions exceed the software's basic requirements.

Sun, best known for building powerful servers and workstations, said it has done considerable work to ensure the operating system is user-friendly. It offers the ability to copy-and-paste between programs as well as a simple system update utility.

Ulander said Sun also has contracted with an outside firm to provide free customer support for 60 days. After that, customers must pay to have their questions answered.

The systems also include StarOffice, Sun's alternative to Microsoft Office, as well as picture-editing and media-playing programs. Additional applications can be downloaded through an online portal Sun has established, Ulander said.