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The free Linux operating system handles big tasks like running supercomputers and ATMs. Now Linux has a chance to finally crack Microsoft Corp.’s hold on computing’s most visible domain — mainstream PCs — because of the rise of innovative, inexpensive machines.

Of course, prognosticators perennially say Linux is on the verge. It gets high marks for security and stability and is widely used behind the scenes in corporate servers, making it a natural candidate to steal desktop thunder from Microsoft’s dominant Windows. And yet Linux PCs still represent less than 2 percent of the market.

This time, though, there’s actually evidence of momentum.

While the best features in the latest Windows release, Vista, require top-notch configurations that can quickly ramp up a PC’s price, one of the hottest segments of the industry involves inexpensive computers.

Laptops under $400 are real possibilities now, and some of the most buzz-worthy use Linux, such as Asustek Computer Inc.’s EeePC and the One Laptop Per Child Foundation’s $200 ”XO” computer for schoolchildren. Linux also is available on slim little ”netbooks” being pushed by Intel Corp.

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Source: The New York Times

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Each week, I spend an enormous amount of time surfing the web, reading blogs and news articles. I end up discussing what I read in other people’s forums and comment threads, when it’s this site where I want my content. So, my solution is to try starting my own news feed this year. To be clear, nothing here is original. Everything is taken from another source. The service is that I’m picking and choosing reading that will be of interest to Geeks like me.