While its flattering that Mr. Ballmer cares enough to take time from his busy schedule to monitor what our small company does, it's indicative of the environment technology companies must be prepared to operate in. Microsoft will continue to use their monopoly position, influence, cash, and legal team to make business difficult for true competition to emerge, permitting them to continue to overcharge customers billions of dollars.

Regardless of the eventual legal outcome, I believe customers are tired of overpaying for software and will seek out affordable and reliable personal computer options. And that's what Lindows.com is bringing to the marketplace. It is no longer necessary to purchase expensive Microsoft Windows based software to outfit a desktop. A single $99 fee will provide immediate digital access to a list of high-quality software programs to perform the majority of computing tasks.

As many of you know, in the early days of Lindows.com, we thought it would be necessary to get MS Windows-compatible software to run in order for people to be able to migrate to LindowsOS. This past year, however, it's been exciting to see so many native Linux programs now running legacy file formats, allowing LindowsOS users to take full advantage of the cost savings Linux provides. 

While we forge forward in promoting Linux-based solutions, other companies are now publicly stressing the idea of running Microsoft Windows-based titles, but this negates the savings of a Linux desktop. A consumer gives about $100 to Microsoft for their operating system software when they purchase a new PC, but will spend many times that on additional software to outfit that PC. It was true, at one time, that Linux desktop software wasn't mature enough for daily use. However, dramatic improvements have made it now practical, for the first time, to have a complete Linux solution - a Linux based OS with a library of Linux software. These components together offer radical savings for businesses, homes and schools.

Historically, it's been difficult to locate and install Linux software, but the Click-N-Run technology included with LindowsOS remedies that problem nicely and brings together the best of the Linux software world (whether commercial or free) into one complete offering. With a single click, software is downloaded, installed and ready for use, complete with menu entries and desktop icons. (My 5 year-old was visiting me at work today and saw a co-worker wearing a t-shirt with a giant Click-N-Run icon on the back. He yelled out, "I know that picture - that's how I get more games on my computer!")

The cost savings of a complete Linux solution are compelling and undeniable. I've made a list below of popular Microsoft Windows based software titles that you've probably heard of that would cost you more than $2,000. In the second column I've listed just some of the high-quality Linux based programs - all of which are available in our Click-N-Run Warehouse for one flat fee of just $99.

The dramatic savings makes a complete Linux solution the right choice for many customers and ultimately accomplishes what the courts have yet been unable to do - bring choice back to the desktop.

Lindows.com is working steadfastly toward making choice happen by building relationships with companies such as Speakeasy. Together Lindows.com and Speakeasy are making it a lot easier to access the Internet. Read the press release for more detail.

We're also pleased to share that you can now pick up a powerful LindowsOS system at TigerDirect. Visit www.lindows.com/tigerdirect to learn more about the high-end, hardware configurations now available bundled with LindowsOS. Read the press release for more detail.

Sincerely,

Michael Robertson

As a special thank you to all our Insiders for helping us shape the direction of LindowsOS, in addition to the free admission to Desktop Linux Summit. Insiders also receive a TWO-year membership to the Lindows.com "Click-N-Run Warehouse" (a $198 value) for $99. You'll want to hurry though, as this offer ends very soon with the General Release of LindowsOS in mid-November.

Please visit support.lindows.com to answers questions you may have about LindowsOS or Lindows.com.

Bringing Choice to Your Computer!

Lindows.com is a consumer company that brings choice to computer users. Lindows.com, Inc. was started by Michael Robertson, founder and former CEO of MP3.com. LindowsOS is a modern, affordable, easy-to-use operating system that allows users access to hundreds of applications via the Click-N-Run(tm) Warehouse. All applications in the Click-N-Run Warehouse (www.lindows.com/warehouse) are licensed on a lifetime, per-person or family basis and can be downloaded, installed and run with just one-mouse click. LindowsOS is presently available on LindowsOS Certified Computers being offered from Lindows.com Builder partners  (www.lindows.com/builders). The General Release of LindowsOS, available presently for download and preview to Lindows.com Insiders (www.lindows.com/signup), will be made available later this year for those wishing to install and run LindowsOS on their existing computer hardware. The General Release version will support a wider range of computer hardware and includes unique features such as a streamlined installation process which requires no computer knowledge.  For more information see www.lindows.com/products.

LindowsOS and Lindows.com are trademarks of Lindows.com, Inc. Linux® is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Microsoft® Windows operating system is a registered trademark or service mark of the Microsoft Corporation.

mm35