Many of you may remember an earlier Michael's Minute when I told you that my 16-year-old cousin George came to visit over the summer, and got LindowsOS installed and running in 5 minutes. It's so easy that my mom, who is admittedly not computer savvy,  uses LindowsOS AIM to chat,  and people everywhere are realizing how easy it is to make the switch to LindowsOS.

Mr. Machrone wrote in his article that "I've got one of these PCs on my desk, and it's become part of my daily computing life, living on the office LAN and handling day-to-day tasks. I'm as likely to use it as I am to use any of my Windows machines to surf the Web or bang out an e-mail."  He went on to say "If you buy a Lindows-based system, you're doing so for a reason, whether it's cost or thumbing your nose at Microsoft. You'll get a functional system."

We've received a bit of flack from the ultra-intelligent hardcore Linux gurus, for making LindowsOS too easy to use.  In fact, the review in PC Magazine (tongue-in-cheek) refers to LindowsOS as a "Sissy Distro," saying "Hardcore Linux users love to deride Lindows because it's too easy to use. I find their attitude puzzling; do they cut down a cedar tree and mine anthracite when they need a pencil?"

PC Magazine is right, we have made LindowsOS useable for everyone, and while this may go against the ideologies of some Linux gurus, it means that a choice is finally available to anyone who couldn't afford (or didn't want to pay for) Microsoft's high-priced software.  With LindowsOS computers as low as $199, retailers like Walmart.com, TigerDirect.com and NovaPCs.com have been proving that there is demand for a modern, stable, and affordable operating environment.  (In fact, there has been so much demand that Walmart.com has completely sold out of their $199 computer and TigerDirect.com has sold out of their $229 computer)

Due to a large outcry for LindowsOS in the retail market, this week marks another milestone in the world of desktop computing.  We have now launched our Reseller Program so that retailers can offer LindowsOS Membership Edition directly to the consumer with or without being preinstalled on a computer.  

Our reseller program aims to revolutionize the norm for software retailers everywhere.  We proved with our builder program that convoluted pricing plans, RMA procedures and under-the-table "marketing funds" are completely unnecessary and not good for either retailers or consumers. You can read more about the ground-breaking program on the Reseller Page.

We are very excited about the amount of demand for choice in 2002.  Desktop Linux is continuing in the right direction with the first Desktop Linux Summit here in San Diego in February. Many of the major desktop Linux distributions will be participating in the two-day event (register here).

Thanks to everyone for helping make 2002 a great year for choice, and as unbelievable as it is, 2003 promises to be even better!

If you still haven't found the perfect gift for a friend or loved one, it's not too late to get them a Lindows.com membership with digital access to LindowsOS and Click-N-Run Express.  With our servers running 24/7 you don't have to worry about troublesome holiday shipping delays.  Order LindowsOS digital version for $119 and check the box that indicates "this is for a friend," and we'll make sure not to ruin the surprise.