Linux finally gets floor space in US based retailers

Linux finally gets floor space in US based retailers

Linux is continuing to get more recognition as a popular operating system on preinstalled personal computers shipped in the United States. The latest news confirming the user interest in this alternative to MS Windows is that the US based retail store Micro Center would now be selling desktops and laptops running Linspire Inc.’s Linux operating system.

Linspire CEO Kevin Carmony said in an interview about this business development: “This is very big for Linux. People want the value and the security. It is a viable alternative. For half the people out there, Linux would work for them.” The retail store chain runs around 19 stores and they recently considered the idea of selling PC powered by the Linux operating system.

In fact, a poll conducted by Micro Center showed that more than 75% of its customers are interested in Linux as an operating system option. Many other retailers are already selling PCs preloaded with Linux OS though Micro Center becomes the first popular one to devote floor space in all of its stores to Linux. In fact, they have got their staff members trained by Linspire to assist the buyers. Micro Center is in fact also selling two Linspire desktops, according to its Web site.

Linux currently has a 2.5% share of the operating system market as per the report released by IDC. This figure is expected to rise to 9% by 2008, as costs of upgrading to Windows Vista should increase the number of switchers of Windows users to Linux platform.