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FAQs Table of Contents

  1. LindowsOS 3.0 and Click-N-Run Warehouse Membership

  2. LindowsOS--Software

  3. LindowsOS--Hardware

  4. LindowsOS--Features

  5. LindowsOSLicensing and Cost

  6. LindowsOSInstall Questions

  7. Lindows.comThe Company




1. LindowsOS 3.0 and Click-N-Run Warehouse Membership

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Who will benefit from using LindowsOS 3.0?
  • Individuals and small groups - Office workers, home computer users, students - just about anyone who uses a computer system can benefit from LindowsOS. The ease of use, stability, compatibility with all major email and web standards including instant messaging, and its ability to open and read documents created with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint will make LindowsOS suitable for the novice user or the MIS manager supervising a number of computers.

  • Organizations - Large and small companies will benefit from the use of LindowsOS as well. LindowsOS is a secure operating system with an inbuilt personal firewall, based on a proven Linux kernel. By adding a corporate subscription to the Lindows.com Click-N-Run Warehouse, applications such as Sun StarOffice 6.0 can be easily added to allow the editing of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Documents. The Click-N-Run Warehouse also includes many other applications that would have previously cost a company hundreds of dollars per computer for one low annual fee of $99 per user.

    Note: Annual membership is per user NOT per machine, so one license covers laptop and multiple desktop usage for each individual and all applications downloaded can be run for eternity unlike some software subscription programs, they do NOT expire.

  • Builders - Companies that "build" computers such as: system builders, system integrators, white-box builders, VARs, resellers, and the like, will be positively impacted through the Lindows.com's Builder program, and will be able to positively impact their customers.
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Where can I view screenshots?

Below, you will find a few screen shots of LindowsOS in use:  

You can see more screenshots of LindowsOS in action at
www.lindows.com/lindowsos20.

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How much will LindowsOS cost?

LindowsOS 3.0 is bundled with a number of computers including 12 models from Walmart.com, one of which uses the VIA C3 800 MHz processor and costs just $199.
See www.lindows.com/walmart. All purchasers of PC's bundled with LindowsOS 3.0 can signup for a one year subscription to the Lindows.com Click-N-Run Warehouse for $99. This entitles them to download, run, and keep all programs in the Warehouse including Sun StarOffice (a $75 value).

Later this year, LindowsOS will be available for sale to people that already own a computer at www.lindows.com. The combined cost of LindowsOS and a one year subscription to the Click-N-Run Warehouse will be $129.

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What file system does LindowsOS use?

LindowsOS uses an advanced linux-based journaling file system, which protects data from being lost due to hard disk problems and power outages.

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Does LindowsOS use Microsoft Windows drivers?

LindowsOS is based on Debian Linux and uses Linux drivers for hardware compatibility. It does not require Microsoft Windows drivers to run.

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What is LindowsOS Sneak Preview (SP1, SP2, SPX, etc.)?

These were terms used early in the development of LindowsOS. They represent the development versions. Beginning in June of 2002, Lindows.com started using version numbers for LindowsOS. The latest version of LindowsOS, as of Tuesday 18th September 2002, is Version 2.0 www.lindows.com/lindowsos20.

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How do I find release notes for LindowsOS updates?

The latest release notes and information about different LindowsOS updates and versions can be found at www.lindows.com/updateinfo.

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How does the LindowsOS file system and directory structure work?

You can find a general listing of how the LindowsOS file system and directory structure works at www.lindows.com/filesystem.

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What is WINE and why do I need it?

Actually you don't need it, because advanced WINE technology has already been integrated into LindowsOS as standard. Think of WINE as a Microsoft Windows compatibility layer. WINE helps provide the ability to install, load, and run certain unmodified Microsoft Windows applications under LindowsOS.

LindowsOS 3.0 supports some of the most popular Microsoft Windows applications including Microsoft Office 2000 Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Lotus Notes and Lotus SmartSuite.

Note: Games written for Microsoft Windows that require DirectX support are not supported under LindowsOS.

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2. LindowsOS--Software

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What Microsoft Windows® applications will LindowsOS run?

LindowsOS has been optimized to run Microsoft® Office 2000s Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint.

Even if you dont have a copy of Microsoft Office, LindowsOS computers come with software to view, print, and copy Microsoft Word files, Microsoft PowerPoint files, and Microsoft Excel documents. To edit Microsoft Office compatible files, we'd highly recommend one of the office suites in the Click-N-Run Warehouse www.lindows.com/warehouse, such as StarOffice or OpenOffice.

LindowsOS is continually improving its support for running other Microsoft Windows compatible programs. All Click-N-Run Warehouse members will be kept informed of newly supported programs through our Lindows.com Newsletters.

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What kind of speed can I expect Microsoft Windows® programs to run?

This will depend on your computer system hardware. However, with LindowsOS, Microsoft Windows® programs should run at a speed comparable to what you are use to under a similarly configured Microsoft Windows® machine.

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What programs does LindowsOS currently run?

Lindows.com believes real value and savings comes to consumers who save on their operating system and on the software applications they use on their computers.

For this reason, much of Lindows.com's time and energies are spent in getting applications in the Click-N-Run Warehouse www.lindows.com/warehouse that are robust and useful, as well as ensuring hundreds of valuable programs for the most common computing needs.

Peoples' computing environments are primarily dominated by Microsoft today. To help people easily transfer from this legacy world to the LindowsOS world, Lindows.com has put a lot of effort into supporting some of the critical "bridge" programs, file types, and network devices. To help accomplish this LindowsOS computers come with software for viewing and printing Microsoft Word files, Microsoft PowerPoint files, Microsoft Excel documents, image files and more.

Where there are great Linux based alternatives, we'll guide people to those alternatives (they're better than most people realize).

To edit Microsoft files, we'd highly recommend one of the office suites in the Lindows.com Click-N-Run Warehouse such as StarOffice. Most of the Warehouse programs are of very high quality and a great value, since they're included in the Warehouse membership. In a few cases there are no strong, viable alternatives for certain Microsoft Windows-based programs. In these cases, we're investing the necessary resources to support these programs. Most of the work to run these bridge programs has been done on Microsoft® Office 2000s Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

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Which versions of Microsoft Office does LindowsOS support?

LindowsOS supports the following versions of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint):

- Office 2000 Standard
- Office 2000 Upgrade
- Office 2000 Premium
- Office 2000 Premium SR-1
- Office 2000 Professional
- Office 2000 Professional SR-1
- Office Small Business Edition
- Office Small Business Edition SR-1

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Has supporting Microsoft Windows applications compromised the Linux stability in any way?

LindowsOS enjoys a very high level of stability. Microsoft Windows applications run in their own environment and they rarely cause problems with other running applications.

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How do I install Microsoft Office 2000?

To install Microsoft Office 2000, just place your original installation CD in the CD-ROM drive and LindowsOS will auto-run the Microsoft Office installer. Follow the instructions that come with Microsoft Office to complete the installation. At this time you must have an original CD; LindowsOS does not support the installation of Microsoft Office from a remotely shared disk drive.



3. LindowsOS--Hardware

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Can LindowsOS be used as a server operating system?

LindowsOS is designed exclusively for the desktop to allow it to optimize the computer user's experience. There are already several good Linux products on the market for servers, and therefore, LindowsOS focuses on the desktop.

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Will there be a version of LindowsOS for Apple or Mac computers?

LindowsOS is designed exclusively for PCs using Intel Pentium, VIA, and AMD compatible processors. There are no current plans to develop an Apple or Macintosh compatible version.

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What are the system requirements?

While LindowsOS will run on computer systems, including those with less than the following minimum recommended system requirements, for the best experience we recommend at least the following: a Pentium II 400MHz processor (or equivalent VIA or AMD processor), and 128 MB RAM.

You'll have better performance and a better computing experience by running LindowsOS on a faster computer with a faster processor, more RAM, a broadband connection, etc.

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Which hardware is currently supported?

LindowsOS already supports many of the most common hardware components and peripherals like: printers, scanners, digital cameras, game controllers, wireless networking, multiple CD-ROM/CD-RW/DVD drives, wheel mouse, and many more. We're continually adding more and better support for additional devices as they become available.

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Does LindowsOS support dual processors?

The current version of LindowsOS does not support dual processors.

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I don't have broadband can I use LindowsOS with a modem?

While LindowsOS is aimed more for broadband, it still works with dialup modems. To work properly, make sure your ISP does not require you to connect through client based software. Naturally, Click-N-Run and other web-based features will run considerably slower with a modem than a broadband connection. If your hardware configuration doesn't include a modem (as is the case with the current $199 Walmart.com PC), then please ensure that you only add a hardware modem that is supported under LindowsOS.

Note: In general, WinModems or software modems are not supported by LindowsOS.



4. LindowsOS--Features


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What languages will LindowsOS support?

LindowsOS currently supports English, after which we will begin the gradual migration to other languages and countries. Over 43 other languages are supported via the Click-N-Run Warehouse although not all parts of LindowsOS have been translated into all languages.

Note: Most of the applications in the Click-N-Run Warehouse are only available in English, though some like StarOffice are available in 10 languages.

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Can I install LindowsOS on a new computer without Microsoft Windows?

Yes, you can. To install LindowsOS on a computer that didn't come pre-certified with LindowsOS, you should purchase a one year subscription to the Click-N-Run Warehouse for $99 at www.lindows.com. Then download or order a CD of the latest version of the LindowsOS. As of the release of LindowsOS 3.0 over 80% of the computers tested have worked with LindowsOS. However, some older PC models may not be supported. You'll need 128 Megs of Ram and 2 Gigabytes of free disk space and for best performance, a system speed of 400 MHz or higher.

Note: If you already purchased a Click-N-Run Membership, you can install LindowsOS and any application from the Click-N-Run Warehouse on as many computers as you own. (See Family licensing details at www.lindows.com/EULA).

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Do I need a version of Microsoft Windows® operating system to run Microsoft Windows® software?

No, you don't. With LindowsOS installed, you will not need a copy of Microsoft Windows® to run Microsoft Windows® software such as Microsoft Office 2000's Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint. To install Microsoft office 2000, just place your original installation CD in the CD-ROM drive and LindowsOS will auto-run the Microsoft Office installer. Follow the instructions that come with Microsoft Office to complete the installation.

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What are some of the innovative features in LindowsOS?

Once you have subscribed to Click-N-Run, you can add over 1,500+ additional software titles from the Click-N-Run Warehouse www.lindows.com/warehouse with just one click of your mouse.

Note: All applications that are downloaded are yours for life they do not expire.

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Do I need an Internet connection to use Click-N-Run?

Yes. In order to get the full benefit from LindowsOS, you'll want access to all the great products in the Click-N-Run Warehouse. (The experience will be much better if you have high-speed internet access). www.lindows.com/warehouse

LindowsOS provides internet access through most internet service providers (ISPs) by simply adding your configuration and login settings to LindowsOS. So if you already have a supported ISP, enjoy! We're working hard to provide internet access through even more ISPs, so you'll be able to access the Click-N-Run Warehouse and fully enjoy LindowsOS with your existing service.

Note: We have recently added support for Earthlink. See icon on desktop.

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Will LindowsOS work with my Palm Pilot®?

Yes, LindowsOS will work with your Palm. The Click-N-Run warehouse features a few good palm sync programs to allow you to transfer and arrange all your information.


5. LindowsOSLicensing and Cost

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Does Lindows.com support Open Source?

Lindows.com makes available source code to anyone who we provide the binary to-- as per the GPL. Lindows.com respects all applicable licensing and is proud to be a strong supporter of the Open Source community by helping to advance several Open Source initiatives. We are financially supporting several Open Source organizations and have hired several open source type companies. Open source code that we have enhanced is always contributed back to the community. We're committed to being a solid corporate citizen and hope that our long term presence propels more consumer friendly net software development. More information on LindowsOS source code can be found www.lindows.com/licensing.

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Can I allow my friends to have a copy of any software I obtain?

The Click-N-Run Membership is designed to be exclusive to the individual that signs up. We ask that you do not give out your username and password to other individuals and that you abide by the end user license agreement that comes with our software.

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Can I run the software on multiple computers?

There are two types of End User License Agreements:
  1. "Family" End-User
    This license if for an individual end-user and he/she agrees to use LindowsOS for personal use and is to be used only by members of the End-User's Family.
  2. "Business" End-User
    This type of license is for an agreed upon number of simultaneous users or seats (computer systems), but not both.

You can read the EULA (End User License Agreement) in its entirety at www.lindows.com/eula.

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Does LindowsOS comply with Open Source agreements?

Lindows.com is a strong supporter of Open Source software and organizations such as Debian and KDE through financial and other means. Some of the Software Programs included in LindowsOS are distributed under the GNU General Public License and other similar Open Source license agreements ("OSLAs") which, among other rights, permit you to copy, modify and redistribute certain Software Programs, or portions thereof, and have access to the source code of certain Software Programs, or portions thereof. All users of LindowsOS have access to the source code of GPL programs in LindowsOS by visiting their my.lindows.com account using the account information they supplied when signing up. If you would like to sign-up, go to my.lindows.com. You may also find additional information at www.lindows.com/licensing.

Note: Section #1 of the GPL license available at: www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html provides for a fee being required for the physical act of transferring a copy of the source code.

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Can I get a free copy of LindowsOS?

Currently, Lindows.com does not offer any programs that provide LindowsOS for free.

However, you can get a copy of LindowsOS by:

  1. Ordering a "certified computer" with LindowsOS preinstalled from one of our "builder" partners, such as those currently being offered through Wal-Mart. You'd receive a computer with LindowsOS preinstalled as soon as your order could be placed, processed, and shipped. (Not free, but included at a great price.)
  2. Becoming a Lindows.com Insider where, among other benefits, you'll be able to immediately download the current version of LindowsOS, as well as receive the LindowsOS "General Release" when it's ready later this year. (Not free, but comes with a money-back guarantee to ensure your satisfaction.)
  3. Waiting for the LindowsOS General Release later this year.

6. LindowsOSInstall Questions

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How do I re-install LindowsOS?

Install LindowsOS as the only operating system on the computer.
Use the CD provided with your computer or signup for the Click-N-Run Warehouse membership and download or order the latest version of LindowsOS.

Ensure your computer is able to boot from CD-Rom and boot from the LindowsOS CD and follow the on-screen instructions.

Note: If you choose wipe your hard disk installation, all of your data files will be deleted. Make sure you backup all important data before reinstalling LindowsOS.

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How do I install a printer?

Click on the "L" button in the bottom left hand corner of the screen to bring up the Launch menu. From there, click on the Settings tab then Peripheral Devices. You will then see a Printer tab. Click on that and that will bring up a dialog to add a new printer. Click on it "Add" button in top left hand corner and follow the on-screen prompts. The QuickStart Guide has a chapter on installing printers as well as a step by step pictorial view of the process involved.

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What printers are supported by Lindows?

Over 800 printers are supported. You can find all the printers that are currently supported at http://www.lindows.com/printers.

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How do I Auto Start programs when starting LindowsOS?

There are some programs you'll want to start every time you start LindowsOS. For example, if you have an Instant Messenger program, you may want to make sure it runs at boot time.

To do this, just drag the icon representing the program you want to run into the autostart directory.

Now each time you restart LindowsOS, any programs found here will run automatically. To stop a program from auto starting, simply delete the program's desktop file from the Autostart directory.

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How do I configure my Email?

Follow the easy instructions in the QuickStart Guide.


7. Lindows.comThe Company

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What is the mission of Lindows.com?

Lindows.com is dedicated to bringing choice to the desktop computer. Choice in operating systems, formats, and applications. For too long there hasn't been much choice for an operating system on your desktop computer, and that lack of choice, as with any market, has been unhealthy for the consumer. Lindows.com knows that offering a reliable, easy-to-use, and compatible OS that can run both Linux® and Microsoft Windows® software titles will not be an easy task. However, we're confident we have the necessary resources, management team, and vision to bring together the right people and technologies to offer a choice in computer operating systems.

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Who is behind Lindows.com?

Michael Robertson is the CEO, founder, and central visionary behind Lindows.com. Prior to starting Lindows.com, he was the founder and CEO of MP3.com, the Internet's premier Music Service Provider. MP3.com was sold in September of 2001 and is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Vivendi Universal (NYSE: V). Michael has rallied a core team of smart and motivated individuals and partners, both inside and outside of Lindows.com, to help bring his vision to life. Michael knows building a new OS is not going to be easy, but he has a well-known reputation from taking on big challenges.

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