Intel aims for Microsoft's Linux jugular

Intel, according to the Wall St Journal, is offering a package called Quick Start Kit for Linux to distributors which includes a number of software drivers to support a range of PC peripherals.

While Intel has been a long time supporter of Linux in the server sector, it has largely maintained that it's not quite ready for the desktop.

The provision of software drivers is interesting because in the past Intel has greatly assisted launches of Microsoft Windows by helping to provide large chunks of the OS.

The choice to push the software into the distribution and dealer channel will also concern Microsoft.

Earlier this month, the Gartner Group said that assemblers often used Linux because it offers a much cheaper bill of materials and allows them to compete against giant PC firm Dell. While quite a few of those machines might end up sooner or later with Windows on them, the drift to Linux by assemblers will grow, Gartner predicts. µ

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