Lindows OS is ultimately aimed at providing an inexpensive non-Microsoft platform that can run popular Microsoft applications, such as the Office suite. However, the second preview version doesn't yet include this feature. Lindows.com is embroiled in a lawsuit over its name, which Microsoft says infringes on the Windows trademark.
Lindows.com founder Michael Robertson, who also founded MP3.com, believes that consumers should not be tied to a single company's product, as long as it does what they want and is easy to use. "Nobody needs an operating system, they need a solution which will help them communicate, entertain, educate or get their work done," he said in a statement.
The two features added with the new Lindows software are "Click-N-Run", an automated process for downloading and installing software, and a set of file viewers designed to handle formats like Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Click-N-Run centers on a section of the Lindows Web site which will ultimately contain a "warehouse of software titles", Robertson said, including Windows software with Lindows compatibility. Clicking a button will download and install the software automatically, according to Lindows.com. The site currently lists applications like a word processor, spreadsheet creator and presentation manager, based on applications from KOffice, a Linux productivity suite. AOL 7.0 is listed as "coming soon".
The new edition comes with a Web browser, Konqueror, that is pre-installed with a number of plug-ins, including Flash, a digital music player and software for viewing and printing Office documents. A beta tester at open-source developer site Newsforge.com said the Office plug-ins did not work properly.
Lindows.com says the next preview will include better support for Windows applications, which still do not work with the software. Lindows OS will rely on a version of WINE, a Windows emulator, for this functionality.
The company expects to release the first full version of Lindows OS later this year.
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