xbiz world
xbiz premiere

Linux PCs Available From Wal-Mart Online

Sun Microsystems' Java Desktop System is now available on a line of basic, bargain-priced home computers exclusively through Wal-Mart's online store; and currently not offered through any of the company's retail outlets. Starting at only $288, the Microtel PCs are the first offering of the alternative operating system targeted towards consumers rather than the business, governmental, or educational markets. While most of the mainstream vendors have shied away from offering Linux-based systems to consumers, Wal-Mart has marketed this type of personal computer through its Website since 2002, when the Lindows equipped Microtel appeared with breakthrough prices as low as $199. While Windows-based systems overwhelmingly dominate the personal computer market, consumer demand is building for more secure and cost-effective solutions to their "real world" needs – something that this new offering seems to address. A basic entry-level setup currently sells for $288 and is powered by a 1.2-gigahertz AMD Duron processor. This system includes 128 MB memory, a 40 GB hard drive, CD-ROM drive, an Integrated 10/100 Ethernet connection, a 56 Kbps modem, a keyboard, stereo speakers and the LindowsOS 4.0 operating system – but no monitor. According to Wal-Mart's Website, the system is designed for Web browsing including pop-up ad blocking, sending and receiving e-mail, contact management including an address book, instant messaging, playing audio CDs and MP3 files, networking printers and PCs, including Windows-based models, and suitable for playing a variety of games – in short, the typical needs of many home users – or of current PC users looking for an additional machine. Whether more widespread offerings of these types of systems and software are made will depend on the public's adoption of these initial forays into "non-MScentric" personal computing; and peripheral vendor's abilities to support the needs of this growing community of users.

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

2026 XBIZ Honors Salutes Resilience Across the Online Adult Industry

The 2026 XBIZ Honors packed house Wednesday night, turning the Kimpton Everly Hotel’s Nichols Ballroom into a gala celebration of industry excellence.

Elevated X Adds CCBill Integration for Payment Processing

Elevated X has added CCBill integration for payment processing to its ELXNexus traffic management and affiliate program software.

Florida Congressman Files Latest Bill to Repeal Section 230

Rep. Jimmy Patronis of Florida has become the latest member of Congress to propose legislation that would repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects interactive computer services — including adult platforms — from liability for user-generated content.

Irish Parliamentary Committee Weighs Stricter AV Laws

The Irish national parliament’s Joint Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport met Wednesday to discuss regulation of online platforms and improving online safety, including calls for stricter age verification by adult sites.

Ofcom Issues Guidance on Age Check Placement for Adult Sites

U.K. media regulator Ofcom on Wednesday published its recommendations for where and how adult sites should deploy age checks as required for compliance with the Online Safety Act.

Tubes Booster Launches Web Hosting Solutions

Content hosting platform Tubes Booster has launched two new hosting solutions.

YourPaysitePartner Rebrands as Paysite.com

YourPaysitePartner has officially been rebranded as Paysite.com.

SWR Data Announces 2026 'State of Creator' Winter Report

Adult industry market research outfit SWR Data has announced that it will release data from its annual State of the Creator survey at an XBIZ LA workshop, taking place at the Kimpton Everly Hotel.

Holly Randall Launches Marketing Firm, Signs Stripchat Deal

Holly Randall has launched her new marketing firm, Holly Randall Agency, and signed the agency’s first deal with Stripchat.

2026 XBIZ Conference Speaker Lineup Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the release of the full speaker lineup for XBIZ 2026, the latest edition of North America’s largest adult industry conference, set to take place Jan. 12-15 at the Kimpton Everly Hotel in Hollywood.

Show More