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

'Collective Corruption' Relaunches Through PAYSITE

Fetish and BDSM membership site Collective Corruption has relaunched through PAYSITE.

RocketGate Taps Joël Drapeau for Senior Account Executive Role

Payment processing company RocketGate has hired industry veteran Joël Drapeau as its new account executive for business development and client relations.

VR Reloaded: Inside the Next Era of Immersive Adult Entertainment

For years, virtual reality in adult entertainment hovered somewhere between “quirky novelty” and “exciting promise of things to come.” While the technology hinted at a radically different way to experience erotic media, early experiments often required bulky headsets, complicated downloads, and production techniques that weren’t yet quite up to the task.

Pineapple Support Names Ocean Hanx Brand Ambassador

Pineapple Support has named creator Ocean Hanx as its newest brand ambassador.

Meta Restores Playboy Germany Facebook Page After Court Order

The Facebook page of Playboy Germany, the German-language edition of the magazine, is now back online after a two-month suspension by Meta, following an order by the Düsseldorf Regional Court.

UPDATED: European Commission Unveils AV App, Addresses Hacks

The European Commission’s age verification app is now technically ready and will soon be available for EU citizens to use in order to prove their age when accessing online platforms, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Tuesday.

Syren De Mer, Eddie Patrick Cap AEBN's Top Stars for 1st Quarter of 2026

AEBN has revealed its most popular performers in straight and gay theaters for the first quarter of 2026.

'iDealgasmPlus' Launches Through PAYSITE

iDealgasmPlus.com has officially launched through PAYSITE.

Canadian Senate Approves National Age Verification Bill

Canada’s Senate on Wednesday passed bill S-209, the “Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act,” which would require commercial adult websites to verify that Canadian users are at least 18 years old.

Sara Jay Relaunches Site Through PAYSITE

Sara Jay has relaunched her membership site, WydeSyde, through PAYSITE.

Show More