Netbooks to increase Linux's visibility, usability

Novell, the company that markets SUSE Linux, an enterprise-oriented commercial Linux distro, has a lot at stake in the coming netbook wars. After all, the little machines are overwhelmingly running various flavors of Linux (with the notable exception of Eees pre-loaded with XP and the like), and if Novell can get in on the ground floor, that’s not only cash in hand but a hugely increased presence in the market. Others, like Red Hat, are also trying to join the game, and they’re finding it relatively easy since the machines are suited to their flavors of Linux.

Plus, this way, consumers will only see the friendly and usable face of pre-installed, pre-configured Linux and not the freaky underbelly that scares so many people off (including yours truly). Good for business!