If you watch Linux-related news, then for the last few weeks it\'s been hard to do anything without running into pronouncements about UnitedLinux. UnitedLinux is certainly a curious beast, a kind of Tuxed-out Cerberus with four heads, where more might sprout out at any moment. Let\'s move through some of the hype and guesswork and take a look at one of the lesser-known heads--at least, lesser-known in English-speaking Linux markets.

Peru is the latest to join the list of countries embracing Linux and free software. Other countries on the on the list are Mexico, China, France, Argentina, Brazil and Germany. These countries have also made it mandatory for all government-supported organisations to use only free software. If the Indian government and all the agencies it funds use Linux, it will not only make it cost effective but also transparent.

Hewlett-Packard\'s strong backing for Intel\'s Itanium processor line has accelerated Red Hat\'s plans to create a version of its flagship Advanced Server Linux for the high-end chip family.

Sharp launches the Zaurus SL-A300, a sleeker yet more powerful update to its line of handhelds built around the Linux OS. It\'s only out in Japan, for now at least

Could Red Hat become the next Microsoft -- that is, could it become the dominant (not necessarily domineering) operating systems provider? What a ridiculous proposition, you might say. How could a little company that provides Linux open source software hope to topple Microsoft?

Two recent headlines are just too precious to let them pass without comment. Friday\'s \"Red Hat accuses Sun of Microsoft tactics\" is one. The ZDNet version, \"Red Hat: Sun\'s being a bully,\" wasn\'t as much fun, but the point is the same: Any company, given the chance, would use \"Microsoft\" tactics against its competition.

Microsoft Corp. is facing a growing battle against open-source software that is edging into politics on a global scale. Just last week, the German government announced a deal to replace parts of its IT system with open-source programs, and Taiwan officials announced, as part of an effort to curb Microsoft\'s dominance in software, preliminary plans to promote the development of local Linux software.

StarOffice is a complete package. It\'s no longer free as in beer, but it\'s a good buy, especially if you get it as part of a bundle such as a Linux distribution or Ximian\'s Red Carpet Express.

How to save money by using Linux as a platform for server consolidation.

CodeWeavers, Inc., has unveiled new versions of two members of its product line: CrossOver Office Version 1.1 and CrossOver PlugIn 1.1.2. CrossOver Office Version 1.1 is the newest version of CodeWeavers software solution that allows Linux and Unix users to operate Microsoft Office and Lotus Notes on their PCs without the Windows operating system.