Linbox's DemoLinux distribution runs straight off an auto booting CD-ROM, creating a RAM disk in the host PC's memory and installing itself there. Unlike regular Linux releases DemoLinux doesn't dump anything on the hard disk, so anyone's Windows installation will remain intact.

Giant Industries Inc. turned to Linux to solve its computer crashes and poor system performance. Now down time at the company is almost zero and costs are decreasing.

Oracle was one of the first vendors to port its software to the Linux operating system. Today the company says the gamble paid off and from now on everything they make will run on Linux.

A survey of 109 IT professionals with purchasing authority found that Oracle8i tops the field in Linux database deployments and is expected to increase its lead over nearest-rival IBM.

In an upcoming book titled "Just for Fun: The Story of an Accidental Revolutionary," Linux creator Linus Torvalds states that the popularity of open-source software and the Linux operating system did not derive from a far-reaching strategic plan. Instead, it was just one of those things that sort of happens.

5NINE, a developer of Wireless Data Infrastructure technology for Linux, has launched WAPLinux.org, an open source development project for modifying the Linux kernel to fully support the Wireless Application (WAP) protocol and bearers such as the Short Message Service (SMS), Mobitex and third generation (3G) technologies such as the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS).

Red Hat has announced the availability of Red Hat Alpha Deluxe for Compaq's Alpha products, which include Compaq's AlphaServer DS and ES series and all Compaq AlphaStations. In addition, Red Hat Linux 7 is bundled and pre-loaded on selected Compaq ProLiant Servers and selected Compaq Deskpro models.

The initial OSDA Initiative resources are a group of documents providing suggested variations to employment contracts that would allow employees to develop Open Source software without encumbrance from their employer, where there is no conflict of interest.

All told, IBM has a team of about 200 open-source developers at work in its hardware, software, services, and research divisions. Company officials claim that IBM currently employs more developers dedicated to open source than any corporation anywhere.

The Editors of Linux Magazine have compiled a list of the most important categories in the Linux arena, and the best and most popular products from each.