Intel and HP get chummy around an Itanium developer's kit, while AMD and Lineo pair off to support embedded Linux.

HP is releasing its toolkit for developers looking to run Linux applications on the Itanium processor as a free download. The toolkit includes an IA-64 simulator that lets developers use their existing 32-bit systems to test drive their IA-64 applications for Linux.

TurboLinux announced an alliance with Compaq Computer Corp. to provide support and services for enterprise users worldwide of the TurboLinux operating system on Compaq hardware platforms including the Intel and Alpha platforms.

In the operating systems arena Linux and BSD together will eventually cover more ground than either could independently. Companies uncomfortable building products on GPL'd code can use a BSD derived package and enter the market quicker and cheaper.

Red Hat's chief executive Matthew Szulik has outlined the company's mission to consolidate the Unix market around Linux, which he said would become possible once Linux is available for an Intel 64-bit environment.

Linuxcare announced multifaceted work supporting IBM's Linux initiatives. This includes optimization of Linux on IBM's ThinkPad laptops. and also active management of the complex, continuous changes between and within multiple distributions of Linux.

AMD and Lineo announced that the two companies will develop advanced embedded Linux solutions for AMD's entire line of embedded 32-bit processors using Embedix Linux from Lineo.

In a move calculated to accelerate Linux acceptance and increase its distribution's global presence, Pro Team Computer Corp. and MandrakeSoft have forged an agreement to bundle and ship Linux with AZZA motherboards later this year.

John Schwartz wanted to get a feel of the increasingly popular operating system. His trip into Linux wasn't quite as bad as he thought it would be.

IBM Corp. is set to announce that some of its popular Thinkpad laptop computers will be available with Linux. The laptops are aimed at computer professionals and scientists.