October 20, 1999 Web posted at: 11:38 a.m. EDT (1538 GMT) by James Niccolai

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(IDG) -- Corel will launch its desktop version of the Linux operating system on Nov. 15, the opening day of the Comdex trade show in Las Vegas, according to company officials.

Corel's goal is to offer a version of Linux that's easy enough to use to attract enthusiasts who aren't necessarily computer experts, although the company isn't targeting first-time buyers, says Derik Belair, a product manager with Corel's emerging technologies group.

"Linux isn't seen as a mass replacement for Windows, nor do we want to position it that way," he said. "We're targeting the user who understands the value proposition of Linux, so for them, power, performance and stability has to mean something."

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The company also hopes Corel Linux will appeal to small businesses looking for a stable, affordable alternative to Microsoft's Windows operating systems, he says.

Linux has been praised by industry observers for its stability and for its strengths in networked computing environments. However, because most versions of the Unix-like operating system are hard to install and run compared with Windows, Linux's use on the desktop has been somewhat restricted so far.

To help try and change the current situation, Corel has written a new install program designed to make Corel Linux easier to set up. The company has also made adding and removing programs easier and has written a new file manager from scratch. The new file manager makes it easier to share Windows files and use Corel Linux alongside Windows-based computers in networks, Corel says.

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"We leveraged a lot of the Windows-based file structure, but also incorporated Web- and FTP-based browsing, as well as NT-based browsing," Belair says.

A basic version of Corel Linux with no third-party applications or support will be offered for free download from the Internet on Nov. 15. By the end of next month, Corel aims to ship two packaged versions of the operating system for retail sale, the company says.

A standard edition of Corel Linux, priced at $49, will include some technical support from Corel, a few third-party applications such as games and system utility tools, and the basic version of WordPerfect 8 for Linux that is currently also available over the Web.

A deluxe edition of the operating system, priced at $79, will include the full version of WordPerfect 8 for Linux, including additional fonts and clip art, and will likely also come with some additional third-party software applications and extra support services, Belair says.

In the future, the company hopes to strike bundling deals with some major PC manufacturers, or offer Corel Linux bundled with third-party software applications.

"The longer-term vision is for it to be a viable alternative [to Windows], we just don't want to set that expectation for what we're coming out with next month," says Jim Duff, a Corel marketing director.

Corel offered the first look at its Linux operating system for desktop users at the LinuxWorld trade show in San Jose, in August. Corel Linux is based on the Debian/GNU Linux release and the K Desktop Environment graphical user interface.