Expanding its search for subscribers, United Online says its NetZero and Juno brands of dial-up Internet service now support Lindows.com’s Linux-based operating system
Under the pact, the ISP software is pre-loaded on Lindows version 4.5, which is available at retailers including Wal-Mart. It can also be downloaded through the NetZero and Juno Web sites.
A United Online spokesman told internetnews.com that the Lindows OS is “very consumery” and appears to be growing in popularity. For Westlake Village, Calif.’s United Online, the Lindows deal is another attempt to add customers for its $9.95 per month service in an increasingly maturing market.
United Online also supports Apple and Microsoft
OS software. San Diego-based Lindows.com is currently engaged in a bitter lawsuit with Microsoft, which claims that the smaller company’s name infringes on its copyright for its Windows OS system.
Last week, rival America Online, launched its own promotion to uncover new users. AOL is offering new customers a $299 PC system if they sign a one-year $23.90 dial-up Internet service contract.
The promotion, made by direct mail and touted in select retail stores, is detailed on an AOL e-commerce page. It includes a desktop unit from New York manufacturer Systemax, as well as a monitor, keyboard and color printer. A shipping fee applies.
An AOL spokesman said the promotion is a test and expires Dec. 31.