Linux gains converts

As a free flavor of Unix turns heads on the Web, other companies clamor to enter developers' homes by offering their source code for free. In addition to its can't-beat-it price tag, Linux also offers users the freedom and creativity to meld the operating system to meet their needs.

Corel joins Linux fest The company, which has already announced plans to build a Linux-based network computer, says it will post free Linux-based development tools to its Web site. InterBase joins Linux crusade The database maker will post to the Web a free version of its InterBase 4.0 database server for the Linux operating system. Another Netscape giveaway The company says it will release the source code for its Directory Software Developer's Kit for free on the Internet. Andresseen plugs Linux The Netscape exec says he expects Linux to gain status as a serious operating system for corporate use and may even challenge Windows NT at some point. Mozilla gets a Linux browser A Norwegian software team releases a demonstration-only browser based on Netscape's Communicator source code. Netscape gives up secret recipe special report Netscape faces a dilemma in giving away its Communicator source code: whether to keep additions in the public domain or let developers own their innovations.