Neoware Systems demonstrated a beta version of NeoLinux 2.0, Neoware's embedded Linux operating system, at PC Expo in New York this week. NeoLinux 2.0 contains several new Neoware-designed innovations that target the needs of the burgeoning market for information appliances.

NeoLinux is a version of Official Red Hat Linux that has been tailored to the unique requirements of information appliances and smart, net-connected devices. Among the key features of NeoLinux are the ability to operate without a hard drive or significant amounts of memory. The specialized Linux distribution includes a variety of appliance-oriented features designed by Neoware, including:

• ezOff — allows NeoLinux-powered appliances to be turned off without a complicated shut-down process
  
• ezSecure — secures the Linux operating system, making it impervious to viruses or other unauthorized changes
  
• ezCompress — streamlines the Linux operating system, allowing it to operate in as little as 8 MB of flash memory
  
• ezManage — allows NeoLinux-powered appliances to be centrally configured and updated across a network without traveling from device to device
  
• ezConnect — allows users or administrators to create new connections to Internet and local applications simply and easily.

In particular, ezConnect is a new addition to NeoLinux that allows information appliance users to easily create connections to Internet sites, as well as UNIX and Windows-based applications running on local networks or the Internet. Other enhancements in NeoLinux 2.0 include audio support with RealAudio, the latest version of the Netscape Navigator Web browser, support for Macromedia Flash and Adobe Acrobat reader, as well as improved network performance.

Typical applications for NeoLinux include cash registers, firewalls, routers, web kiosks, thin clients, security devices, and wireless appliances. Neoware's NeoLinux operating system can operate on standard personal computers, allowing Neoware's customers to utilize their existing hardware and providing a new level of security and manageability to the PC platform. Additionally NeoLinux is provided with Neoware's Eon platform — a customizable information appliance designed for a wide variety of applications.

A beta release of NeoLinux 2.0 is available immediately from Neoware's web site at www.neoware.com. The NeoLinux upgrade will be available at no charge without technical support, and will be priced at $50 per seat with 90 days of support. Additional support contracts and customization are available at additional cost.

 
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