Linux-based products are still not as easy to handle as Windows-based 
programs. But these offerings are a huge step in the right direction. They're 
sold at the companies' websites--where retailers are listed, too.


APPLICATION       PRICE/WHERE TO BUY      WHAT'S INSIDE

CALDERA           $34.95 (single user     Bundled applications, such as
OpenLinux         license)                a word processor and financial
eDesktop 2.4      caldera.com             planner, as well as Internet
                                          and Web server software.

COREL             $149                    Bundle includes WordPerfect 9,
WordPerfect       (single user license)   QuattroPro9, clip art, photos,
Office 2000       corel.com               Linux operating system software.
for Linux

E-SMITH           $595 (No per-user       Server software that allows a
server            license needed)         small office to share a single
& Gateway         e-smith.com             Internet connection, create a
                                          simple Web site, and more.

REBEL.COM         $1,795 to $2,795,       Hardware device with server
NetWinder         depending on warranty   software for a corporate intranet,
OfficeServer      and configuration.      or internal internet site. Site-
appliance         rebel.com               hosting on Rebel.com's servers

SUN MICRO-        Free                    A well-rounded office suite that
SYSTEMS           Downloadable            includes a word processor,
StarOffice 5.2    from staroffice.com     spreadsheet, presentation
standard edition  and sun.com             software, graphics.


APPLICATION       UPSIDE

CALDERA           Relatively easy to install for
OpenLinux         those with some technical
eDesktop 2.4      knowledge. Works with
                  Windows-like screens.

COREL             Tech support for 30 days.
WordPerfect       Choice of e-mail or
Office 2000       telephone.
for Linux

E-SMITH           Easy to install. Includes pull-
server            down menus to customize
& Gateway         settings--unusual in Linux
                  applications.

REBEL.COM         OfficeServer software automati-
NetWinder         cally adjusts configuration set-
OfficeServer      tings of office computers on
appliance         the network.

SUN MICRO-        One of the best Linux office
SYSTEMS           suites--and free for download.
StarOffice 5.2    Lots of users, so someone has
standard edition  probably solved your problem.


APPLICATION       DOWNSIDE

CALDERA           The revised user
OpenLinux         guide runs 500 pages.
eDesktop 2.4      If 500 pages are neces-
                  sary, that's a problem.

COREL             Seems pricey, given that
WordPerfect       the comparable
Office 2000       StarOffice 5.2 is available
for Linux         free as a download.

E-SMITH           Tech-support free for
server            now, but company hints
& Gateway         that will change. Support
                  won't cover all needs.

REBEL.COM         No Universal Serial Bus
NetWinder         port, which would allow
OfficeServer      devices like printers to be
appliance         hooked up without a card

SUN MICRO-        Reads most Microsoft,
SYSTEMS           Power Point and Excel files
StarOffice 5.2    but occasional incompati-
standard edition  bility may cause headaches.


DATA: BW