VA Linux Systems Introduces Breakthrough Entry-level Linux PC

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 11, 2000-- VA Linux Systems, Inc., a recognized leader in Linux and Open Source solutions, today launched the StartX(tm) SP2--an innovative entry-level Linux PC workstation for software developers, web developers and students. The StartX SP2 Linux PC introduces significant enhancements in performance and expandability, as well as multimedia capabilities and serviceability features that set it apart from other PCs in its class.

VA Linux Systems' StartX SP2 will be available starting at under $800, and can be ordered with either an Intel® Celeron® processor, or with an Intel® Pentium® III--a unique option for an entry-level PC.

The StartX SP2 offers the following benefits for software and web developers:

• Improved Performance. The StartX SP2 comes with the Intel® 810e chipset and features the option to choose an Intel® Pentium® III processor; front-side bus of up to 133MHz; two Ultra ATA/66 hard drives; and 512MB of SDRAM for faster performance when running large files or multiple applications.
• Serviceability. The StartX SP2 is designed to make it easy to add, remove or upgrade components and minimize downtime, with tool-free opening and access to hard drives, CD-ROM, floppy drives, processors and memory. Users can easily and quickly connect peripherals to the Linux PC using the color-coded connector panel.
• Multimedia Capabilities. The StartX SP2 will offer the option of adding a CD-ReWritable (CD-RW) drive, giving customers the ability to burn their own CDs with music or data for easy transfer and archiving.
• Expandability. Integrated LAN and SoundBlaster 128V cards free up four full-sized 33MHz PCI slots for other peripherals.
• Optimized for Linux. Not only does the StartX SP2 come pre-installed with Linux, it has also been specifically designed and tested to run Linux well. According to preliminary 1999 data from IDC, Linux's market share as a PC/client operating environment grew to nearly 4% in 1999, following closely behind the 5% desktop market share held by Mac OS. VA currently preinstalls an enhanced version of RedHat Linux 6.1, and will offer a VA-enhanced version of RedHat Linux 6.2 later this month. Enhancements added by VA Linux include: optimizations to the kernel, graphical desktop enhancements, the latest security upgrades and bug fixes, and other popular software packages.
• Total Linux Coverage (TLC). As with all systems from VA Linux, service and support for the first year are included with the purchase of a StartX SP2. Built in to the StartX SP2 warranty are one year of six-incident comprehensive technical support and one year of return-to-deport hardware repair services.
• Stylish Linux Keyboard. Keys with the VA Linux logo and a sleek penguin replace the "Microsoft® Windows® keys" on the bottom row of a typical keyboard.

``The StartX SP2 is an affordable PC designed for software and web developers and other Linux users who want power and performance in an compact, flexible package,'' said Robert Patrick, director of product marketing for VA Linux Systems. ``The StartX SP2 responds to the needs of the rapidly growing number of developers using Linux as a platform. Our entry-level Linux PC complements VA Linux Systems' other offerings to developers, such as SourceForge[tm], the world's largest Open Source development center, which provides all the tools developers need to start and maintain Open Source projects.''

The StartX SP2 PC workstation can now be ordered on the VA Linux web site at http://www.valinux.com/systems/.

About VA Linux Systems

Since 1993, VA Linux Systems has been a recognized leader in advancing Linux and Open Source solutions. VA Linux provides a single point of contact for Linux systems, Open Source software, and world-class professional services and support. VA Linux Systems owns and operates SourceForge(tm), the world's largest Open Source development center, as well as Linux.com and Themes.org. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, VA Linux is located on the Web at http://www.valinux.com/.

VA Linux Systems was selected as one of Fortune Magazine's top ``Cool Companies,'' Red Herring's ``Top 100 Companies of the Electronic Economy'' and Upside's ``Hot 100 Companies.'' VA Linux was awarded the 1999 Linux Journal Editors' Choice Award for Best New Hardware, and was the only company to win multiple ``Show Favorite'' awards at LinuxWorld Conference & Expo in March 1999 (in Computers and Science/Engineering) and again in February 2000 (in Hardware and Peripherals/Support Services).

Note to Editors: VA Linux Systems, StartX and SourceForge are trademarks of VA Linux Systems, Inc. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.