The operating system Lindows is now available as Lin---s (pronounced: Lin-dash) in those countries where Microsoft has blocked the availability of the desktop Linux distribution. The new name complies with a recent Amsterdam court ruling, the San Diego company says.

"By removing 3 letters from our product name, Lindows.com will not be creating any confusion regarding Microsoft's supposed trademark on 'windows', and still offer choice in the marketplace," said Lindows.com CEO Michael Robertson in a statement today. "Any action from Microsoft to block Lin---s will show their true intentions are not to protect their trademark, but to eliminate competition and maintain their monopoly."

In the United States, a pending trial scheduled for 1 March was delayed when the courts handed Lindows.com a provisional victory on key legal issues in the case.

Lindows has also opened several new web sites, including Lin---s.com and Lindash.nl for the Netherlands. ®