Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/1999/07/07/toshiba_backtracks_on_antilinux_stance/

Toshiba back-tracks on anti-Linux stance

Japanese notebook specialist opens Linux-oriented Web site

By Tony Smith

Posted in On-Prem, 7th July 1999 12:35 GMT

Toshiba appears to have reversed its policy on Linux and decided to support the open source OS on its notebook PCs after all. To prove it, the company's Japan-based Computer Engineering Group has opened a Web site devoted to users keen to run Linux on their Toshiba laptops. The site, which went live on 1 July, doesn't offer much information right now, but it's a start. The site promises full details of how to install Linux on Toshiba's notebooks, though it doesn't say when this will happen. Other promised features include the creation of an information desk for developers, Linux installation information and a list of supported hardware, both PCs and peripherals. The company's move follows Australian notebook owner Geoffrey Bennett's attempt to get Toshiba to refund to him the cost of the bundled copy of Windows 95. Bennett eventually got his money back, and sparked a worldwide protest against Microsoft in the process. ®