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CHINESE OUTFIT, Lenovo has taken Linux offline. The firm said it has given up offering open sauced-flavoured machines to the public on its web site.

A spokesman said business customers could still get the alternative OS on some machines but ordinary folk will get Windows or lump it.

“Our commitment to Linux has not changed,” blustered the spokesLenovo to Computerworld. “What’s changed is that customers will no longer be able to order Lenovo Thinkpads and Thinkcentres with pre-installed Linux via the lenovo.com web site. ”

Anyone watching the way the big outfits are squeezing open source offerings from their products could be forgiven for thinking something’s afoot.

Shurely, there couldn’t be a bit of Volish pressure here - a few of Bill’s bills finding their way into various marketing budgets? Isn’t the customer always right? We couldn’t possibly speculate. µ