Intel to speed lagging Linux support

Smarting from criticism from open-source programmers, Intel has committed to release Linux versions of essential supporting software at
about the same time it releases Windows versions.

The change in development plans, which Intel President Paul Otellini disclosed internally earlier this month, is due to go into effect by the end of
2004, Will Swope, general manager of Intel’s Software and Solutions Group, said Wednesday at the Intel Developer Forum here.

The change was a response, in part, to criticism that Intel hasn’t released software or specifications to let Linux use the wireless networking
technology of Intel’s Centrino mobile computer technology. Centrino has been on the market for nearly one year, but at present, Linux users can use
the wireless technology only by wrapping a Linux interface around a Windows software module.