An operating system is the software component of a computer
system that is responsible for the management and coordination of
activities and the sharing of the resources of the computer. The
operating system (OS) acts as a host for application programs that are
run on the machine. 
NEW YORK, NY – July 2, 2008 – Xandros, Inc., the leading provider of
custom OEM Linux solutions, next-generation Linux desktop and server
products, and advanced cross-platform Windows-Linux management tools,
today announced the acquisition of Linspire, developer of the CNR
software distribution facility, and the Linspire and Freespire Linux
desktop operating systems. The combination of the technologies,
expertise, and market presence of the two companies supports Xandros'
mission to become a powerful one-stop Linux solutions company. With
this acquisition, Xandros further enhances its ability to meet the
needs of a growing number of Linux and mobile users for one-click
software delivery to update and enhance their devices; for energizing
ever larger third party applications development; and for providing
access and delivery to users of applications and content from digital
warehouses that increase value and user experience.
Xandros is both the name of a line of Linux distributions and Xandros Corporation, the company which creates them. Xandros Desktop is a distribution known for its focus on business and mainstream users and for being visually similar to Windows XP. The name Xandros is derived from the X Window System and the Greek island of Andros.