The free Linux operating system handles big tasks such as running supercomputers and ATMs. Now, Linux has a chance to loosen Microsoft Corp.'s hold on computing's most visible domain — mainstream PCs — because of the rise of innovative, inexpensive machines.

Prognosticators perennially say Linux is on the verge. It gets high marks for security and stability and is widely used behind the scenes in corporate servers, making it a natural candidate to steal desktop thunder from Microsoft's dominant Windows system. But Linux PCs make up less than 2 percent of the market.

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