Linux desktop gets animated assistant

An Israeli Linux startup will launch its desktop environment, which features an animated assistant, at the Comdex trade show in Las Vegas next week.

The Epitera desktop will feature remote-access customer support and 'flashy' desktop help in the form of an animated intelligent assistant named Kandu, which the company claims will provide more intuitive and proactive support than the assistant found in, for example, Microsoft Office.

The system, which will be offered to mainstream consumer and corporate PC users, will also allow customer support personnel to remotely access a customer's computer to assist with problem diagnosis and resolution.

Yoram Salinger, chief executive at the startup, said: "Basically, we're taking away one of the major obstacles to widespread adoption of Linux - quick and efficient customer support. Furthermore, we have devised a method that allows for the automatic download and installation of new applications."

Vista Source's Applixware for Linux 5.0 and AnyWareOffice suites will run on the Epitera desktop. The AnyWareOffice server-centric suite features the usual office applications alongside an email and database client and a development tool set for custom applications.

In addition, the desktop will include personal productivity tools, multimedia players and viewers, communication tools, security applications, and general utilities such as compression, diagnostics, backup and fax.