InformationWeek reported Friday that Linux will be on more PCs next year than Windows will. Pointing to a blog post by Linux Foundation Executive Director Jim Zemlin, writer Antone Gonsalves notes, however, that Linux won't necessarily be the primary operating system on these computers. He explains:

PC makers are developing computers that can give people access to basic functions, such as e-mail and Web browsing, in less than 30 seconds. To make that happen, PC makers are turning to Linux as the foundation of the software used for the fast boot.

One such fast-boot program, called Splashtop, is made by DeviceVM. The company charges $1 to $2 per machine to add the software. Asus, known for its Eee PC, is also building fast-boot technology into all its offerings. Zemlin says the rise of such technology means "we may see a world at the end of next year where Linux ships on almost every notebook computer regardless of whether it is loaded with Windows."