Linspire, the company behind desktop Linux operating systems Linspire and Freespire, has announced the availability of its Win4Lin Pro Desktop.

The offering is designed as a complement to Linspire or Freespire and offers a way to bring Windows applications to the Linux desktop.

Jim Curtin, president and chief executive at Win4Lin developer Virtual Bridges, said: "By allowing users to run Windows productivity applications, they can meet the requirements of their day-to-day computer use while experiencing the benefits of Linux."

Win4Lin Pro Desktop is available immediately to Linspire and Freespire users for $29.99.

Randy Linnell, vice president of business development at Linspire, said that the technology continued to drive Linux adoption by providing Windows users with the benefits of Linux, while providing access to core Windows programs.

Win4Lin runs Windows 2000/XP applications at "near-native" speed and allows users to display either full desktop mode or "floating" application mode.

It also allows full integration between the Linux Desktop and Windows file systems for user documents and settings.