The Linux operating system - an alternative to Microsoft Windows software - got a boost yesterday as IBM formed an alliance with Linux distributor Red Hat Software to put the system on a range of computers.

The Linux system will be offered on IBM computer servers, workstations and personal computers, the companies announced. Hewlett-Packard, Dell Computer and Silicon Graphics also sell computers that use the Linux system.

Under the pact, the two companies "will work together to provide enterprise-level technical support and will conduct joint marketing to enterprise customers", IBM said. IBM will not sell computers directly with Linux, but IBM's resellers will load the operating system on IBM machines.