Red Hat to Launch Linux System for PCs

Red Hat Inc., the world’s biggest distributor of the free Linux computer operating system, will introduce a version for desktop personal computers to compete with Microsoft Corp.’s dominant Windows.

Red Hat wants to capitalize on rising corporate spending on PCs and Microsoft’s plan for a new version of Windows, which runs about 93% of PCs, Red Hat Chief Executive Matthew Szulik said.

Shares of Red Hat rose 95 cents to $25, and Microsoft shares fell 2 cents to $26.33, both on Nasdaq.