FarStone Sets out to Support Desktop Linux as It Grows in Popularity; Personal Disaster Recovery Software Arms Users With a Safety Net For Everyday Computing Hazards.

IRVINE, Calif. -- Well regarded throughout the industry as the platform of choice for servers and datacenters, Linux is making a play for the desktop. For both business users and consumers who are seeking a secure, stable and cost-effective desktop operating system (OS), Linux is a natural alternative to Windows(R) . Readily accessible, Linux is available in a boxed version from any number of companies and PC manufacturers and is growing in popularity as an OS of choice, having proven flexibility and performance for practically any type of computing endeavor.

However, with popularity comes vulnerability. The more an operating system is embraced by the general public, the more it becomes subject to user errors and a target for hackers and the viruses they breed. To the rescue is FarStone Technology, an innovative developer of Personal Disaster Recovery(TM) software that has already saved legions of computer users from the despair of corrupted data or system settings, lost data, digital images, music files and other valued information stored on their desktop computer.

"To date, Linux has managed to avoid becoming a target of hackers and viruses," said Tom Fedro, executive vice president, FarStone. "However, it is likely with the growing adoption of desktop Linux that it too will become the focus of malicious activities. Furthermore, as more new users jump on to the Linux platform, everyday human errors are bound to increase."

Linux users can find some protection with free software from sites like PandaSoftware.com where the user can run a virus checker that will scan and disinfect their computer. However, even with the most up-to-date security measures including firewalls and anti-spam/anti-virus software, users are not completely protected Recent surveys from the research firm Parks Associates shows that 9 out of 10 consumers do not back up their computers on a regular basis or they never back up their data at all. As a result, computer users are often completely unprepared for sudden attacks by hackers, viruses, malevolent Internet downloads, inadvertent file deletions, blackouts and electrical failure. Industry experts say what is needed is an easy and convenient way for users to protect their system from accidental errors as well as having a disaster recovery plan to protect their OS and their data.

"This is where Personal Disaster Recovery comes in to play," added Fedro. "Our software provides a safety net that ensures users that they'll always be able to go back in time to when their computer was working. This concept also works for the other daily hazards that one encounters such as human error, power outages, software installation glitches and other common occurrences that can wreak havoc."

FarStone's support of desktop Linux comes in the form of a Personal Disaster Recovery software program called RestoreIT(R) that will restore a user's data, or an entire system that has been damaged or lost due to computer errors, viruses or other common mishaps. The software tracks all changes to a user's hard drive on a separate hidden disk partition as incremental back up points. In the event of a disaster, a user can restore the system and data that they have lost, as well as choose how far back they would like to go -- an hour, two hours, etc. FarStone is now preparing a desktop Linux version of RestoreIT and is working closely with key Linux players to seamlessly provide the protection of RestoreIT to every Linux platform. This will be the first ever, live system and data recovery software available for desktop Linux.

"No matter what type of operating system is implemented, it is critical for users to employ good methods for data protection and recovery," said Rhoda Phillips, IDC storage research manager. "Software solutions, such as RestoreIT that enable users to go back in time and recover data are becoming a requirement to resolve multiple issues that range from security attacks to software installation glitches."

As mobility continues to grow and more Linux users become remote employees or road warriors, the concept of the desktop will also expand from the corporate office to the home office, airport or hotel. Moreover, as workers employ mobile devices to stay in constant contact, the requirement for seamless integration between the desktop and these devices has also become a must have. Linux already has a significant presence in the mobile device market, including PDAs and smart phones. Industry experts indicate that the future of Linux is becoming more pervasive as the operating system can also be incorporated directly into microchips in a process called "embedding" and is increasingly being used this way in appliances and devices.

Wireless titans say that more open platforms such as Linux could benefit the industry in allowing for more innovation by broadening the base of developers of mobile applications. However, the downside of open sourcing cell phone operating systems is loss of control by phone makers and service providers resulting in the potential for airborne viruses. The devastation of a crashed cell phone, PDA or other data intensive device is tremendous. That said, the future of Personal Disaster Recovery for Linux looks bright.

About FarStone

Founded in 1993, FarStone Technology is a leading developer of PC and network-based system recovery solutions and a provider of digital content security, replication and management utilities. FarStone is an ISO 9001 certified software publisher holding multiple technology patents. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., the company licenses its software to corporations, small businesses, educational institutions and consumers worldwide. FarStone's global technology partners include Intel, Phoenix Technologies, Intervideo, Authentium, NEC and Fujitsu. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.farstone.com.