Linux community activists are preparing to counter the recent deal between Microsoft and Novell.

Microsoft signed a deal with Novell, one of the providers of Linux, in which Novell paid it a lump sum in return for a guarantee that Microsoft would not sue Novell's clients for what it calls a violation of its own patents in the Linux program.

The prospect of a drawn-out legal battle with Microsoft, an experienced litigator, could push users of Linux into the hands of Novell and away from dominant Linux provider, Red Hat, which does not have such a deal with Microsoft.

Although Linux is free, providers of the system offer the software with packaging, documentation and - most important - installation and maintenance, so any client shift from Red Hat would cost it money.