TECHNOLOGY : Linux Fever Boosts Firms’ Shares

Shares of Linux-related software companies Applix Inc., Corel Corp. and Ariel Corp. jumped Monday amid optimism that the increased popularity of the operating system software will boost sales. Ariel soared $4.38 to close at $6.56, and Applix rose $2.13 to close at $18.63 in heavy trading on Nasdaq. Canada’s Corel was up 75 cents to close at $6.38, also on Nasdaq. The Linux operating system, which competes with Microsoft Corp.’s Windows NT, is growing in popularity partly because it’s available free of charge.