Linux just got a major boost today with Asus confirming that it will extend the inclusion of the Splashtop pre-boot multimedia shell from just a few of its most expensive models to more products and eventually throughout its entire product range.

The technology, which debuted last October branded as Express Gate by Asus, is an instant-on Linux distro embedded on the motherboard in flash memory that allows users to run a browser, or other core applications on their PCs within seconds of hitting the power-on button. With Asus set to ship over a million mobos a month sporting the feature, this could be a turning point for Linux in reaching mass-market desktop PCs - whether people actually use it though is another thing.

DeviceVM, the company behind Splashtop, says it is also working with other manufacturers to incorporate Splashtop into their designs. Apparently, they plan to have numerous Splashtop-enabled motherboards, desktops, and laptops available in 2008, with the latter being particularly exciting as it could prove incredibly useful in extending battery life.