Exhibit 5.1
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                      Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
                          Professional Corporation
                             650 Page Mill Road
                         Palo Alto, California 94304
                 (650) 493-9300 (tel.) (650) 493-6811 (fax.)

                                June 21, 2000

Cobalt Networks, Inc.

555 Ellis Street
Mountain View, CA 94043

     Re:  Registration Statement on Form S-8
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Gentlemen:

     We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be filed by you
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about June 21, 2000 (the
"Registration Statement") in connection with the registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of an aggregate of 110,000 shares of your
Common Stock (the "Shares") under the Chili!Soft, Inc. nonplan Stock Option
Agreements referenced therein (collectively, the "Option Programs").  As your
counsel in connection with this transaction, we have examined the proceedings
taken and are familiar with the proceedings proposed to be taken by you in
connection with the issuance and sale of the Shares pursuant to the Option
Programs.

     It is our opinion that, when issued and sold in the manner described in the
Option Programs and pursuant to the agreements which accompany each grant under
the Option Programs, the Shares will be legally and validly issued, fully-paid
and non-assessable.

     We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement, and further consent to the use of our name wherever appearing in the
Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.

                                         Very truly yours,

                                         WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI
                                         Professional Corporation


                                         /s/ Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati