During the past decade, multiple linear accelerator (LINAC) radiosurgical systems have been developed. By measuring beam energy, beam accuracy, and dose gradient, it is possible to compare them to the older radiosurgical device, the gamma knife. LINAC systems appear to be advantageous in terms of cost, variety of collimator sizes available, and currently available sophistication of computerized dose planning. In the near future, the development of conformal LINAC treatment may change the entire field of radiosurgery significantly by offering improved dose plans for irregularly shaped lesions. In addition, LINAC systems may be adapted for stereotactically focused fractionated radiotherapy and for radiosurgical treatment of lesions elsewhere in the body.