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freespire posts

Filed under: OS Updates, Linux, Microsoft, Commercial, Open Source

Linspire 6.0 release: Linux for the Windows set

Linspire 6.0So you want your Linux and your proprietary software too? Not a problem. Linspire 6.0 was released today. The software formerly known as Lindows is built on the open-source Linux kernel. But it includes support for proprietary components including MP#, Real, Java, Flash, ATI, and nVidia software, codecs and drivers.

Linspire is based on Ubuntu 7.04, but unlike Ubuntu you'll have to pay $50 for a full version of Linspire. Your money buys you support for the aforementioned proprietary components.

Earlier this year, Linspire and Microsoft announced a technology-sharing partnership. And sure enough, the latest version of Linspire supports Windows Media audio and video formats, True Type Fonts, and the ability to open .docx formatted documents using OpenOffce.org.

If you'd rather not cough up the $50, you can always try Freespire 2.0, which includes many, but not all Linspire 6.0's features.

[via Slashdot]

Filed under: OS Updates, Linux, Open Source

Freespire 2.0 is built on Ubuntu 7.04 with proprietary software

Freespire 2.0Freespire 2.0, the free version of Linspire, is out. And unlike previous versions of Linspire and Freespire, which were built on Debian, Freespire 2.0 is built on top of Ubuntu. (Which, for those keeping track, is based on Debian).

But that doesn't mean Freespire will look or act just like Ubuntu. Freespire 2.0 uses the KDE desktop, which looks a bit more like the Windows and Mac desktop interfaces. Of course, you can also install Kubuntu, a version of Ubuntu that uses KDE, but Freespire's got a few other tricks up its sleeve:

  • Proprietary software like Java, Flash, and Adobe Acrobat are included.
  • Proprietary drivers are included for graphics, WiFi cards and other hardware.
  • Proprietary codecs for listening to MP3s, Windows Media, and other file formats are included
  • The CNR Plugin provides free access to open source and commercial software.
Open source purists may want to steer clear of Freespire 2.0 for its liberal use of closed source, proprietary software. But it looks like the operating system may hit that sweet spot between free and functional.

[via CyberNet]

Filed under: Linux

An early look at Freespire

An early look at Freespire
The first release of Freespire, the community-driven (a la Red Hat's Fedora) Linux distribution from Linspire, is due in a couple of weeks, but the first release candidate is now available and DesktopLinux.com is running an early look at it, which gives a good overview of what we can expect in the new platform. Out of the box, Freespire has support for a wide variety of media formats, including proprietary ones like Windows Media, QuickTime, and Real. One of its stand-out features is the Click-and-Run (CNR) system, which lets you install a wide variety of software with one click over the internet. CNR costs $20 per year to use and includes both commercial (for which you pay) and open source software. Linspire has a modified KDE desktop which is designed to be comfortable for Windows converts. DesktopLinux.com says concludes that Freespire is "a fine Windows replacement desktop for home users," but could use better Network support. Click through for the full review.

Filed under: Linux, Commercial, Open Source

Linspire announces community-driven Freespire

FreespireLinspire, the Linux distribution criticized by some for being full of proprietary drivers and software, is trying to go the way of Fedora with a new "community-driven" distribution called Freespire. Two version of Freespire will be released, one with proprietary software and one without. The really-free version won't, for example, come with DVD playback, which users will instead have the option to purchase. Groklaw calls it "nauseating," saying, "this is what happens when proprietary folks who are not from the community show up prospecting for gold. They can't change their thinking, which is that they want to make money by hook or by crook." Freespire will be released in August, likely at San Francisco's LinuxWorld West.

[Via Slashdot]

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