Freespire 2.0 with Proprietary Components
US distributor Linspire has finally released version 2.0 of its free Linux variant Freespire, three months behind schedule.
Freespire is designed for use on desktops and laptops and claims to be newbie-friendly. The new version is the first to be based on Ubuntu Linux (7.04). Besides updated program packages the distribution's unique selling point, according to Linspire, is the integration of proprietary software. Freespire supports MP3, Windows media, Quicktime, Java, Flash and Realplayer files. Proprietary add-ons include drivers for ATI and Nividia graphics cards. Users can visit Linspire's CNR ("Click and Run") software warehouse to purchase and install more proprietary programs including DVD players, Sun's Staroffice or Wine-based helpers for running Windows programs, such as Cedega or Crossover.
"Freespire 2.0 picks up where Ubuntu leaves off", says the new President and Linspire CEO, Larry Kettler, "by adding proprietary software, drivers and codecs, to make for a more complete turn-key solution for mainstream desktop computing". This is very much in key with former Linspire boss Kevin Carmony who recently left the company. Carmony had criticized GPL v3 in a Linspire saying that the free software license was too restrictive with respect to the use of proprietary software.
Linspire's close integration of Ubuntu is the result of a technological cooperation agreement that Canonical and Linspire signed in early February. According to the original roadmap the commercial Linspire 2.0 was due for release four weeks after the free variant. Freespire 2.0 can be downloaded from the company.
Issue 247/2021
Buy this issue as a PDF
News
-
Ubuntu 21.04 Adds Support for Active Directory and Other Major Changes
In a bid to help make Linux more viable for the business desktop, Canonical adds support for Active Directory and a few other notable changes.
-
GNOME 40 Available on openSUSE
The rolling release edition of openSUSE, Tumbleweed, now offers the latest version of the GNOME desktop.
-
Apple M1 Hardware Support to be Merged into Linux Kernel 5.13
Linux users will be able to install their favorite distribution on Apple’s M1-based hardware.
-
KDE Launches the Qt 5 Patch Collection
To support and maintain a stable Qt 5 for KDE Gears and Frameworks, KDE will maintain a patch collection.
-
Linux Creator Warns Next Kernel Could be Delayed
Linus Torvalds has issued concern about the size of kernel 5.12 and possible delays for its release.
-
System76 Updates its Pangolin Laptop
System76 has released a much-anticipated AMD version of their most popular laptop, the Pangolin.
-
New Debian-Based Distribution Arrives on the Market
TelOS is a new Debian-based Linux distribution with a customized, touch-screen-ready KDE Plasma 5 desktop.
-
System76 Releases New Thelio Desktop
One of the most ardent supporters of open source hardware has released a new desktop machine for home or office.
-
Mageia 8 Now Available with Linux 5.10 LTS
The latest release of Mageia includes improved graphics support for both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs.
-
GNOME 40 Beta has been Released
Anyone looking to test the beta for the upcoming GNOME 40 release can now do so.