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.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.