Linspire 6.0 with Microsoft Technology and Intellectual Property Assurances
Linux distributor Linspire has just released version 6.0 of its commercial operating system.
Linspire 6.0 is based on the free Ubuntu distribution and adds applications, including proprietary software and drivers, through its CNR (Click 'n' Run) software warehouse. In an announcement the vendor states that this is the first commercial version of its product to include Microsoft technology and intellectual property assurances. The free community product, Freespire 2.0, was released in August and contained proprietary programs and drivers. More than two years have passed since the last commercial release. In this time, Linspire has been through many changes, including the migration of the code base to Ubuntu. This change has now been completed in Linspire 6.0.
The Microsoft technologies included in Linspire are Windows Media, True Type fonts, and the Open XML translator. More proprietary software is used for MP3, Java, Flash, and in the ATI, Nvidia and WiFi drivers. Linspire made waves with its harsh criticism of the GPL version 3. The Linspire CEO at the time, Kevin Carmony, published an open letter saying that proprietary drivers were indispensable for a successful Linux operating system. His successor, Larry Kettler, picks up this thread in promoting the latest version: "Linspire 6.0 further bridges the gap between open source and commercial software, combining the best from each into a single easy-to-use, familiar and productive operating system."
In its announcement, Linspire points out that Linspire 6.0 includes "intellectual property assurances" from Microsoft. In June 2007 Linspire joined the ranks of Linux enterprises who concluded a cooperation agreement with Microsoft. Although interoperability between the two operating systems is quoted as the main motivation for the deal, Linspire explicitly refers to the controversial intellectual property assurance clauses in which Microsoft guarantees not to sue Linspire users for infringements against Microsoft patents. The Novell agreement from 2006 contains a similar clause which has been a source of many discussions version since. The Free Software Foundation, FSF, added a so-called “Novell clause” to GPL v3 in response.
Issue 262/2022
Buy this issue as a PDF
News
-
The 14" Pinebook Pro Linux Laptop is Shipping
After a considerable delay, the 14" version of the Pinebook Pro laptop is, once again, available for purchase.
-
OpenMandriva Lx ROME Technical Preview Released
OpenMandriva’s rolling release distribution technical preview has been released for testing purposes and adds some of the latest/greatest software into the mix.
-
Linux Mint 21 is Now Available
The latest iteration of Linux Mint, codenamed Vanessa, has been released with a new upgrade tool and other fantastic features.
-
Firefox Adds Long-Anticipated Feature
Firefox 103 has arrived and it now includes a feature users have long awaited…sort of.
-
System76 Refreshes Their Popular Oryx Pro Laptop with a New CPU
The System76 Oryx Pro laptop has been relaunched with a 12th Gen CPU and more powerful graphics options.
-
Elive Has Released a New Beta
The Elive team is proud to announce the latest beta version (3.8.30) of its Enlightenment-centric Linux distribution.
-
Rocky Linux 9 Has Arrived
The latest iteration of Rocky Linux is now available and includes a host of new features and support for new architecture.
-
Slimbook Executive Linux Ultrabook Upgrading Their CPUs
The Spanish-based company, Slimbook, has made available their next generation Slimbook Executive Linux ultrabooks with a 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake CPU.
-
Fedora Linux is Coming to the Raspberry Pi 4
Thanks to significant work in the upstream, the upcoming release of Fedora 37 will introduce support for the Raspberry Pi 4.
-
New Linux Ultrabook from TUXEDO Computers
TUXEDO Computers has released a new 15" Ultrabook running Linux.