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An Early Look at Freespire Linux

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the lime-in-the-coconut dept.

An anonymous reader writes "DesktopLinux.com takes an early look at Freespire Linux in a recent article. Linspire will be releasing their first version of Freespire, the first community Linux distribution to include many third-party proprietary codecs, drivers, and software. From the article: 'While I still have my doubts about the long-term wisdom of using proprietary software and drivers with Linux, I must say that if you feel you need to use such programs, Freespire makes it much easier than any other Linux distribution. And, when is all said and done, that's really what Freespire is all about -- making Linux as easy as possible for users.'"

5 of 171 comments (clear)

  1. It's about time... by Geldon · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Linspire has had some pretty good ideas when it comes to making Linux easy for the Windows user. But since it has not been free, I have been reluctent to recommend it to friends. I would like to see how this turns out...

  2. More Bubbly by neonprimetime · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Is it just me, or do Linux Desktops seem to be following the Windows trend? They seem to be getting more bubbly. Take me back to the days of BlackBox

    1. Re:More Bubbly by BecomingLumberg · · Score: 5, Insightful
      I agree Linux is going that way, but familiarity and 'good' looks are the only way to start converting the non-geeks. And there are plenty of nuts and bolts distros.

      Eye candy is very appealing to the mainstream user, and will help A LOT to increase Linux's usage and familiarity.

      --
      If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.-TJ
    2. Re:More Bubbly by B11 · · Score: 5, Insightful

      I don't know about you, but it's nice to have a system that isn't ugly. Of course, the first thing I did when I installed ubuntu was change the theme and get rid of the brown. Seriously, who thought that was a good idea? Of course now, it's sort of their claim to fame, and they can't change it now, but I wonder how many "regular" users are put off by unbuntu altogether, right off the bat?

      --
      insert inflammatory anti-microsoft comment here
  3. Re:nice quip by aixou · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Nice quip, served you well.

    You appear to be misinformed however. Freespire will be released in two distinct versions:

    One containing entirely free software, and one containing proprietary codecs (paid for and licensed by Linspire).
    The user gets to choose which he uses.

    Hence the "Free" -- freedom of choice to opt into one of two free (as in beer) choices: a completely free (as in speech and beer) version, and a free (just as in beer) version.
    Seems pretty free to me.

    Any questions?