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Linspire Releases Controversial Version 6.0

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the like-free-but-not dept.

christian.einfeldt writes "Today, Linspire releases version 6.0, its first new GNU/Linux distro in more than two years. With version 6.0, Linspire is betting that its business model of including licenses for proprietary software and formats such as Quicktime, Windows Media Player, Flash, Real, and Microsoft OOXML will win enough market share among mainstream Apple and Microsoft users to offset the backlash from opponents of proprietary software and formats. Version 6.0 also includes the highly controversial Microsoft patent coverage that has incited wide-reaching negative press coverage in the Free Open Source Software press, forums and blogosphere. But from Linspire's perspective, it's all about those new GNU/Linux users. '"Today we continue the Linspire tradition by offering the choice of a better overall experience for users new to desktop Linux,'" said Larry Kettler, President and CEO of Linspire, Inc. "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."'"

7 of 202 comments (clear)

  1. See this? by michrech · · Score: 5, Funny

    Right here? This is me not purchasing it. :)

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    bork bork bork!
    1. Re:See this? by goldspider · · Score: 3, Funny

      "Does there need to be conflict and controversy?"

      Welcome to Slashdot! Please, let me take your coat...

      --
      "Ask not what your country can do for you." --John F. Kennedy
    2. Re:See this? by Provocateur · · Score: 5, Funny

      if this is your first night at Slashdot, you have to fight.

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      WARNING: Smartphones have side effects--most of them undocumented.
  2. Re:Wow that is a loaded story. by Otter · · Score: 4, Funny
    (who may not be RMS's version of Open Source Advocates)

    RMS's mob of Free Software Advocates are now burning down your house for that slight. Also, you should say "GNU/Linux".

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    What I'm listening to now on Pandora...
  3. If it has any closed stuff it's crap by Werrismys · · Score: 5, Funny

    As simple as that. 99% of my Linux hassles is with proprietary, closed crap. Open stuff tends to Just Work after reading the friendly manual.

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    'Once scientists, even the dim-witted social scientists, get muzzled, the Western Civilization is finished.' - oldhack
  4. Re:Just what we need. by iBod · · Score: 2, Funny

    >> I install Linux over Windows about once every three or four weeks for friends

    Holy shit! I'll bet you're running out of friends!

    Do you ask them first?

  5. That'll show them! by ClosedSource · · Score: 2, Funny

    So you mean all the people using Linux without buying a distro are going to use their clout as non-paying customers to not buy Linspire too?