Immediately available for free download through the Freespire.org web site (http://www.freespire.org), Freespire is a community-influenced, Ubuntu-based Linux distribution that is designed to be powerful enough for sophisticated Linux users and developers, yet easy enough for someone new to Linux. Freespire was created specifically for use on desktop and notebook computers and designed to offer a new level of polish, attention to detail, and ease-of-use in a free Linux distribution.
Freespire 2.0 begins with Ubuntu (Version 7.04) as its baseline and then adds software from six broad categories, further expanding Freespire's capabilities:
CNR plugin provides free one-click access to thousands of open source applications, as well as options for legally licensed DVD playback software, Sun's StarOffice, Parallels Workstation, Win4Lin, CodeWeaver's Crossover Office, TransGaming's Cedega, commercial games, and many more.
KDE is added for an easier-to-use and more comfortable interface, with a more familiar look and feel for Apple Mac and Microsoft Windows users.
Enhanced applications and features are added for superior usability and ease of use, modifying software applications such as Firefox and Thunderbird, and along with the inclusion of Linspire-sponsored open source software like Nvu, Lsongs, and Lphoto.
Proprietary software is added when necessary, such as Java, Flash, and Adobe Acrobat, in order to provide overall increased interoperability.
Proprietary codecs are added to expand multimedia compatibility and provide a superior overall experience so users can listen to MP3 files, play Windows Media files, and much more.
Proprietary drivers are added to expand hardware compatibility and provide optimum 3D graphic card support, better Wi-Fi support, and more.
"This is by far our most advanced desktop Linux system we've released to date," said Kettler. "Everything is cutting edge, utilizing the latest core technologies, from the Kernel to KDE, with the infrastructure in place to keep Freespire updated and current, moving forward."
Freespire 2.0 also provides users with enhanced Microsoft Word document interoperability by including Open XML translators that allow OpenOffice to open and edit Microsoft Word .docx formatted documents.
As a company, Linspire will continue to develop and release new commercial versions of its industry leading desktop Linux operating system, the Linspire OS. While Freespire is more accessible to developers, enthusiasts, hobbyists and those in or curious about the Linux community, Linspire will continue to be more geared toward general computer user, OEM and the retail channel by offering more ease of use and premium support.
