Freespire 2.0 Released

[Dr.Jones]

Freespire 2.0 is immediately available; the latest version of the free desktop Linux operating system. Building on the best of open source software using Ubuntu as its baseline, Freespire 2.0 adds legally licensed proprietary drivers, codecs, and applications in its core distribution, to provide a better user experience. Freespire 2.0 (http://www.freespire.org) also continues to offer users the ability to choose what software they want installed on their computer, without limitations or restrictions, as a result, making available proprietary software where there are no viable open source alternatives.

Freespire is able to provide improved out-of-the-box hardware, file type, and multimedia support, such as MP3, Windows Media, Real Networks, Java, Flash, ATI, nVidia, WiFi, and many more. Freespire is also the first desktop Linux operating system that will include a CNR plugin for the soon to be released new CNR Service (http://www.cnr.com), providing 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 other commercial Linux products.

“Version 2.0 is the first Freespire based off of the popular Ubuntu distribution," explained President and CEO of Linspire, Inc. Larry Kettler. "Freespire 2.0 picks up where Ubuntu leaves off by adding proprietary software, drivers and codecs, to make for a more complete turn-key solution for mainstream desktop computing.”

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 other commercial Linux products.
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 WiFi 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.

[frazelle09]

Great announcement! Very happy! Congratulations!!!

Have a great evening!

[ME-MYSELF-I]

the thing is quick, BUT mbr did not pick up my other 2 OS's.

[JDoyle]

Originally Posted by ME-MYSELF-I

the thing is quick, BUT mbr did not pick up my other 2 OS's.

Mine did.

JD

[jrusso2]

I am guessing that CNR is functional now?

[ME-MYSELF-I]

Originally Posted by JDoyle

Mine did.

JD

did you install from the live or go direct to install?

[JDoyle]

From the Live CD

JD

[frazelle09]

The only CNR i get is an icon in the sys tray and one on the Desktop. When i click on the one on the Desktop, i get the lbrowser with something like...

CNR, COMING SOON TO A DESKTOP NEAR YOU!

Actually it says "Soon you will be able to one-click download and install all your favorite Linux software....."

and the icon installs in system tray and i can use the window to Update now.

Have a great evening!

[triske2006]

Originally Posted by frazelle09

The only CNR i get is an icon in the sys tray and one on the Desktop. When i click on the one on the Desktop, i get the lbrowser with something like...

CNR, COMING SOON TO A DESKTOP NEAR YOU!

Actually it says "Soon you will be able to one-click download and install all your favorite Linux software....."

and the icon installs in system tray and i can use the window to Update now.

Have a great evening!

Same here. Maybe they are getting ready to go live tomorrow.

[jrusso2]

Seems a bit strange to release a final version without CNR working

[Ray2047]

Certainly good news with all the controversy of late. Maybe we can just get on with using a great OS.

[ME-MYSELF-I]

Originally Posted by JDoyle

From the Live CD

JD

nutz, did both ways and still no go!!

I leave the check in the mbr box.

[x86]

Thankyou, thankyou thankyou, though may never use it in anger it is good that finally a line can be drawn under Freespire Release, better late than never ever!!

[andy.w]

Well done to all involved. Thanks very much.

[Dutchmaster]

I'm DOA. Still. How disappointing. That's the last two releases that won't work on my hardware.

[Ophie]

Will it be possible to upgrade from 1.0.13 to 2.0? I just installed it yesterday and is the only OS on my pc

[andy.w]

Originally Posted by Ophie

Will it be possible to upgrade from 1.0.13 to 2.0? I just installed it yesterday and is the only OS on my pc

No.

[Beardie Man]

Originally Posted by Ophie

Will it be possible to upgrade from 1.0.13 to 2.0? I just installed it yesterday and is the only OS on my pc

Sorry, but the answer is no because there is just too many things that are differnt i.e. 1.0 is debian based and 2.0 is Ubuntu based.

[native]

What HARDWARE are you using that we need to stay away from ????

[Ophie]

Originally Posted by mike102282

Sorry, but the answer is no because there is just too many things that are differnt i.e. 1.0 is debian based and 2.0 is Ubuntu based.

mkay.

[Dutchmaster]

Originally Posted by native

What HARDWARE are you using that we need to stay away from ????

Nvidia Geforce GO 6100 video

[*John*]

Congrats Freespire staff

[elinux]

They even dont work in safe graphics mode?

[Dutchmaster]

Originally Posted by elinux

They even dont work in safe graphics mode?

Is it working for you in safe mode?

I tried it this am. No setting has worked since 1.9.13. But hearing your question leads me to wonder. Heck, I'll give it another shot tonight and see if I can find some obscure combo to make it work.

[Dr.Jones]

Originally Posted by Dutchmaster

Is it working for you in safe mode?

I tried it this am. No setting has worked since 1.9.13. But hearing your question leads me to wonder. Heck, I'll give it another shot tonight and see if I can find some obscure combo to make it work.

Safe Mode uses the vesa driver (if the issue is the video card)...

[Dr.C]

Originally Posted by Dutchmaster

Is it working for you in safe mode?

I tried it this am. No setting has worked since 1.9.13. But hearing your question leads me to wonder. Heck, I'll give it another shot tonight and see if I can find some obscure combo to make it work.

Seems like a lot of people are having problems with this 2.0 (DOA, hardware doesn't work, etc.) I wonder if Spire felt rush to release a product with bugs due to the pressure/complaints by individuals posting on forum?

[BobLeslie]

Originally Posted by Dr.C

Seems like a lot of people are having problems with this 2.0 (DOA, hardware doesn't work, etc.) I wonder if Spire felt rush to release a product with bugs due to the pressure/complaints by individuals posting on forum?

Never worried them before!

More to do with cr*p inherited from Ubuntu.

[Beardie Man]

Originally Posted by BobLeslie

Never worried them before!

More to do with cr*p inherited from Ubuntu.

I agree. I think they should have stayed with Debian IMHO.

[BobLeslie]

Originally Posted by mike102282

I agree. I think they should have stayed with Debian IMHO.

Not for the first time, we're in agreement.

Question is have they got the bottle to sort out some of these long term Ubuntu problems?

I have my doubts.

[Beardie Man]

Originally Posted by BobLeslie

Not for the first time, we're in agreement.

Question is have they got the bottle to sort out some of these long term Ubuntu problems?

I have my doubts.

Well right now everything works fine to me, but I am with you here I have my doubts as well especially with all the hardware issues I am hearing about, but only time will tell.