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The first BETA of Freespire Linux was released on Friday. Freespire is a no-cost version of the Linspire operating system based on Linux and Open Source. This is the first BETA release of Freespire Beta1 (Build 0.0.69). The team suggest reading the FAQ and Release Notes before downloading or installing. This version is BETA software and is UNSUPPORTED. If you download this version you should not open support tickets. The Freespire team recommends that you only install this software on a test machine.
Core OS There will be two versions available: - Freespire - This is the regular, complete version, comprised largely of open source software, but which also includes proprietary codecs, drivers and applications for an enhanced, "out-of-the-box" user experience. (Visit the Summary of Proprietary Components page for a detailed list of the licensed software used in this version.)
- Freespire OSS Edition - This version removes any software that isn't licensed as open source. This version will have limited functionality, as it will not, out-of-the box, support MP3, Real, Java, Flash, QuickTime, Windows Media, ATI drivers, nVidia drivers, etc. (Note: As per this post, the Freespire OSS Edition of Beta 1 will be released a few days after the regular version.)
"Freespire is about choice," Carmony said. "The user should be free to decide what software they want to install on their systems, be that proprietary or open source. Linspire fully embraces and supports the open source model, but if Linux is to gain mainstream acceptance, it needs to work with iPods and DVD players, and fully support hardware, such as 3D graphic cards, Wi-Fi, sound, and printers. Until there are viable open source replacements, freespire sets out to at least provide the option of legally and easily using certain proprietary codecs, drivers and software." |
