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Linspire

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Linspire
Linspire Logo
Linspire 5 Desktop
"The World's Easiest Desktop Linux!"
DeveloperLinspire, Inc.
OS familyLinux
Working stateCurrent
Source modelOpen source and closed source
Latest release5.1 / April 21, 2006
Kernel typeMonolithic kernel
Default
user interface		KDE
LicenseGPL, proprietary licenses
Official websitehttp://www.linspire.com/

Linspire, previously known as LindowsOS (also Lin---s, pronounced as Lindash), is a GNU/Linux distribution based on Debian. Linspire's focus is on ease-of-use for home, school and business users. Linspire strives to make a GNU/Linux distribution that is easy for the average person to use and not one that will necessarily cater to the demands of a power user.

As of April 21, 2006, the most recent stable release of Linspire is version 5.1.

History

Michael Robertson founded Linspire around August 2001 and continues to serve as Chairman. As of July 20, 2005, Kevin Carmony serves as President and CEO.

The first public release of Linspire, version 1.0, came in late 2001[1].

Microsoft Corporation sued Lindows, Inc. claiming the name "Lindows" constituted a trademark infringement on "Windows". As early as 2002, a court rejected Microsoft's claims, stating that Microsoft had used the term "windows" to describe graphical user interfaces before the product, Windows, was ever released, and that the windowing technique had already been implemented by Xerox and Apple many years before[2]. Microsoft kept seeking retrial, but in February 2004, a judge rejected two of Microsoft's central claims[3]. At this point, Microsoft offered to settle the case. As part of an estimated $24 million cash and licensing settlement from Microsoft (for a case that Microsoft itself brought), Lindows agreed to change their name to Linspire, and transfer the Lindows trademark to Microsoft. See Microsoft vs. Lindows for more information.

Linspire, Inc had the initial goal of developing a GNU/Linux-based operating system capable of running major Windows applications as well. It based its Windows compatibility on WINE. Linspire Inc. later abandoned its initial approach in favor of making Linux applications easy to download, install and use. They achieved this using an application called CNR (click and run), a program based on Debian's Advanced Packaging Tool, providing an easy-to-use interface and a slightly modified package system for an annual fee (apt-get costs no money, but has less user-friendliness). CNR (click and run) has roughly 2,200 pieces of software for download (however, CNR is no longer based on apt-get).

Open source support

Linspire has contributed millions of dollars in direct funds and contributed code to several open source projects.

Linspire, Inc sponsors many open-source projects and events[4], including the Gaim and Kopete instant messaging clients, Lsongs, Lphoto, IRMA, the KDE-Apps.org and KDE-Look.org websites. In the past, Linspire contributed over $500,000 to the WINE project [citation needed] and also hosted several Linux and open source events such as the annual Desktop Linux Summit, Debconf and KDE Developers Conference.

With very few exceptions, all code that is developed by Linspire is contributed back to the open source community. Linspire is also the lead maintainer for important projects such as Nvu (an open-source WYSIWYG website editor based on the Mozilla composer code, and intended to rival and supplant the internal use of FrontPage), Lsongs (an iTunes equivalent), and Lphoto, and is an important contributor to other projects such as Mozilla Firefox, Gaim, and Reiser FS, amongst others [4].

Editions

Several varieties of Linspire, known as editions, target different markets. Four main editions exist: Standard, Developer, OEM and Live.

Standard
The standard edition is intended for most consumer desktops and laptops
Developer
A version designed for developers, this version comes with many development tools such as text editors, compilers and libraries for developing software.
OEM
The OEM edition of Linspire is for use by PC makers and system builders who want to offer their customers a laptop or desktop personal computer with Linspire preinstalled.
Live
Potential users can download a no-cost LiveCD version of Linspire in ISO image format from P2P networks, or directly from Linspire and run it on their computer without installing. This is legally-sanctioned and encouraged.
Thrillseekers
The Thrillseekers editions are special beta releases available only to members of the Linspire Insiders community (a Linspire Insiders membership costs USD 99.95). It is used mainly for testing purposes.

CNR

File:Clicknrun2.jpg
The Click'N'Run Logo

Linspire's CNR Service (short for click and run) allows users "unrestricted access to software stored in the CNR Warehouse" [5]. The service allows users to install applications using a single click for about US$20. CNR also includes Click-'N-Buy or CNB which contains many commercial or proprietary Linux applications available to members at a discounted rate. Currently CNR has over 2,200 different products [6], ranging from very simple applications to major commercial works like Win4Lin and StarOffice. Linspire offers two different pricing options for their annual subscription-based CNR service:

CNR Service (basic)
The basic CNR Service, available for about US$20 per year, allows users to install applications using a single click.
CNR Gold Service
Like the basic service, the Gold Service, available for about US$50 per year, allows users to install applications using a single click. Additional extras come with the CNR Gold Service, such as discounts on commercial Linux software (like StarOffice, Win4Lin, Cedega and MyBooksPro) as well as other services and features. Proponents of the service claim that one software discount practically pays for the cost of CNR Gold Service.

In early 2006, rumors popped up that Linspire and Ubuntu were going to strike a deal which would port Linspire's CNR (Click-N-Run) service to Ubuntu, allowing for users of Ubuntu to use the CNR download service on Ubuntu and Kubuntu (the KDE version of Ubuntu). Reaction to the rumors have been both positive and negative. Most negative comments have come from the Ubuntu community who believe that Linux should be 100% free (a subscription to the CNR service costs US$19.95/year for the basic service and US$49.95/year for the CNR Gold service). If this deal goes through, it would allow Ubuntu users to legally download the commercial multimedia codecs that Linspire has licensed from companies such as Microsoft.

On April 24, 2006, the company announced plans to open-source CNR for use by other distributions [7].

Language support, and international editions

Linspire sponsors the IRMA (Internationalization Resource Management Application) Project [8] which allows people from all over the world to assist in the translation of open source software. IRMA supports over 50 languages with over 1,500 translators. IRMA allows Linspire to be available fully translated in many languages, such as English, UK English, German, Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese, Italian, and others.

Given the orientation of Linspire towards ease of use, and the consumer desktop, the creation of fully translated international editions is crucial for its successful adoption. The international editions complement the KDE interface in the local language with translated multimedia tutorials, documentation, packaging, installation procedures, support for local ISPs, etc., and are available in the form of boxed packages to be sold at retail stores, or OEM licenses for System Builders.

Criticism

Charging for what some view as simply a modified version of Debian, similar to MEPIS, Xandros, Progeny, and Libranet, has once again attracted criticism. Others disagree and argue that the Linspire OS is considerably different from Debian and most other Linux distributions, because it includes dozens of non-open source software programs on its installation CD, such as support for MP3, DVD, Quick Time, Java, Flash, Real, Windows Media, Adobe .pdf, propriatary drivers, and so on. Some of these licensed, 3rd-party products include fees to the license holder which are paid for and legally licensed by Linspire.

Security concerns

Some advanced Linux and UNIX users complain that Linspire allows users to run as root without more forcefully notifying them of the dangers, reducing the system's security.

Linspire employs the controversial practice of allowing users to always run programs as root, which can potentially nullify the traditional UNIX security system. During the installation, users are encouraged not to run as root but to set up user accounts. However, unlike most distributions, it is not mandated, with the choice being left up to the user. Michael Robertson, the Founder of Linspire, has argued that the separation of root from normal users is essentially not relevant, given that Linspire PCs are single-user systems, and not multiuser servers. He also claims that once an intruder has gained access to your machine under any account, your data has been compromised and the point is moot. Linspire also claims that this should be the user's choice, not Linspire's.

Opponents maintain that an intruder managing to gain control of a Linspire system can do anything he or she wants to the computer, such as installing spyware and loading kernel modules to mask the intrusion, and therefore believe that the default should be to force the creation of user accounts. Moreover, with Linspire being a distribution aimed for generally less advanced home and business users, they may not be able to make informed choices about their system security. Proponents of Linux also put a high value on the education of users, and find that it is important for everybody to learn about the traditional and reliable security models based on limited users, and feel that a weakening of this knowledge in the general Linux user community could lead to exploitation by specifically targeted malware.

However, it should also be noted that the default Linspire installation does not include network services. There is also a strict firewall installed and enabled by default, which blocks everything except for port 22 (i.e. SSH). On the other hand, without the security barriers of separate user accounts, even network-connected client programs pose highly increased risks, especially with the increased popularity of peer-to-peer type networking applications.

Freespire

In August 2005, a distribution LiveCD called "Freespire" hit the web by accident [9]. Freespire was a GNU/Linux distribution based on the source pools from Linspire. This distribution was created by Andrew Betts and was not produced or released by Linspire Inc. Freespire was confused by some users to be an actual product from Linspire, and its creator voluntarily changed the name to avoid legal problems from Linspire. As of the name change, the former Freespire adopted a development codename "Squiggle" [10], and began contemplation of a new distro name. Linspire then, on the back of the generated publicity, offered users a "free Linspire" (purchase price discounted to $0) by using the coupon code "Freespire" until September 9th 2005, thereby greatly increasing its userbase. Squiggle OS however, is no longer in development.

As of April 24, 2006, Linspire announced "Freespire" [7][11]. The new Freespire distribution was announced by Linspire President and CEO Kevin Carmony. This distribution, will be a Debian-based, community driven and supported project tied to the commercial Linspire distribution.

References

  1. ^ "John C. Dvorak of PC Mag on Lindows". Retrieved 2006-05-02.
  2. ^ "internetnews.com: Microsoft's Appeal in 'Lindows' Case Rejected". Retrieved 2006-05-02.
  3. ^ "Silicon.com: Lindows wins in US court Microsoft ruling". Retrieved 2006-05-02.
  4. ^ a b "Open source projects sponsored by Linspire". Retrieved 2006-04-27.
  5. ^ "Linspire.com: What is CNR?". Retrieved 2006-04-27.
  6. ^ "CNR Warehouse - catalogue of software titles downloadable via CNR". Retrieved 2006-04-27.
  7. ^ a b "Newsforge: Linspire launches Freespire, open-sources CNR". Retrieved 2006-04-25.
  8. ^ "IRMA Main Page". Retrieved 2006-04-27.
  9. ^ "Explanation of "SquiggleOS" release". Retrieved 2006-05-04.
  10. ^ "Squiggle OS website (no longer being developed)". Retrieved 2006-04-27.
  11. ^ "Freespire website". Retrieved 2006-04-27.

See also

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