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View Full Version : Freespire 5.0

Matrix
08-23-2005, 02:45 PM
Freespire is a new Linux distribution, a free edition of Linspire with all proprietary components and trademarks removed. The distribution comes with a free repository of over 1,500 packages available via apt-get and Synaptic. This initial release functions as a live CD only and serves as a proof of concept. It certainly looks like an interesting idea: combining the benefits of Linspire's excellent usability and hardware auto-configuration with a free repository of Debian packages.

http://distrowatch.com/?newsid=02850#0
Ken_ver_1_5
08-23-2005, 04:24 PM
I tryed linsprire once it was ok but in the end not as free as one would think.
might be worth a try to see whats new....
Digiital
08-23-2005, 05:01 PM
That is the FREE version of linspire? So it can't hurt. Might try it in VMware
Matrix
08-23-2005, 11:21 PM
you are pretty much running "pure" Debian Sid with Mepis or Kanotix. about the biggest difference is linspire has the proprietary CNR. hardware detection is pretty good in both Kanotix and Mepis.

i believe that's all freespire has done is removed the CNR and is using synaptic /apt-get. :rrg:

kde 3.4 is being added to the Debian unstable repo's right now. as soon as kde get's added Mepis will be releasing Simply Mepis 3.4! i would wait until then instead of installing the 3.3.1 version. should be in about a week or two. ;)

Mepis is great for anyone coming from a windows background and would like "everything working" including multimedia, java and flash plugins for firefox.

PClinuxOS in another great linux distro but is rpm based. the fact that it uses synaptic to update and install which eliminates dependency issues not to mention the fact that there are over 4000 packages in the repositories! :D

All multimedia plugins are working much like Mepis. if there's a program you want added just ask Tex (main developer) and he will add it. should be running with 256mb min. ram though. this is the only distro i feel comfortable giving newbies. the only thing that doesn't appeal to me is you feel like you should have your wallet out before asking a question on the forums. not a big deal since i believe he has done a great job and should be supported for doing so.