Linspire questions ?

Discussion in 'other software & services' started by StevieO, Jun 24, 2006.

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  1. StevieO

    StevieO Registered Member

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    I was looking at Linspire yesterday after seeing it mentioned again. I always thought that Linux software was free, at least to home users. So why are they charging around $50 for it ?

    Also how does it compare to the other Linux offerings, for ease of install and everyday use etc etc ?

    Looks nice though, and it appears that there is quite a lot of software that works on it, including well known Apps, which should allow more people to get interested in it, and maybe evaluate it. If it's going to be a pain and consume lots of time getting it all together and working, it would put me off anyway i'm afraid. I did take a quick look at the compatability page, which people do need to be aware of before proceeding. As things like video/sound cards and drivers etc for many things can be a real issue it seems, which would put a full stop to being able to do what you need to, or at all.

    TIA


    StevieO
     
  2. bktII

    bktII Registered Member

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    I bought Linspire in late '05. The live CD runs well on my HP desktop (I use it as a recovery DVD) and does not run on my Compaq laptop. However, the OS installed on my laptop and would not install on my desktop. You may have a completely different experience with your hardware.

    Once installed on my laptop, the sound worked fine and I could play CDs; but I was never able to get streaming audio sound to work (spent several hours trying with much searching at their forum, othe users were having trouble as well).

    50$ is much less than MS, buth there are other Linux distros that are open source and/or free. I currently use Fedora Core 5 and Ubuntu and like both. BTW, both OSs install on my desktop AND notebook PCs.

    Linspire is a reasonably good OS and I would recommend that you try their live CD.

    You could also try Freespire here (I have not tried this):

    http://www.freespire.org/

    "Freespire is a community-driven, Linux-based operating system that combines the best that free, open source software has to offer (community driven, freely distributed, open source code, etc.), but also provides users the choice of including proprietary codecs, drivers and applications as they see fit.
     
  3. WSFuser

    WSFuser Registered Member

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    they charge $50 for including numerous software with their linux install. technical support is another cause for a price.
     
  4. iceni60

    iceni60 ( ^o^)

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    Linux as nothing to do with being free (money-wise). when you see Linux and free in the same sentence it generally means you have the freedom to use/change/improve the source code rather then just getting a binary.

    it comes from the GNU licence which almost all the software uses. if you want you can download a distro, free of charge, burn it to a disc, then go and sell it.

    Linspire have taken GNU software and added some of their own stuff, then they sell it.

    if you're interested here's a video with the person who writes the GNU licence - Richard Stallman. he mentions free alot, but he's talking about freedom, not money!
    http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1647626314188526128

    personally, i think he talks aload of nonsense and find him very offensive.
     
    Last edited: Jun 24, 2006
  5. dog

    dog Guest

  6. bellgamin

    bellgamin Registered Member

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    Linux is just the kernel. Add a GNU ("GNU Not Unix") & you have a "distribution" (distro).

    Linspire is a distro. A very good way to start, if you are a clueless noobie (like me), is to get Linspire's Live CD & run it from your CD drive. It won't do anything to your main system. If you decide to go that route, another good way to start is to buy Linspire's beautifully put-together HowTo book for $19.95. That book includes a Live CD for running Linspire. The book has screen shots & instructions for just about every step of using Linspire.

    Another good distro is Kubuntu -- it's Ubuntu with a friendlier GUI. Free live CDs are readily available.

    I hear that Mephis is another good distro for noobies or whoever.

    Concerning Mr Stallman being offensive, what about Bill G? He is not only offensive but predatory as well. However, if he gave some of his $$$ to me (even a buck or so) I could be persuaded to change my mind.:D

    Parsimoniously yours... bellgamin
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~
    For $5 I'll send you my picture to hang on your wall. For $10, I'll hang on your wall in person.
     
  7. iceni60

    iceni60 ( ^o^)

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    no, i really, really dislike Stallman to the point i can't even joke about it.

    Bill Gates always said he wanted to make a full time job of giving away 90% of his money and just afew days ago he said that will be in 2 years.

    he already gives more away more then anyone else but knows if he dedicates all his time and energy his money will go even farther. maybe we can just agree to disagree here.
     
  8. StevieO

    StevieO Registered Member

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    Thanks for the replys !

    I did go and do some more reading up on it, and also Freespire which seems not to available until later this year. The latter appears to be, from what i read on their forums etc anyway and in their words, more geek oriented. Linspire looks like it's more targetted towards the vast majority of Windows users who would want a smoother/easier transition as possible, sounds like me lol.

    Can't say whether i'm sufficiently tempted enough yet, or have the need or time it will take to devote getting used to things and setting everything up from scratch etc. But i will consider it at some point, and if we could play with a non intrusive etc demo, so much the better.

    As for BG, well it can't be disputed he has donated lots of $ and now he will be spending much more time on his non MS projects !


    StevieO
     
  9. helen321

    helen321 Registered Member

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    hi, Linspire like to think of themselves as the AOL of Linux. the reason being this - it's specifically aimed at new computer users, so there're lots of flash videos showing how to get on the internet, use email, use Open Office etc, etc

    the biggest selling point for Linspire is the automatic software installer called CNR - "click and run". -
    What is CNR?
    here are some of the programs in the 'Warehouse'
    http://www.linspire.com/lindows_products_categories.php
    they have Aisles in the Warehouse which have programs grouped together which would generally be useful as a group e.g. graphical programs, games, office programs etc, etc. you add Aisles, which you usually have to pay for, then use CNR to install each program. installing with CNR is very easy - just one or two mouse clicks.

    program installation is the thing new Linux users have the biggest problem with because there's more then one way to install.

    so the software installer and support are the two main things which you pay for. freespire doesn't have them.
     
  10. StevieO

    StevieO Registered Member

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    Hi Helen or is that Ice lol ?

    Well CNR - "click and run" - sounds cool to me, and i'm sure a lot of other people would choose that option, i would think ! This sounds like the kinds of things that are really needed to get more people to experiment and then maybe start using it full time. Most people these days really are too busy to have to begin spending ages messing around with stuff, doesn't mean the're thick etc, only 24 hrs in a day with Plenty of other things to do.

    More then one way to install etc does sound like a Big problem to me, and for others too no doubt.

    Thanks


    StevieO
     
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