Ubuntu with Proprietary Software, Drivers and Codecs

Aug 8, 2007 08:16 GMT  ·  By

Linspire, Inc. is proud to announce the immediate availability of the 2.0 Freespire operating system: "This is by far our most advanced desktop Linux system we've released to date," said Larry Kettler, President and CEO of Linspire, Inc. "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."

Being based on Ubuntu 7.04 (Feisty Fawn), Freespire is a free version of the Linspire Linux 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 with the choice of including proprietary codecs, drivers and applications as they see fit. Let's have a look at some of 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 more.

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, modifying software applications such as Firefox and Thunderbird, 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.

Freespire 2.0 provides improved out-of-the-box hardware, file type and multimedia support, such as MP3, Windows Media Video/Audio, Real Networks, Flash, Java, ATI, nVidia, WiFi, and Microsoft Word document interoperability by including Open XML translators that allow OpenOffice to open and edit Microsoft Word .docx formatted documents.

Don't forget to check out the Installing Freespire 2.0 for Newbies guide provided to you by Softpedia.

Download Freespire now from Softpedia.