OS News has an interview with Linspire CEO Michael Robertson.

In the interview (here) there is an offer to try Linspire (with Click-n-Run service for 30 days) with a free download.

Linspire, formerly Lindows, typically gets looked-down upon by many Linux users because of a "why pay for what you can get for free?" mentality. What Linspire provides, however, is a service for those who don't want to go to a command line to use thier system.

Just like most distros, Linspire has its advantages and disadvantages. It was the only distro that I tried on my son's PC that immediately used the Linksys USB Wi-Fi adapter he had (even XP didn't do that without installing the Linksys CD and rebooting). Looking at Linspire from the point of view of their target market, it may be worth considering for some people. Plus, Linspire has provided funding to many other Open Source projects (such as KDE).

Read the article, if you are interested. Download and try it, if you think you want to give it a try.



EDIT: Did I make a mistake and put this in the Customizing section? Let me move this, then...
* thread moved to general Open Source Discussion *

Unfortunately, they also lock it down to the point where it is extremely difficult to install software without the use of click'n'run. At least, this was the case when I last tried it. There are far better alternatives out there for people looking to get their feet wet in the world of linux. I advise people look elsewhere.

Agreed, if you want to get a bit of linux experience, Linspire is definitely not the way to go.

Having said that, if you just want a machine that "just works", and you can set up for an elderly relative etc, and not have to worry too much about spyware/viruses, then I think it's a reasonable choice.

You have your Son running Linux? too cool!

Orzm!

I always wanted to get Linux 9.2 for free, but now Linspire comes first with such a pleasant offer.

I'll install Linspire now and not Linux!

o_0 I shake my head at what you just said.

Er... Linspire is a distro of Linux. Linux is just a kernel. I assume by the number 9.2 you mean SuSE Linux, which is a kind of Linux. A distro.

The question is what does Linspire has to offer anyway?
When you have similar tools to Click-N-Run (like apt-get) in free distros.

The point is too attract people that aren't that adept at working on their computer. They want the computer to work for them, instead of being a slave to it.

Not everyone is a l33t hacker like us.

true that, I am about to load it on my Grandma's Boxen. I am sick of cleaning crap out of WINDOWS every 2 weeks.

How so Keldyn? Are you not able to install gcc or something?

Linspire is actually a fine distro. It's not bad for someone simply looking to get their feet wet. While I myself wouldn't use it, I have no problems suggesting it to certain people.



Oh man another Microsoftite