Linspire Goes Five-0
After a year of development time, Linspire has released version Five-0 of its Linux desktop. The most significant changes were made to the user interface; other changes include better support for laptops and hardware, Internet optimization and an updated catalogue of bundled applications.
Linspire Five-0 is based on the Linux kernel 2.6.10 and KDE desktop environment. Since it is Linux based, Linspire is ready to run more than 2000 available programs from the open source community which are downloadable on demand through Linspire's click and run (CNR) software library.
The standard Linspire configuration preinstalls the OpenOffice.org productivity suite, a cadre of e-mail and instant messaging clients, multimedia viewers, photo and music managers as well as calendaring tools.
A feature called "total system update" helps users keep core operating system components and all installed software up-to-date with upgrade notifications. Updates may be installed by the user or configured to install automatically for added security and reliability.
Some additional security enhancements are included, particularly a pre-configured firewall, VPN support and antivirus protection using the optional VirusSafe service. Linspire also helps protect personal information such as passwords with a new encrypted "wallet."
Linspire has said that the release has "easy plug and play support" for removable media, improved audio and video support, and a one-step diagnostic reporting tool to resolve user encountered hardware related complications.
Further hardware support for Intel Centrino and AMD PowerNow improves laptop compatibility. Mobile users who run Linspire may find it more convenient to locate wireless "hotspots" with the addition of a new access point locator and a wireless control panel to configure available connections.
"For more than a year, we've analyzed and studied the user experience to create a Linux product suitable for the mass market," said Michael Robertson, CEO of Linspire, Inc. "Linspire Five-0 is so easy to use, it finally makes Linux practical for anyone - from a Fortune 500 executive to a kid researching a school essay."
Linspire comes in two flavors: Linspire Five-0 Digital, which costs $49.95 USD, and Linspire Five-0 Digital CNR Edition that runs $89.95 USD. Customers who purchase the CNR edition receive a subscription to the CNR catalog. A detailed list of features and pricing information can be found at the Linspire Web site.