3 stars (Imprisoned Linux: Good for $ Novice, Not So Much For Everyone Else) - Quick Summary: Linspire is a linux based OS that provides an easy means of converting from a Windows platform. Installing and getting application software is made easy through a database named CNR (Click-N-Run) and installing those programs is streamlined. It is great for people unfamiliar with Linux but may not be the best distro for people looking to become knowledgable in Linux. There are other Linux OS's that are free of charge, more open (less restraints) and have a number of forums for support. Linspire charges you for software that may be free! outside of Linspire's Click-N-Pay system. Linspire comments out or limits package repositories - which is essentially trying to make you use their way of doing things - and make an educated decision before purchase. If you want the easiest possible transition from Windows to Linux and don't mind the restraints - go Linspire. More Details: PRO's: If you're a beginner to Linux - don't know much about Operating Systems - and don't plan on learning a whole lot about them - then Linspire is probably your best choice. It offers the stability and security of a Linux system with the familiar Windows atmosphere. Install is easy and getting around will be as well. You can find a lot of software in their Click-N-Run database and program install is painless. If your familiar with Linux or OS's - or you are willing to learn and you will work around the restraints in Linspire - then go for it! BUT... CON's: If you want to learn Linux, tweak the system and enjoy the freedom that is open source OS - then you should check out Ubuntu or SUSE. Both of those are free for download and install (SUSE will even mail you an install CD!). Linspire charges ~$50 for their OS and they keep on charging for all kinds of things. The aformentioned CNR (Click-N-Run) has a lot of the programs which you pay for that are free otherwise! So you pay for a Linux OS (rather tha... Linspire Inc :: linspire :: five :: 0 :: linspire :: inc :: software :: linux :: linspirefive 0 04 march :: 2005 :: Linspire Five 0
