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Linspire Releases Controversial Version 6.0

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on Wed Oct 10, 2007 12:41 PM
from the like-free-but-not dept.
Software Linux Business Linux
christian.einfeldt writes "Today, Linspire releases version 6.0, its first new GNU/Linux distro in more than two years. With version 6.0, Linspire is betting that its business model of including licenses for proprietary software and formats such as Quicktime, Windows Media Player, Flash, Real, and Microsoft OOXML will win enough market share among mainstream Apple and Microsoft users to offset the backlash from opponents of proprietary software and formats. Version 6.0 also includes the highly controversial Microsoft patent coverage that has incited wide-reaching negative press coverage in the Free Open Source Software press, forums and blogosphere. But from Linspire's perspective, it's all about those new GNU/Linux users. '"Today we continue the Linspire tradition by offering the choice of a better overall experience for users new to desktop Linux,'" said Larry Kettler, President and CEO of Linspire, Inc. "Linspire 6.0 further bridges the gap between open source and commercial software, combining the best from each into a single easy-to-use, familiar and productive operating system."'"
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story

Related Stories

[+] Linspire Signs Patent Pact With MS 386 comments
RLiegh sends us to an AP article reporting that Linspire has signed a patent deal with Microsoft. The company, which started out life as "Lindows," joins a growing list of patent agreements reached between Microsoft and vendors. Linspire will be granted a license to use True Type Fonts and "various code" that would allow for Linspire users to use voice on Windows Live Messenger as well as the usual patent protection for Linspire's customers. In return, among other things, Linspire will make Microsoft's search engine the default search on PCs shipped with their OS. Kevin Carmony, the CEO for Linspire, approached Microsoft a year and a half ago, according to the article.
[+] Your Rights Online: Microsoft Excludes GPLv3 From Linspire Deal 342 comments
rs232 writes to tell us that Microsoft is excluding any software licensed under the new GPLv3 from their recent patent protection deal with Linspire. "Microsoft has since been treating GPLv3 software as though it were radioactive. 'Microsoft isn't a party to the GPLv3 license and none of its actions are to be misinterpreted as accepting status as a contracting party of GPLv3 or assuming any legal obligations under such license,' the company said in a statement released shortly after GPLv3 was published on June 29. In addition to excluding GPLv3 software from the Linspire deal, Microsoft recently said that it wouldn't distribute any GPLv3 software under its SUSE Linux alliance with Novell, even as it maintains in public statements that the antilawsuit provisions in the license have no legal weight. "
[+] Linspire/Microsoft Agreement Useless to Users 155 comments
Stephen Samuel writes "Groklaw host PJ has dissected the 'patent peace' agreement between Linspire and Microsoft, and has determined that what Linspire agreed to is next to useless for many users. Essentially, under the agreement Linspire software is almost unusable: 'You can't share the software with others, pass it on with the patent promise, modify your own copy, or even use it for an "unauthorized" purpose, whatever that means in a software context. You must pay Linspire for the software, but then the "covenant" says to use Linux, you must also pay Microsoft. That payment doesn't cover upgrades. Linspire said it was absorbing the initial fees, but I don't know about upgrades. New functionality means you lose your coverage or presumably must pay again.'"
Firehose:Linspire releases controversial version 6.0 by christian.einfeldt (874074)
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Linspire Releases Controversial Version 6.0 25 Comments More /

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  • See this? (Score:5, Funny)

    by michrech (468134) on Wednesday October 10 2007, @12:43PM (#20928441)
    Right here? This is me not purchasing it. :)

    • Re:See this? (Score:5, Insightful)

      by nine-times (778537) <nine.times@gmail.com> on Wednesday October 10 2007, @12:49PM (#20928531) Homepage

      Yeah, I'm not sure what the big deal is. If you don't like Linspire's approach, don't buy it. If you really want a Linux distro with all these things built-in and installed by default, then it's good for you that someone is providing that.

      Does there need to be conflict and controversy?

      • Re:See this? (Score:5, Insightful)

        by nuzak (959558) on Wednesday October 10 2007, @12:53PM (#20928593) Journal
        > Does there need to be conflict and controversy?

        Half of slashdot seems to validate their existence from it. Not excluding myself either -- I'm sorry to say I'm often drawn into it too.

        We need some kind of pledge, or at least a maxim like "Is it worth it to be right if the argument itself is stupid?"

    • And I was *so* enthused about their Click&Run! (Score:5, Insightful)

      by KWTm (808824) on Wednesday October 10 2007, @04:59PM (#20932319) Journal
      I had been prepared to buy Linspire, or at least get their Click&Run service. I do think that the next leg of Linux's path to maturity involves commercial (not necessarily proprietary) software that runs on the Linux platform.

      Then I go visit the Linspire web site [linspire.com], listing all the features:
      Plug'n'play drivers: yea!
      Multimedia support: yea!
      Respects Microsoft IP: --WHAT!??

      Oh yeah, thanks for reminding me. Linspire's been having sex with Microsoft.

      Oh, well. Was nice knowing you. I'll stick to (k)Ubuntu, myself.

  • Wow that is a loaded story. (Score:5, Insightful)

    by jellomizer (103300) * on Wednesday October 10 2007, @12:43PM (#20928455)
    So the product is controversial because they worked with other companies (who may not be RMS's version of Open Source Advocates) to create a product that will work well with other systems and try to give features that Customers want. Life is sometimes a lot better when you decide to work with the system other then fighting it all the time.
            There is a common misconception that everyone needs to change the world, for most people they just want to get by. Without the Morality of it all Linux is a Good OS not great but good, and technically not worth all the zealotry. So for the majority of people who needs a Good OS that is inexpensive Linux is a good option if they need to pay some price for a distribution to get improved compatibility so they can get along with their lives easer then all the better.
            Microsoft, Apple, ... are not the enemies they are competitors. There is a difference between the two. Competitors you can work together for a common goal enemies you can't. Microsoft and Apple are willing to work with Linux distribution makers if they realize they can benefit from it. The Linux Zealots who have make Microsoft their enemy have loss out on a chance to expand what they can do.
            So if I can now go to a web site and view Quicktime and Microsoft Format then all the better and if it is supported my Microsoft then there is a better chance (not complete) that the next version wont entirely kick me out).
            Being a constant activist really wares people down and actually makes them miserable people. Where if you can work within the system you will feel better and probably get more good done.

    • Re:Wow that is a loaded story. (Score:5, Funny)

      by Otter (3800) on Wednesday October 10 2007, @12:56PM (#20928633) Journal
      (who may not be RMS's version of Open Source Advocates)

      RMS's mob of Free Software Advocates are now burning down your house for that slight. Also, you should say "GNU/Linux".

    • Re:Wow that is a loaded story. (Score:5, Insightful)

      by trolltalk.com (1108067) on Wednesday October 10 2007, @01:02PM (#20928751) Homepage Journal

      > "Microsoft, Apple, ... are not the enemies they are competitors."

      "Microsoft is an enemy. Apple is a competitor."

      There, fixed it for you.

      Don't be under any illusions - Microsoft is an avowed enemy of linux and open source in general. Otherwise, why all the BS and FUD over alleged patent violations.

      Competitors compete. What Microsoft has done in the past, and continues to do, is not competition. It goes well beyond what's legal (for example, the latest FUD from the ABalmernation on patents would be a Lanham Act violation, except he said it in the UK).

      When you can't compete, you cheat. Let us know when Microsoft starts competing ...

      • Re:Wow that is a loaded story. (Score:5, Insightful)

        by noidentity (188756) on Wednesday October 10 2007, @04:21PM (#20931717)
        Just wanted to boil your good comment down more: Competitors try to make a better product so you'll choose theirs over others. Enemies (anti-competitors) try to destroy the competition so you're left with no choice but theirs.

    • still puzzled how could you be modded insightful (Score:4, Insightful)

      by someone1234 (830754) on Wednesday October 10 2007, @01:30PM (#20929127)
      "Microsoft, Apple, ... are not the enemies they are competitors. There is a difference between the two. Competitors you can work together for a common goal enemies you can't. Microsoft and Apple are willing to work with Linux distribution makers if they realize they can benefit from it. The Linux Zealots who have make Microsoft their enemy have loss out on a chance to expand what they can do."

      I would suggest you to read up on the Halloween documents so you'll see how 'friendly' M$ is.

      • Allow me to explain it. (Score:5, Insightful)

        by khasim (1285) <brandioch.conner@gmail.com> on Wednesday October 10 2007, @01:29PM (#20929103)

        I just don't get it, this need for compatibility with propriety standards. Why use Linux and then bitch that you can't use Windows-centric (or non-open) codecs/programs?

        There are some people out there who do not WANT Linux.

        They want free (as in beer) Microsoft Windows. But that takes too many words so they simply (and incorrectly) say "Linux". But what they really mean is "free (as in beer) Microsoft Windows".

        Linux is not Microsoft Windows.

        Linux is about Freedom (as in speech). But many people (and they are very vocal) do not want Freedom. They want "free" (as in beer) versions of proprietary apps to play proprietary content for "free" (again, as in beer) in proprietary formats.

  • File Formats A Necessary Evil (Score:5, Informative)

    by p0tat03 (985078) on Wednesday October 10 2007, @12:44PM (#20928457)
    I've never used Linspire, but in terms of licensing file formats such as Quicktime and Windows Media, I think they're on the right track. People want an OS that works out of the box, and that includes media tasks. If it doesn't the average user has very little patience to make it work right.

  • Typical axe-grinding (Score:5, Informative)

    by oddman (204968) on Wednesday October 10 2007, @12:54PM (#20928605)
    Why no ment6ion of freespire? http://www.freespire.org/ [freespire.org]

  • Just what we need. (Score:5, Insightful)

    by dotancohen (1015143) on Wednesday October 10 2007, @12:57PM (#20928655) Homepage
    I install Linux over Windows about once every three or four weeks for friends. One of the first things to do is add mp3 support, and also ATI or nVidia support if need be. This used to be a hassle with Fedora, so I switched to installing Kubuntu. Now, this may make our lives even easier. How many Linux installs get MP3, DVD, or other proprietary support installed anyway? Why should we bash a company that is willing to include it from the get-go. I'll look into the non-OSS version of Freespire this evening, RMS be damned.

  • GNU/Linux (Score:4, Insightful)

    by Speare (84249) on Wednesday October 10 2007, @01:04PM (#20928789) Homepage

    It's all about those new GNU/Linux users.

    I know it's an oft-repeated argument, about whether or not to put the GNU/ on that product or platform. But extending the usual meme slightly may shed some new light on that debate. I'm just hoping it won't produce flame instead.

    Linspire isn't just Linux. It's not even just GNU/Linux. Some might call it GNU/Apache/Qt/Linux/etc. Now it's GNU/Apache/Qt/Microsoft/Adobe/Real/Linux/etc. Pretty soon, your "free software" is going to have more corporate badges than a brand new laptop.

  • If it has any closed stuff it's crap (Score:5, Funny)

    by Werrismys (764601) on Wednesday October 10 2007, @01:06PM (#20928807)
    As simple as that. 99% of my Linux hassles is with proprietary, closed crap. Open stuff tends to Just Work after reading the friendly manual.

  • why people hate linspire (Score:5, Insightful)

    by EllynGeek (824747) on Wednesday October 10 2007, @01:16PM (#20928943)
    A big problem with Linspire was its former CEO, Kevin Carmony. They guy is a snake-oil salesman with no technical expertise. The idea of bundling all this closed, proprietary crud and paying to license codecs isn't all that terrible- people who don't want it have plenty of other Linux distributions to choose from. Though Linspire went overboard and ignored perfectly good FOSS alternatives in several cases. But Mr. Carmony's double-talk and criticism of Free and open source software alienated a whole lot of people. He doesn't understand the basic Unix security model, and despite his later denials, Linspire did indeed deliberately create only a root user during installation up through Linspire 5.0, and had zero documentation for educating their precious "new Linux desktop users" on the importance of security fundamentals.

    Then a bigger problem was Linspire itself was poo. It had many broken parts, and their much-hyped CNR didn't offer anything that users wanted. But you did get a genuine, time-wasting infuriating Windows-like experience with bales of crapware, nagware, and trialware that just wouldn't shut up and go away.

    To make matters worse, Carmony badmouthed FOSS principles and deliberately misstated the meaning of "free" in free software when he released Freespire. I know, the word "free" meaning "libre" is problematic anyway, and Carmony made it worse. He pretty much spit on the very community that made it possible for Linspire to exist.

    So. Maybe a new CEO will make it all better. Time will tell.

  • Paying for software? (Score:5, Insightful)

    by MobyDisk (75490) on Wednesday October 10 2007, @02:02PM (#20929577) Homepage
    This is great. The first thing I do when I setup a new Windows/Mac/Linux machine is to install all the standard stuff that nobody includes. Ex:

    Windows: WinAmp, XVID, FireFox...
    Mac: Flip4Mac, VLC, DIVX, ...
    Linux: MP3 support for XMMS, Video drivers, ...

    I understand why Linux distros can't install this stuff. It requires licenses, and the OS is free.

    But I would gladly pay $50 for a distro that had this. Most end-users would too (many of them pay me far more than that for time it takes me to do it manually). The Slashdot editorial ^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^Hheadline makes it sounds like Linspire paid for a Novell-like or SCO-like patent license. That isn't what the press release says. It says they included some codecs.

    Every year is supposed to be the year of "Linux on the desktop" yet whenever an article comes out about Linspire trying to make that happen, all the geeks jump on them like they are awful. Linspire is trying to make Linux easy and friendly and a pretty package. Yes, they rebranded RPM/DEB modules as "click-and-run" Yes, they pay licenses for stuff so you don't have to download it. They provide a service to the end-user, and we should be happy for every new Linux user who installs it and says "Hey, this is really great! It has everything I need" instead of complaining and making them look like Microsoft's evil twin brother.
  • I guess this post will be voted down into ovlidium. Anyway, I have to say this:
    I've been using Linspire since their first beta (when they were called Lindows). It was a pretty decent distro, like a "moderm Debian, with KDE as default desktop manager". It had the "problem" with the root issue, but there was anything that prevented root to switch to a standard non privileged user. Lets go to today situation. This version is based in Ubuntu (instead of Debian), so it starts with all feature most Linux users wants (since Ubuntu is without dispute, the #1 Linux distro). Most people I know install over Ubuntu the "automatix" or some script to install Flash, JAVA and all codecs 99% desktop people use (remeber that a base Ubuntu installation don't even play mp3). I also use Ubuntu in another machine (have 2 notebooks and 1 server), but I bought a HP Pavillon dv5000 (Turion 64 model) and Freespire was the only distro that recognized the wifi card out of the box. You can make it work with Ubuntu and the Windows drivers, after following a 3 page step by step guide. I love Linux and love learning, but there is a moment when I want to do samething else than working for my computer.
    The main difference now in Ubuntu and Linspire is the Linpire is defaulted to KDE instead of Gnome. CNR (Click and Run) is another important difference, but I guess Ubuntu will have day in the future).
    So from a technical perspective, Linspire now is not so bad (in my opinion, it is even better, but this is debatable).
    From a legal perspective, Linspire did a deal with MS not to promote MS claims on their patents as most people says, they did it to protect their clients (they are a commercial distro) and they use this fact to sell security (buy our distro, you won't be sued as some non computer companies were sued by SCO). From a commercial view, it was a smart move. I would like to see Canonical and Red Hat what they will do when MS lawyers go for them.
    Regarding open source, Linspire did a lot contributions like Gizmo, Nvu, Lphoto and now the CNR (cnr.com), they are all open source (not just free). But the most important contribution is Freespire 2.0 (www.freespire.org) that it has also most of the propietary codecs, but without the Linspire brand (for what is worth).
    IMHO, Linspire doesn't deserve to be treated as it were the LinuxOne stock scam (remember 1999?).

    • Re:Linspire... (Score:5, Informative)

      by jellomizer (103300) * on Wednesday October 10 2007, @12:45PM (#20928485)
      They use to be Lindows. Until Microsoft sued them for their name.

        • Re:Linspire... (Score:5, Informative)

          by Volante3192 (953645) on Wednesday October 10 2007, @01:04PM (#20928765)
          Except Lindows DID beat them, in the sense that Microsoft would've ended up losing 'Windows' if it went to trial. The rename was part of a deal they hashed out. I forget the rest of the details.

          It's probably on the Wiki page if you care enough. I don't.

            • Re:Linspire... (Score:5, Informative)

              by Volante3192 (953645) on Wednesday October 10 2007, @02:22PM (#20929899)
              And they're going to sue Linux users because of patent infringements. Could just as well have been trying to keep up appearances after paying off some startup Linux company.

              The rest of the deal was Microsoft paying $20 mil to Linspire and Linspire giving MS the Lindows trademark. I did end up getting curious.

      • Re:Mandriva just did this as well? (Score:4, Informative)

        by imr (106517) on Wednesday October 10 2007, @01:29PM (#20929107)
        Mandriva's business model is this:
        3 situations, 3 editions

        FREE as in FREEDOM:
        "Mandriva FREE" dvd.
        All rpm inside come from main and contrib repository which are fordidden to non free software. If a rpm in those is non free, it's a mistake.

        free as in free beer:
        "Mandriva ONE", live-cd:
        you can test it all your heart content, then install it if you want.
        Proprietary drivers are in there, wifi, 3d, modems, to make easy installation for everyone.

        Commercial edition as in value added:
        "Mandriva PowerPack", dvd
        This one has the same size than the Free Edition, the same proprietary stuff than the ONE, but also has more commercial programs added, like Cedega or Lindvd, and a bunch of others (skype?).

        About the codecs problem, the solution chosen is fluendo.
        This guys are supporting gstreamer on the free software side and providing linux and solaris native solution for codecs on the closed prooprietary one.
        http://www.fluendo.com/presentation.php [fluendo.com]
        http://www.fluendo.com/press/releases/PR-2007-01.html [fluendo.com]
        https://shop.fluendo.com/ [fluendo.com]

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