We here at PC/OpenSystems LLC get alot of questions regarding Freespire. Here we will answer the most common questions. We will expand this list as more interesting and relevant questions are asked. Questions can be directed at support@pc-opensystems.com
Q) What is the difference between Linspire and Freespire?
Linspire is a commercial product. The product contains proprietary software and codecs for convenience as well as more facilities for machine emulation, security and development and you get a 12 month support subscription. Businesses, government and education facilities and commercial customers can get other features such as on-site support and custom ISO generation. Freespire is a community distribution which contains no proprietary codecs, applications or binary only software. Freespire in its application lineup contains NO apps which require the installation of proprietary software.
Q) What hardware does Freespire require?
Freespire requires an x86_64 bit processor, 4 gb of RAM and at least a 20 gb hard drive to run a basic productivity environment. For optimal performance we recommend at least 6 - 8 gb of RAM for users who want to run emulation software such as VMWare or VirtualBox. For users who need to run software like CAD programs, Video or Audio production we recommend at least 8 gb or more. You can also install Freespire as standalone or dual boot on Intel based Apple Macintoshes.
Q) Are we or do we intend to continue the patent agreement that Linspire Inc. forged with Microsoft?
No. We are not currently, nor will we ever enter into any patent agreement with any company. We will however work with companies such as Microsoft on certain things. We will work with them on .NET Core, Powershell, SQL Server on Linux and optimizing their web apps to run well on Linspire and Freespire as long as our customer base deems it necessary. However, all customers are indemnified against any patent claims and we vigorously defend ourselves and our customers against patent disputes with either Linspire or Freespire as we have done since 2007.
Q) How come there is a Freespire.org and how does that relate to our free download of Freespire?
It’s not related to us in anyway; it’s related to Linspire Inc. The reason that domain is still registered and used is due to an ongoing fight between Kevin Carmony and Michael Robertson. Kevin Carmony brought to light some of the alleged shady dealings of Mr. Robertson and had registered Freespire.com (now defunct). I will not comment on or make any assumptions about the legitimacy of the claims and we have tried to no avail to get the domain. We are stepping up our efforts to get the domain.
Q) Do we make the source code to Freespire available to users?
Yes. We make all source code available to customers. We offer it for download and included are changes we make whether they are accepted upstream or not. We do not provide source code to binary only and proprietary drivers or software. Linspire customers who want a hard copy of the source code only need to request it in the order notes when they make their purchase.
Q) What is our approach vs Linspire Inc. and Xandros?
We will be focusing on working with Canonical and Canonical’s core Ubuntu product; we will make improvements on that base and fork from it when we feel it’s necessary. Linspire and Freespire will NOT be just remastered Ubuntu spins. However, Ubuntu is the recognized community desktop leader, and there are hundreds of thousands of apps targeted to the Ubuntu desktop, so basing our new product on this solid application base just makes sense. We will be targeting the new LinspireOS toward the markets where we are undisputed leaders : HPC, education, the enterprise and specialized desktop services. Our release is based on the XFCE desktop; its panel layouts and graphics will not change.
Q) Will we offer the legacy Freespire ISO’s?
No. We will not redistribute the classic ISOs. And they would be essentially useless.
Q) What happens to Black Lab Linux?
Nothing at all. Black Lab Linux is a separate entity with a totally different development team. The Freespire team will collaborate with the BL development team when there are common goals. They will offer their version of a community-based FOSS operating system.
Q) How many flavors of Freespire will there be?
There will be one. XFCE.
