Originally posted by: lxskllr
"For Linspire, that will mean moving from Debian to Ubuntu as the base for its Linspire and Freespire desktop operating systems "
That's kind of a strange statement. Ubuntu is based off Debian, do they really mean that Linspire will start using Gnome instead of KDE?
It's cool to see 2 linux's join, but I'm not sure what Linspire has to offer Ubuntu. I wasn't too impressed with Linspire when I tried it out. It seemed to incorporate the worst features of Linux and Windows. I dig Ubuntu though. I haven't given it a good workout due to wireless issues, and the computer I was trying it on is currently dead, but some day...
Linspire's goal is to be the 'AOL of Linux'. Flagrant commercialization of Linux with no ifs ands or buts about it.
Just like Debian and Fedora uphold the best values of 'Free software' by refusing to ship and support software of questionable legal status (in the U.S.). Patent encumbered things like MP3 support, legally dubious software like Libdvdcss, or closed source software like Nvidia's propriatory drivers for Linux.
Well Linspire is the opposite. They avoid the questionably legal stuff (like libdvdcss), but instead license software legitamently in a same manner of Microsoft. They have licensed support for DVDs, MP3s, WMV, and many other codecs. Also they commercially support and package propriatory software for Linspire; things like video games, productivity applications, crossover office, and other such things.
Linspire plans on supporting their 'Click'n'Run' (CNR) interface for Ubuntu (and eventually support other distros), moving from Debian to Ubuntu is probably the easiest way to accomplish that. This will enable them to have support for their own private software warehouse integrating into Ubuntu with no outstanding dependancy issues.
CNR interface is similar in purpose to something like 'Synaptic' package management. However it has more features gearing it torwards a average person rather then just being a 'gui for apt-get'. It will feature screenshots, wiki-like reviews and rating system for software and similar things to make picking out software for Linux easier. It should intergrate into existing repositories.
You can do things like go and pick out 'quake2' for purchase, pay for it, download it, and install it through CNR. They have a subscription service with several layers of membership to were you pay a yearly fee to get discounts on any software you buy and get more support options. Also the service will be free to users if they do not wish to subscribe and the system, I beleive, is open source.
I don't think they have a release yet for it. I would expect that the beta would be out in time for Feisty Fawn (or whatever the hell Ubuntu is going to name their next release).
Of course if you value freedom and such then you'd probably want to avoid propriatory software. Also I think that a service they are contemplating is the ability to make donations to your favorite Free software projects.. A 'Tip Jar' so to say.. which sounds like a good idea to me.
Personally i'd like to check it out and see it before I pass any judgement on weither or not I think it's a good thing.