| Freespire 2.0, Linspire 6.0, CNR v2 rollout plans published |
Apr. 26, 2007
 Analysis -- Linspire has published the release schedules for its two Linux distributions -- Linspire and Freespire -- and the overhaul of its CNR (click-and-run) software update system to support multiple Linux distributions, including Debian, Fedora, OpenSUSE, and Ubuntu.
The revamped CNR system is designed to work with multiple Linux systems. Once in place, it will offer Debian, Fedora, OpenSUSE, and Ubuntu users single-click installation of both open-source and proprietary software. This new, free service is meant to make it easy for users to both find and install desktop Linux applications.
Linspire will try to make it simple to find programs by providing a directory of Linux desktop software. To make it more than just a simple listing of programs, the company will also be "wiki-izing" the CNR so that users can see screenshots, user reviews, support information, descriptions, developer info, release notes and so on. Each product page will have its own mini-forum or wiki page.
The release plan for the overhauled CNR starts with testing in early May by Freespire 2.0 alpha and beta testers. Linspire is still looking for more Freespire 2 testers and community members. If all goes well, users of Linspire 5.0 or higher and users of Freespire 1.0 or higher will be able to download the new CNR plug-in and start using the new CNR in early June. Then, in mid-June, the CNR plug-in for Ubuntu 7.04 will be released.
Linspire and Canonical joined together in February to bring CNR to Ubuntu. At the time, Ubuntu founder and Canonical CEO Mark Shuttleworth explained, "For some time, we've been planning enhancements to Ubuntu's commercial software management, and it was only natural to take advantage of Linspire's new open CNR technology rather than [duplicate] that work."
Then, in the summer or early fall of 2007, CNR plug-ins will be made available for Debian, OpenSUSE, and Fedora.
The next edition of Freespire 2.0, as Linspire previously announced, will use the newly released Ubuntu 7.04 for its foundation. In the past, Linspire has been based on Debian. The next generation of Freespire will also incorporate the latest KDE, the new CNR, and the latest third-party proprietary software, drivers, and codecs for better hardware and multimedia support.
Freespire remains the only Linux distribution to completely embrace proprietary software and drivers. Other distributions, such as the Ubuntu-based Mint, also now include some proprietary browser plug-ins, media codecs, and support for DVD playback for a more complete out-of-the-box experience.
Freespire 2.0 is scheduled to go to beta testers in early May. The new CNR plug-in and a new network control panel will also be added to the distribution. Then, in early June, Freespire 2.0 will go final.
Linspire, the commercial Linux distribution based on Freespire, will follow quickly on Freespire's heels. Linspire 6.0 is due out in late June. This edition, which comes with support, hardware certification, and tutorials, is designed for Linspire's OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and retail channel partners.
CEO Kevin Carmony finished his announcement of the release schedules by apologizing to users who have "experienced intermittent problems with the current system and products. The CNR Warehouse hasn't remained as current as we'd like, or as it will moving forward. There have been temporary outages, log-in problems, and so on. These problems may continue over the next few weeks as all of these new products, services, and systems are integrated and rolled live. We'll certainly do all we can to minimize the transition pains, but we hope you'll be patient and bear with us as pretty much everything changes in the next two months. When the dust settles, I think you'll agree it was well worth the wait."
In the future, Carmony promises, "Freespire and Linspire will both now have the infrastructure in place to remain updated and current on a very regular basis. CNR will also have the inner workings to remain much more current, dynamic, alive, and vibrant in the months ahead."
-- Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols
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