Are you serious? Linspire? What the heck?

GNU/Linux based OSes have so much power because they are free. Linspire goes against this and charges money for GPLed software (which is illegal, although it is possible to be linked to LGPL software). The sad thing is that people are actually falling for it...

Get a real operating system.

Not illegal.

But, this trolling post is probably illegal.

You think you're the first person to come up with this criticism of Linspire?
Read this thread:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...hreadid=278612

Anyway, I say "To each her own." If Linspire floats your boat, use it. If not, don't. It doesn't suit me, but I know it works for a lot of people. Respect others' choices.

To quote from the GPL:

When we speak of free software, we are referring to freedom, not
price. Our General Public Licenses are designed to make sure that you
have the freedom to distribute copies of free software (and charge for
this service if you wish)

Perhaps you need to a) first search this site as your not the first member to think like this and felt you needed to start a thread, b) secondly, I would highly suggest you actually read the GPL so you don't make yourself look totally stupid by stating the false impression that all GPL has to be free in order to be under the GPL.

Free is just a word to describe GPL software but what it doesn't mean is you get GPL software free as in beer, but free as in freedom. Last time I checked, Linspire is based off Debian, which is a real Operating System.

So do us all a favor, shutup and ignore this forum or your only going to get in trouble with me or any of the other moderators who don't tolerate crap threads like this one.

...as in FREEDOM.
This argument that nobody is allowed to charge for GPL software gets pretty old. It only shows you don't understand the GPL.
People fall for a lot of stuff we can do nothing about...
Personally I think there are better choices than Linspire, but these rants against it are ridiculous.

Realistically, Linspire does a great thing: it helps windows users transition to linux without much worry or trouble. They get paid support and a relatively stable system. It's perfect for users who don't understand the distinction between "memory" and "storage".

From The GNU GPL:
From The GNU GPL FAQ:

Oh great.
Another uneducated troll post.

This is the same type of person that switched to Linux because
they opened every virus laden attachment in Windows because
they thought someone “loved them”.

Posts like that make Linux users look stupid.

Oh, one more thing on the GPL:
Violating the GPL is not illegal. It is, however, a breach of contract, and your only mechanism for resolution is a civil suit. Illegal implies a violation of law.

The GPL is not a contract, it is a license.

I believe that the suit for violating a license is technically a breach of contract suit. However, I may be incorrect. In either case, it is still a civil matter.

linspire is based on debian.

and c'mon. 20 dollars is nothing for a year. and what do you get? programs, games, drivers whatever, just click on one button. and it gets installed for you.

sure it isnt stable. as i am using it right now. but it gets the job done. and i have never missed windows again. and i think it is a great operating system for beginners that dont know how to install anything.

we should respect more distro's . as this expands linux even further. Some are free, Some charge money. but its you' re choice.

A contract is any legally-enforceable promise or set of promises made between parties, as such, reflects the policies represented by freedom of contract.

A license is a document or agreement giving permission to do something.

You got the right idea, just wrong terminology as licenses are not a contract between two parties. A license you must follow their set of instructions or rules placed in using their whatever it is your using of theirs, if it's software, etc. A contract is when the two parties agree with promises made, you have to do this and the other party has to fulfill this, etc. Like a musician and a record label, musician agrees to make 5 albums in 10 years and go on tour 3 times during those 10 years, record label promises to pay musician 10 billion dollars.

oh my god, someone selling linux? maybe they are only charging for tech support? why not freak on mandriva or redhat? stop complaining. linux is freeeee. go download it. those that want to pay for it get their money worth in tech support or other features. besides it looks like linspire is putting linux in schools , is that soo bad? i know this was a troll post and i shouldnt feed them.

DEAD THREAD ALERT!
ok guys, I think this is the worst choice you can make but hey if it is free then it is free..... good luck getting a source code cd

For a limited time, they are making available a coupon code called "FREESPIRE" that will give you a free digital copy.....

Also if you live near a microcenter store (i think that is the name) they are selling 4.5 for a penny and I think linspire is giving free upgrades. Kind of strange to be doing this since they always swear it is worth the cost and it is the premier linux and worth every penny..... Yea I guess it is worth ONE penny!

Linspire does seem to provide the source code for GPL software.
They also describe how to get the source code for additional software.