# Freespire > Linux distribution **Wikidata**: [Q2109608](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2109608) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freespire) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/freespire ## Summary Freespire is a Linux distribution created and developed by Linspire, Inc. Originally launched on April 24, 2006, it is designed to be a desktop operating system that utilizes a hybrid licensing model, combining GNU General Public License (GPL) code with proprietary licenses. The distribution is actively maintained, with its most recent stable release, version 10, published in December 2023. ## Key Facts - **Classification:** Freespire is an instance of a Linux distribution, based on the Linux kernel and core GNU components. - **Developer:** The operating system is created and developed by Linspire. - **Inception:** The project was initiated on April 24, 2006. - **Licensing:** It utilizes a dual-licensing approach, incorporating the GNU General Public License alongside proprietary licenses. - **Latest Stable Version:** Version 10 (released December 7, 2023). - **Recent Pre-release:** Version 10 Beta 1 (released July 20, 2023). - **Previous Stable Versions:** Version 9.5 (released May 8, 2023) and Version 8.2 (released March 2, 2022). - **Official Website:** https://www.freespire.net/ - **Language:** The primary language of work or name is English. ## FAQs ### Q: Who develops Freespire? A: Freespire is developed by Linspire, an entity also known for creating the Linspire Linux distribution. ### Q: What type of license does Freespire use? A: Freespire uses a hybrid model that includes the GNU General Public License (GPL) and proprietary licenses. Users are free to redistribute the software under the terms of the GPL. ### Q: What is the most current version of Freespire? A: As of December 2023, the latest stable release is Freespire 10. ### Q: When was Freespire first created? A: The Freespire project has an inception date of April 24, 2006. ## Why It Matters Freespire occupies a specific niche in the desktop Linux ecosystem as a distribution that bridges the gap between open-source software and proprietary functionality. Historically, Linux distributions have struggled with the dichotomy of providing a completely free (as in freedom) system versus providing a system that includes out-of-the-box support for proprietary media codecs and drivers. Freespire matters because it explicitly adopts a hybrid approach, utilizing the GNU General Public License for its core while incorporating proprietary licenses where necessary to enhance user experience and hardware compatibility. The project represents the continuation of the Linspire (formerly Lindows) lineage, which famously attempted to bring a user-friendly, Windows-like experience to the Linux desktop. By maintaining active development into 2023 and 2024, Freespire demonstrates the sustained viability of community-oriented commercial Linux distributions. It serves users who require a Linux-based operating system that balances the philosophical tenets of open source with the practical requirements of daily desktop computing, such as multimedia playback and specific driver support, which are often restricted by patent or copyright laws in purely free distributions. ## Notable For - **Hybrid Licensing Model:** Distinguished by its combination of GNU General Public License (GPL) and proprietary licenses, allowing for broader hardware and software compatibility than strictly FOSS distributions. - **Linspire Lineage:** Notable as the sister project to Linspire, sharing development resources and history dating back to the early 2000s. - **Active Development Cycle:** Maintains a rapid release schedule, evidenced by the release of versions 8.2, 9.5, and 10 within a two-year span (2022–2023). - **Redistribution Rights:** Explicitly grants users the right to redistribute the operating system freely, a core tenet derived from its GPL licensing. ## Body ### Overview and Development Freespire is a Linux distribution developed by Linspire. It is an operating system based on the Linux kernel and often utilizes core GNU components. The project was officially inceptioned on April 24, 2006. The development is closely tied to the Linspire operating system, with both projects sharing the same developer entity. ### Licensing and Permissions The operating system is distributed under a combination of licenses. Its primary license is the GNU General Public License (GPL). According to official documentation, this grants users the freedom to redistribute Freespire as they wish and charge for their time and costs. However, the distribution also contains elements covered under proprietary licenses, distinguishing it from "pure" free software distributions. ### Version History Freespire has maintained an active release schedule into the early 2020s. Key versions include: * **Freespire 10:** Released on December 7, 2023, this is the current stable version preferred by the developers. * **Freespire 10 Beta 1:** A pre-release version made available on July 20, 2023. * **Freespire 9.5:** A stable version released on May 8, 2023. * **Freespire 8.2:** A stable version released on March 2, 2022. ### Online Presence and Media The project maintains an official website at `freespire.net`. Visual assets for the project include a distinct logo and screenshots of the desktop environment, specifically documented for version 2.0.8. The operating system has descriptions available in multiple languages, including English, German, Spanish, and others. ## References 1. [About the Freespire Operating System](https://www.freespire.net/) 2. [Freespire 8.2 Released. 2022](https://www.freespire.net/2022/03/freespire-82-released.html) 3. [Freespire 9.5 Released. 2023](https://www.freespire.net/2023/05/freespire-95-released.html) 4. [Freespire: Freespire 10 Beta 1 and Linspire 14 Beta 1 Released](https://www.freespire.net/2023/07/freespire-10-beta-1-and-linspire-14.html) 5. [Freespire 10 Released. 2023](https://www.freespire.net/2023/12/freespire-10-released.html) 6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013