BIOS: Technology Means Business

Linspire has announced the release of its latest Linux operating system, Linspire 5 (also known as Five-0). Boasting over 1200 improvements, the newest version of Linspire promises to be the most secure, reliable and easy-to-use desktop Linux version. Pitched at home, business and school users, Linspire 5 sports a revised graphical interface, improved laptop and hardware support, Internet optimisation, and dozens of enhanced software applications. The operating system is based on Linux kernel 2.6.10, and includes KDE 3.3 plus integrated office suite, Web browser, e-mail client and instant messenger. New built-in VPN technology allows for a new encrypted 'wallet' for storing passwords and other personal information. The software now also support Intel Centrino AMD PowerNow laptop technologies, and file type support has been extended to include all the most popular formats, such as QuickTime, Windows Media, Flash, Java, Real, DOC, XLS, PPT, MP3, PDFs, and MP3s. A custom theme, several new and powerful applications, and support should make Linspire an attractive option to new Linux converts.

Pros: Revised interface; over 1200 improvements; includes OpenOffice
Cons: No built-in DVD-Movie playback software

Release: Linspire, Inc. has announced the release of its latest operating system, Linspire 5. More than a year in the making and with more than 1,200 improvements, the newest version of Linspire boasts enhancements in every core application and provides the most secure, reliable and easy-to-use desktop Linux experience available for home, business and school users. Highlights include a completely revised and streamlined graphical interface, improved laptop and hardware support, significant Internet optimisation, and dozens of enhanced software applications to provide a complete user experience. The new Linspire 5 operating system is available immediately via digital download from www.linspire.com and will be distributed in the UK by Phoenix Global Software.

'The LinuxOperating System (OS) has been particularly successful within large corporations running servers - it is here that Linux has experienced 25 per cent growth', stated Simon Campbell-Young, managing director Phoenix Global Software. 'With the introduction of theLinspire OS5 for desktop and laptops,Linspirewill make significant in-roads into a marketplace ready for an alternativeOS, that is faster, more stable and much more cost-effective. Phoenix Global Software has the expertise and distribution channels to make this exciting new product line available to all.'

Linspire 5 is a stable, secure Linux-based operating system that comes complete with major desktop applications, including OpenOffice.org (a Microsoft file-compatible office suite); Web browser, e-mail and instant messaging clients; multimedia viewers; photo and music managers; calendaring tools; and more. Access to additional software and applications is available through Linspire's innovative CNR ('click and run') Warehouse, a software library where users can download and install more than 2000 Linux programs in seconds with just one mouse click.

Linspire 5 is effortless to install and update. A new installation of the operating system typically takes under 10 minutes. Once installed, Linspire 5's new 'total system update' feature provides update notifications for both the operating system and all installed software. Users may then update manually or choose to have CNR Technology install updates automatically anytime they are available. Furthermore, customers with earlier versions of Linspire can upgrade to Linspire 5 without losing any stored data.