Linspire Five.0 CNR Edition review:2 stars (Know what your getting) - Let me first say that the reviews about this distribution easily loading are true. It was up and running in about 10 minutes with no errors and every component recognized. It is also the closest to the Windows experience that I have seen so far, being a previous user of Suse and Redhat. However, this is where the trouble begins:

Much of the software that comes with the other distributions is not present here. Instead, Linspire will guide you to the online software warehouse where you can download "thousands" of software programs. This sounded great. But when you get there, they politely ask for another $49 as an annual fee. I grudgingly paid this expecting to have open access to the latest and greatest programs. I couldn't believe my eyes when I started scrolling through them. The majority of the programs are the same ones most distributions put on disk or just let you download for free on linux websites. Every now and then I came by a program I really did want, such as virus software, only to find out that you still have to pay for it, just at a "member" rate. Give me a break!. Even updating the system will guide you this warehouse where you have to pay more money. Also, there is only the KDE interface, whereas usually you get a choice between KDE, Windowmaker, Xwindow and others.

In Addition, even though there are tutorials, there is no documentation on how to use Linux that comes with the program. Other distributions, such as Suse, at least sent some books on the basics of Linux that you could reference. Here, you receive a small instruction pamphlet guiding you to go straight to the online software warehouse.

In the end, Linspire seems to want to remove any idea of the opensource concept. It took me forever just to find a Linux terminal to type in commands. It really feels like the freedom that comes with using a Linux distribution is missing here. You pay $99 for a system without the Linux, and then have to pay $49 more to get the basic Linux programs. Bill Gates would be proud.2 stars (Modem blues) - I purchesed linspire 5.0 expecting an easy time. But, I have the linux modem blues. I have sucessfully installed modems with redhat 9 and lycoris, but with linspire I am surprised to be having such hassles. A usb external wasn't seen. I yanked my pci modem and put in an agere chipset modem. Linspire sees it, but I get a 'no dial tone' window. I reboot witht the same computer into windows 2000 and the modem works fine. Really, if this is supposed to be such an easy distro of linux, why haven't they resolved this stuff? I find little information on the linspire web site. And of course, without a working modem, the cnr is totally useless! So, here I am going on to modem #3, scouring the web trying to find something compatible. Arrgh!
4 stars (Good Alternative to Windows) - Linspire is an interesting OS. It tries (with success) to use the power of Linux and offer it with the ease of use of Windows. I am not a Windows hater and think that both Windows 2000 and XP are extremely stable OSes and a major leap from the garbage that was 98 and ME.
The pros of Linspire are -
1.It's price
2.It's stable platform
3.The OpenOffice suite which is compatible with the industry-standard Office
4.Ease of installation
5.The CNR service which makes installing programs fairly easy

Its cons are -
1. Not as many softwares (this will change)
2. By making it known that this OS is on a Linux platform - it may dissuade buyers who think that Linux is for techies and geeks.
3. Doesn't read my iPod

It has a good interface and is pretty simple to use.

Summary: If you want a second computer for your home or personal office, and don't wanna get spend a lot - yes, go ahead and buy it. Maybe in a few years, it shall become your preferred OS.
Linspire Five.0 CNR Edition Features:
Computer software (programs)
Operating Systems System (OS)
Linux
Unix

Linspire Five.0 CNR Edition is the CD-ROM version. The full version can be purchased by clicking on the "CLICK HERE TO ORDER" button below for around  99.99USD.