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Linspire is based on an open source project called Debian GNU/Linux. Underneath the hood, Linspire uses the latest Linux kernel. This is the thing that all of the Linux distributions (or distros), have in common -- they all use the Linux kernel. This is the "brain" that controls an operating system. The kernel is what allows your software to talk to your hardware and do useful things with your computer. All operating systems (including Windows and Mac) have a kernel that performs low-level functions.

The thing that makes the various Linux distributions (or distros) different, is all of the stuff that is built-up around the kernel. This includes the GUI (graphical user interface), and the programs that are installed on the system. There are many Linux distros on the market today. To see a sample of what is out there, take a look at: www.distrowatch.com.

So, the question is: "where does Linspire fit in?"

The answer is that Linspire has customized a version of Linux to be user-friendly, and easy-to-install. There are no complicated setup programs in Linspire. They have tried to make a version of Linux that anyone can use, regardless of skill level. Most of the people who are using Linspire are former Microsoft Windows users. Many of them are familiar with things like: windows, pointers, programs, drag-and-drop, the Desktop, the Taskbar, and the "Start Menu". Linspire offers an interface that is comfortable and familiar to the person, who is coming from a Microsoft Windows background. Some other Linux distros tend to be a bit more complicated. They assume that you have some basic computer experience and that you are comfortable setting up your own system. For "powerusers" or advanced computer users, this can be a very good thing!. This gives them complete control over their computers and they can change millions of options to suit their exact needs. However, the trade-off is user-friendliness. The more sophisticated a system is, the less user-friendly it tends to be.

This is the niche that Linspire is trying to fill. Linspire offers a powerful, modern operating system that allows you to do all the things that you can on your Microsoft Windows machine. Linspire aims to deliver this in a user-friendly matter, so you don't have to be a rocket-scientist or a computer science major to figure it all out.