. Freespire 2.0 begins with Ubuntu as its baseline and then adds software from six broad categories, further expanding Freespire's capabilities:

1. CNR Plugin provides free one-click access to thousands of open source applications, as well as options for legally licensed DVD playback software, Sun's StarOffice, Parallels Workstation, Win4Lin, CodeWeaver's Crossover Office, TransGaming's Cedega, commercial games and many more. 2. KDE is added for an easier-to-use and more comfortable interface, with a familiar look & feel for Apple Mac and Microsoft Windows users. 3. Enhanced applications and features are added for enhanced usability and ease of use, modifying software applications like Firefox and Thunderbird, along with adding Linspire-sponsored open source software like Nvu, Lsongs and Lphoto. 4. Proprietary software is added when necessary, like Java, Flash and Adobe Acrobat, to provide overall increased interoperability. 5. Proprietary codecs are added to expand multimedia compatibility and provide a superior overall experience so users can listen to MP3 files, play Windows Media files, and much more. 6. Proprietary drivers are added to expand hardware compatibility and provide optimum 3D graphic card support, better WiFi support, and more.

Freespire believes that each individual should be free to choose what software is installed on their computer, with no limitations or restrictions placed on that choice. How you choose to maximize the performance of your computer is entirely up to you.

Freespire believes technology does not need to be complicated to be powerful. Freespire strives through new and innovative thinking to find ways to keep the operating system secure, stable and powerful for developers and sophisticated Linux devotees, yet easy enough for someone new to Linux.

To interoperate with Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh computers, Freespire is designed to be completely "out-of-the-box" compatible with all of the popular Internet, office suite and media file types found in computing today, including doc, xls, ppt, mp3, avi, pdf, swf, mpg, wmv, jav, and many more.

Freespire comes pre-loaded and ready to support MP3, Real, QuickTime, Windows Media, Java, Flash, and more. No more hunting around, buying, licensing and then installing all the different multimedia support software. Everything is already licensed and ready to run, with optional DVD support just a click away with CNR.

Freespire provides the most extensive hardware support available for desktop Linux, including drivers from ATI, nVidia, Intel, and others. Thousands of peripherals are supported without requiring the messy installation of drivers or other software. Just plug in the device and go. You can even keep your drivers up-to-date automatically with CNR's Update Service or apt.

Freespire supports the latest 802.11b and 802.11g wireless networking. Customizable profiles let you effortlessly shift between home, work and other networks without bothering with any messy configuration screens.

Based on Linux, Freespire is inherently very stable and secure from viruses, spyware and other malicious software delivered over the Internet. Freespire defaults to user login (not root) and also comes pre-configured with a strict, built-in firewall for additional protection.