Linspire scraps fees on download service

The Linux seller has made access to its ‘Click ‘N’ Run’ software library free, to increase the product’s popularity

Linux seller Linspire has removed the $20 to $50 annual fees it charged for access to its “Click ‘N’ Run” library of software downloads, a bid to enhance the popularity of its product.

“CNR really makes using desktop Linux easy, and we want everyone to have access to this quality service,” chief executive Kevin Carmony said in a statement. The move was financially feasible for the company because it’s making enough revenue from premium products such as software to play DVDs, CodeWeavers’ CrossoverOffice software to run Microsoft Windows and Sun’s StarOffice, a commercial variant of OpenOffice.org, the company said.

The library is a key feature of the company’s $60 Linspire and free Freespire Linux products. The company argues that its approach makes it easy to install new software.

Full story: ZDNet UK