| Linpus Linux | |
| Developer: | Linpus Technologies |
| Family: | Linux (Unix-like) |
| Source Model: | Mix of open source and closed source |
| Kernel Type: | Monolithic (Linux kernel) |
| License: | Mixed GNU GPL with Shareware, Nagware |
Linpus Linux is a Fedora Linux-based operating system created by the Taiwanese firm Linpus Technologies Inc.[1] Linpus was designed specifically to fully support the Asian market, with full Unicode support for the Chinese and Japanese languages. A special version, Linpus Lite, was written to run on devices with lower-cost hardware such as netbooks. It has both an icon and tab-based "Simple mode", designed for new users; and, a conventional style "PC mode" for those wanting a more Microsoft Windowslike interface. It is targeted at handheld devices with smaller screens, and supports resolutions as low as VGA (640 × 480).[2]
The Acer Aspire One and Norhtec Gecko[3] netbooks come with Linpus Lite Linux pre-installed, there is also a version of the Acer Revo 3610 and 3700 with Linpus Linux pre-installed.
A version for normal desktop computers and servers is also available, as well as a Multimedia version called Linpus Media Center. The Media Center version offers an "Upgrade pack" to purchase patent licenses from MPEG-LA for DVD, MP3, WMV and a few other codecs.
The Linpus system contains not only the free and open source operating system, but also Acer-specific "shareware" users classify this as "nagware," because it asks you to register on Acer's website and purchase a full version. The fact that the Acer distribution contains this software prevents the system from being considered a fully free, open operating system.