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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Freespire 9.0 was reported in early 2023 as a 64-bit Linux release based on Xubuntu 22.04 LTS, with the Xfce 4.18 desktop. But the project’s own February 2023 announcement describes Freespire 9 with GNOME 42.5 instead. The available release pages do not explain whether these were separate editions or conflicting descriptions, so the desktop and configuration should not be treated as settled.
What was Freespire 9.0?
BetaNews reported Freespire 9.0 as a distribution based on Canonical’s Xubuntu 22.04 LTS, which itself is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution. The report describes a 64-bit ISO and an Xfce 4.18 desktop. It also quoted the Freespire Team describing the release as intended for open-source enthusiasts and desktop users. BetaNews’ release report is a contemporaneous account, not confirmation of the distribution’s current availability or maintenance status.
Which desktop did Freespire 9 use?
The contemporary descriptions conflict. BetaNews says Freespire 9.0 used Xfce 4.18, while the official Freespire 9 announcement, dated February 13, 2023, describes GNOME 42.5. Neither source explains whether Freespire 9 and 9.0 were different desktop editions, whether the build changed, or whether one description was mistaken. There is not enough evidence to reconcile them into one definitive configuration.
What software and versions were included?
BetaNews’ release-era list for Freespire 9.0 includes a Linux 5.15 kernel, Firefox, Thunderbird 102.42, OnlyOffice Desktop Editors, GIMP 2.10.32, Transmission 3.00 and Balena Etcher. Those are reported package versions at release, not a statement of what is installed in any currently available image.
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The official Freespire 9 post gives a different package list: Thunderbird 102, Firefox ESR 102.5, OnlyOffice Desktop Editors, GNOME Videos, Rhythmbox, other GNOME applications, Balena Etcher 1.4 and Bashtop. The differences reinforce that the two release descriptions cannot safely be merged into a single package inventory.
BetaNews also reported that the quoted announcement described the release as containing no proprietary codecs or non-open-source software, with security updates included through January 17, 2023. That cutoff is a historical release detail; it does not establish the security status of an installation today.
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What are the system requirements?
The official Freespire download page lists these requirements:
- An x86_64 Intel or AMD processor.
- At least 4 GB of RAM; 8 GB is recommended.
- At least 20 GB of storage.
- A keyboard and mouse, or a touch interface.
The page provides an ISO download and MD5 and SHA-256 checksum links. Check the checksum against the corresponding download before using the image; the page’s listing does not establish whether a particular old ISO remains available or maintained.
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How do you install Freespire 9?
The available sources establish an ISO download and list Balena Etcher among the release software, but they do not provide a complete, current installation procedure for a specific build. At a high level, installing from an ISO requires writing the image to removable media and starting the computer from that installer. The sources do not specify a required USB capacity, speed, or model.
- Get the ISO from the official Freespire download page, if the intended image is still offered.
- Use the matching MD5 or SHA-256 link on that page to verify the downloaded file.
- Write the ISO to removable media with an image-writing utility, such as Balena Etcher, which is listed in the release materials.
- Start the target computer from the installer media and follow the installer’s on-screen steps. The cited release pages do not document the individual installation screens.
Is Freespire 9.0 still supported?
PC/OpenSystems’ August 2023 update policy says Freespire 9 and 10 are based on Ubuntu 22.04 and that Ubuntu 22.04-based Freespire distributions would be supported until 2027. It characterizes Freespire as free to use, deploy and redistribute, without support, and contrasts it with Linspire, the company’s paid, supported product. This is a dated policy statement, not confirmation that a particular Freespire 9.0 image currently receives updates; check the project’s current build-specific maintenance information before relying on it.
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The official Freespire announcement likewise describes Freespire as a free, open-source release related to commercial Linspire. It says third parties may redistribute Freespire, but a redistributor that bundles support is responsible for that support. The distinction matters if you need vendor assistance rather than a freely usable distribution without included support.
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