AOL, The World's Largest ISP, Now Reachable by Desktop Linux Users

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Linspire Inc. today announced the availability of Internet dialer software that provides direct access to the Internet for desktop Linux users via AOL's dial-up ISP service. AOL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc., is the world's leader in interactive services with 29.7 million AOL brand subscribers in the U.S. and Europe.

The AOL Dialer beta software enables desktop Linux users to easily configure their computers to use AOL over dial-up connections for the first time. Previously, only MS Windows and Apple computers could easily access AOL dial-up connections. Since each subscriber account may represent up to seven screen names (email addresses), access via AOL is now possible for families placing affordable Linux computers in their homes. Recent estimates suggest there are some 90 million unique users of AOL which opens up Linux to an important new audience.

"We've expressed to AOL that America Online dial-up support is the #1 request we get from users and OEMs, but they have yet to release anything," said Michael Robertson, chief executive officer of Linspire. "We decided to build an open source dialer on our own so the massive AOL customer base can now use a low-cost Linux computer with their AOL accounts."

Available free to all Linspire users, the AOL Dialer for Linux beta version installs with one click from the CNR Warehouse (http://www.linspire.com/AOLdialer). The software is being released as open source and code is available at http://www.linspire.com/dialersource. An AOL option will be added to existing ISP options for Earthlink, Juno, NetZero and Speakeasy in the next major release of Linspire slated to debut later this year. Screenshots of the AOL Dialer for Linux may be found at http://www.linspire.com/AOLdialer.

To configure and use the software, users must have an existing AOL screen name and know their local access number. Current access numbers may be found at http://access.web.aol.com which can be entered into the Phone Number tab of the AOL Dialer software. Multiple access numbers are supported by the AOL Dialer interface. Clicking the "Connect" button establishes a connection and displays blinking "LED" lights in the computer's system tray to show activity. After connecting, all Internet-based services can be accessed. For More Information Contact:

Kevin La Rue

Linspire Inc.

858-587-6700, ext. 263

pr@linspireinc.com About Linspire Inc.

Linspire Inc. develops and markets Linspire, an affordable, full-featured Linux-based operating system designed specifically for desktop and laptop computers in homes, schools and businesses. Linspire uses innovative CNR technology that allows the installation, updating and management of hundreds of software programs with just one click. The Linspire operating system is also offered in Spanish (http://www.linspire.com/espanol), Italian (http://www.linspire.com/italiano) and Japanese (http://www.linspire.com/livedoor). Those who are interested in becoming authorized resellers of Linspire should visit, http://www.linspire.com/reseller, or http://www.linspire.com/builder if interested in selling computers pre-loaded with Linspire. The AOL Dialer for Linux is not endorsed, supported or certified by America Online, Inc. Linspire is a trademark of Linspire Inc., a Delaware Corporation. Copyright (C) 2004 Linspire Inc. All rights reserved.