We've calculated that there are 168,000 words in the Linspire operating system. All those menus, dialog boxes, and help files add up quickly. Late last year, we announced IRMA - a project to get all those words translated so all the core desktop Linux components can be in as many languages as possible. We had a great initial response

Learn more about IRMA

and the IRMA servers are now accepting actual translations. IRMA makes it as easy as reading an English phrase and then typing in your translation on a web page.  It's an enormous job, so we are asking people who fluently speak both English and another language to volunteer to help out. We're publishing a chart (see bottom of this page) so you can track how many languages, number of translators, and overall progress of the project. Now, some readers may feel left out because, like me, they don't speak a second language. That's OK -  we've also got some other ways for you to help out.

Ways you can help Linux take over the world:

1) Become a member of Project IRMA
If you've got some time and are fluent in a language in addition to English, sign up to translate today at Project IRMA. Your translation efforts will help bring desktop Linux versions to the entire globe! (See stats on where we are today on the list at the bottom of this page.)

2) Become an Insider and beta test Linspire Five-0 for compatibility
Linspire Five-0 is an ambitious product that we've been working on for nearly a year and we need your help putting on the finishing touches. Our goal is to make it the easiest operating system in the world to install and maintain. Not easiest "Linux," but easiest operating system! But before we can release Linspire Five-0 to the world, we need to make sure it works with the vast array of PCs and laptops in the world - and you can help.

We're asking all of our Insiders to go to their my.linspire.com account, to download Five-0 and install it on a PC. Then go to the CNR client (click n run) and click on Support: Diagnostics: Sysreport. This will generate a detailed analysis of your hardware and send a report that goes into a compatibility database. This helps us maximize the compatibility of the final product and also helps us build a comprehensive database which can be publicly viewed at Lfriendly - a

Don't miss the 3rd annual Desktop Summit! Register today!

website designed to steer people towards Linux-friendly hardware.

Hot tip: Linspire Five-0 will be shown publicly for the first time at the Desktop Summit Feb 9-11th. Don't miss it!

3) Help promote desktop Linux in your business, school, or government
If you are employed by a business or government, or you attend a school that is looking for reduced costs, more secure technology, and freedom from spyware and viruses, we can help. Our experience shows that MIS or IT departments often have questions or concerns specifically about desktop Linux. Because Linspire's sole focus is on the desktop, we can devote our time and expertise to addressing issues that can make for a smooth migration to desktop Linux. Typically, there are 2-3 unique needs organizations have, and if we can address their direct needs, they become open to embracing desktop Linux. If you know of an organization that is in its evaluation stage, please send an email to investigate@linspireinc.com and we will follow up directly with them to help answer their questions, provide corporate references and get them thinking more seriously about desktop Linux.

4) Buy a desktop or laptop from a Linux retailer
There's a growing list of online retailers that are Linux-only or offer Linux as an option on just about all the PC models they offer. Many focus on value and want to see Linux succeed. By buying machines from these retailers, you will help them succeed and gently encourage other retailers to support Linux. Next time you need to buy a desktop or a laptop (and who can't use another computer!) visit a retailer like sub300 or idotPC and see if they have products that will suit your needs!

Sign up to become an Lraiser

5) Become an Lraiser
You can read compelling stories and view pictures of new users discovering Linux at Lraiser.com. There's even a graphical map of the world showing where each new Linspire user lives around the world. Various Linux fans have signed on to be Lraisers and agreed to help educate the world about how affordable and easy desktop Linux is today. If you haven't signed up to be an Lraiser, please consider it. And if you have already signed up, please send in that story and photo so you can be a certified Lraiser!

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