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Linux Solutions Perfect for Tough Times We all know times are tough and very few of us have been affected by the economy. While Gigastrand is no exception, we have continued to thrive and flourish through the current economic state. This is due primarily to responsible business practices and, to a significant degree, our policy of running a 100% Microsoft^tm-free business. Linux is an affordable alternative to Microsoft Windows^tm. It will run on your current PC and includes all of the software you need to surf the Internet, E-mail, chat, play game sites like Pogo^tm, watch free TV shows and movies on Hulu^tm, and so much more. At only $1 per CD (plus shipping) it is affordable to make the switch from the often problematic woes of Windows^tm and related software. The versions of the Linux operating system Gigastrand sells (specifically LinuxMint and freespire) have passed our strict ease of use standards. This ensures the transition to Linux will be as easy as possible. Both LinuxMint and freespire come pre-loaded with many software applications - some of which you may have used on your Windows PC. Most notable is the popular Firefox browser and OpenOffice.org. OpenOffice.org is a powerful, full-version Microsoft Office^tm compatible office suite. It will open, edit and save your Microsoft Word^tm, Excel^tm, and Power Point^tm documents. You can use it to update your resume, make a household budget, or revise a sales presentation. It also includes other powerful programs like Draw for making publications, charts, and diagrams; and Base for creating database files. When you add up the value of all the software already included with our $1 Linux 4 Everyone CDs, you could easily spend hundreds of dollars on comparable Microsoft^tm software. It is easy to see why being 100% Microsoft free gives Gigastrand an advantage even in these tough times. So visit the Gigastrand Online Store and try a flavor of Linux. It is one of those sound financial decisions that won't require bailout money.
Mr.Gigabytes' review of Linspire 6.0 Until recently, I have been devoutly dedicated to Linspire Five-0. It did everything I needed it to and it ran just fine on my laptop and server. I had used Linspire 6.0 and Freespire 2.0 to certify the computer offerings at Gigastrand.com, but I had not had the opportunity to explore everything Linspire 6.0 had to offer for myself. In many ways I have always felt that Linspire is more user-friendly than Windows. There is less hassle during the installation; it doesn't ask “Are you sure you are really sure?” when I want to do something; when I want to reinstall Linspire I don't have to spend hours trying to figure out where all of my installation CDs are, and I don't have to spend hours upon hours doing updates and reinstalling software as nearly all of the programs I need to run my business and personal life are included with Linspire. Because of its many advantages, I have been running Linspire full-time for a long time. I am 100% Microsoft free because I am a very busy person and do not have the time and energy it takes to maintain Windows updates, anti-virus and security. Linspire takes out much of the worry about security. Initially, it took some getting used to, but the effort was well worth the end result. Because I had run previous versions of Linspire for a long time, when I went to install Linspire 6.0, it was like trying Linspire for the first time ever. I went in with some apprehension as I was not sure what to expect. Right away, much of my trepidation was alleviated when I saw the familiar installer. Little had changed and that was perfectly fine by me. A fast and simple installation was always Linspire's strong suit. In 15 minutes I was on my way. Once I had rebooted after the installation, I was pleasantly surprised. Despite being based on Ubuntu, Linspire looked, felt, and sounded very much like the Linspire I have always used. Immediately I noticed the Network Manager had a much more intuitive interface, menus were more responsive, and the whole look had much more polish. Things that worked OK in Linspire Five-0 worked exceptionally well now in Linspire 6.0. It truly took no time at all to adjust to Linspire 6.0. Many of the annoying little issues that I once had to work around in Linspire Five-0 were gone. My sound was working much better (it had developed a flaw in recent weeks in Linspire Five-0), it had an updated Firefox (my wife was elated), and it had an updated version of GAIM called Pidgin. With the installation of the CNR Client, I was able to get a new version of NVU and many of my favorite games - er - applications again. Nevertheless, I firmly believe Linspire is on the right track and still has the right idea. Even if I were able to find something negative to say about Linspire 6.0 it would simply be baseless and inaccurate. Though, I do miss the old Launch Menu button. If you want the true measure of Linspire, here it is: As I said before, I am not one to sell a product I do not believe in and I will not recommend a product I would not use myself. Linspire is available at Gigastrand and I am now a Linspire 6.0 user. It was worth the wait.
Gigastrand announces Linux 4 Everyone Project. December 28, 2007 - Sioux Falls SD. In another first in the computer industry, Gigastrand International, a small PC manufacturer and Linux services provider has taken it upon itself to manufacture, promote and distribute the Linux-based freespire operating system for only $1.00. Except for Ubuntu CDs distributed by Canonical, it is currently the lowest priced operating system CD available to consumers anywhere. "Not only do we have the lowest priced Linux CD, we also ship it within a week and even ship it for free anywhere in the United States for that $1 price," explained Josh Tordsen, founder of Gigastrand International. "We will ship any quantity anywhere for the same $1.00 per CD. We are also currently working on International shipping and should have an offering for international customers after the first of the year." The response to this offer has been a positive one as within hours of making this offer public in the freespire forums, 53 freespire CDs were ordered. "We are elated that we have seen such a response," said Tordsen. "The point of this project is to make freespire available to everyone who wants it. It is a wonderful operating system and we want to get it into the hands of everyone who is looking for something better without having to invest a lot of money into hardware or software." The freespire operating system is key to many of Gigastrand's other programs - such as the Microsoft-free initiative. "Recently, Gigastrand announced that it was a 100% Microsoft-Free business and then offered tools and support to individuals and businesses wanting to do the same. The freespire for Everyone project is a natural extention of that program." The freespire for Everyone CDs are available at www.gigastrand.com. More information on the freespire operating system can be found at www.freespire.org .
Gigastrand begins disbursement of OSS Fund freespire is first, others to follow.
Business Services Added to Gigastrand Store Web development, document conversion, printing services and onsite migration assistance are the beginning of many professional services targeted at businesses.
Gigastrand commits to Benson's Shows through May 2008 Gigastrand's dedicated spot in show allows visitors to meet Mr. Gigabytes December 2, 2007 - Sioux Falls SD. Gigastrand has reserved a dedicated spot in Benson's Flea Market - an event that attracts thousands of local visitors each month. The Gigastrand booth will feature a PC running the latest Linspire operating system, several online items offered for sale, an 7.5 foot tall lighted sign, and even the opportunity to meet the founder of Gigastrand, Josh Tordsen (A.K.A Mr. Gigabytes), in person. "It made sense to make the investment to reach out to everyone in the area at this event," explained Josh Tordsen. "We actually started in November and pulled everything together in less than 3 days. Everything was pretty non-descript but we still reached out to many people." The 2008 shows will also include drawings for prizes and gift certificates, in-person agent signups, and will spotlight the freespire for Everyone project with hundreds of CDs planned to be distributed for free. "It will be something people will want to travel to see. It is just one small booth among hundreds, but the ideas and opportunities we represent will be well worth the trip and the entrance fee." Benson's Flea Market is held the first weekend of each month through May at the Sioux Empire Expo Building in Sioux Falls.
Gigastrand Relesases the World's First Line of pre-loaded Freespire Computers Jasper (J-Series) PC line makes good on Gigastrand's DLS committment. The Jasper or J-Series line is named in honor of Freespire founder Andrew Betts' Jasp Computer Company. The line includes 2 desktops, 2 laptops and 1 server. A portion of the sale of each PC goes back to fund further development of Freespire.
Gigastrand Unveils World's First Lifetime Warranty Laptops New startup business make an unprecedented move by revealing the world's first laptops with an available lifetime warranty. April 6 2006 - Sioux Falls SD. Gigastrand (www.gigastrand.com) announced today that they will be offering an optional Lifetime warranty on their entire Linspire-based laptop line. This unprecedented move is part of an initiative to offer high quality, Linspire-based computers at affordable prices. "We are so confident in the product we sell that we are willing to stand behind it longer than the manufacturers," said co-founder Josh Tordsen. "Gigastrand already carries Linspire-based desktop computers with a standard Lifetime warranties. Offering laptops with an available Lifetime warranty was the next logical step." "That is just the beginning," said co-founder Patrick Green. "We are working on new and innovative ways of getting Linux PCs into the hands of the average computer user. These are just the first steps toward that goal. We are already attracting a lot of attention. At the 2006 Desktop Linux Sumit we will be unveiling an innovative way to buy and sell computers" The Lifetime warranty is offered as an optional add-on to any of the Linspire Laptops in the Gigastrand online store and price starts at $99. The North America Store is currently operational and there are plans to ship worldwide.
Gigastrand Online Store Now Open North America Store now open for US and Canadian customers. April 5 2006 - Gigastrand International recently announced the North America online store is officially open for US and Canadian Customers. While there is some tweaking still to be done in the store, it is functional and is ready to take its first orders.
Gigastrand Announces Logo Design Contest Winner Gigastrand extends congratulations to Surge_21 for his winning entry! Honorable mention goes to dleung for creative use of 3D artistry.
Gigastrand Inaugural Press Release South Dakota based Gigabytes Computer Store owner Josh Tordsen (www.gigabytescs.com) and Illinois based Silver Strand Solutions owner Patrick L. Green are proud to announce a joint venture, Gigastrand International. Gigastrand International will supply computers and home entertainment systems using the Linspire Operating System. In addition, Gigastrand International will provide specialized materials for people with niche interests such as using Linspire to to be an audiophile, run a small business, and much more. People will be able to purchase systems and materials from Gigastrand International through their web site (http://gigastrand.com) or at a Gigastrand International franchise store. “It was a natural blending,” said Patrick Green, president of Silver Strand Solutions. “Josh and I have bounced ideas off of each other for some time now to make our individual businesses stronger. His computers are quality driven with lifetime warranties. His IT on call has been a solid model that I have actually borrowed for use in my own operation. Combine that with my company's dedication to the education of the masses about Linux via speaking engagements and training materials for retailers and educators, it only made sense to combine forces.” “I'm very excited about this venture,” remarked Josh Tordsen, president of Gigabytes Computer Store,”Many retailers are offering Linspire, but they are offering low cost, lower performance machines. We believe that a robust, value driven OS needs robust, value driven computers. We also believe that people want high end systems running Linspire. At the end of the day it is all about the customer. By offering our customers lifetime warranties, newsletters, and other benefits, a Gigastrand computer owner will be a part of something.” You will soon be able to buy a gigastrand computer at gigastrand.com and there is a possibility of franchise opportunites in the near future. Gigastrand is committed to being an international operation. Gigastrand co-founder Josh Tordsen has forged a business relationship with David Obran's European organization, Questar. Patrick Green is starting talks with Linspire channels in the Orient. The goal is to have Gigastrand computers and training materials available in as many countries and languages as possible. Both partners have said that they intend to keep their current businesses in operation and do not see that changing in the near future. Gigastrand International will be unveiling itself at the 2006 Linux Desktop Summit this April in San Diego, California and co-founder Patrick Green will be speaking at the Summit on “The New Face of Linux”.