C4C Lubuntu ReSpin

The C4C Lubuntu ReSpin (also historically referred to as the Computers4Christians Linux Project) was a specialized Linux distribution created by the organization Computers4Christians (C4C). It was an unofficial derivative of Ubuntu, based on the lightweight Lubuntu distribution, and designed with an overtly religious mission.

Core Purpose and Philosophy

The C4C Lubuntu ReSpin was developed with a stated evangelical and discipleship mission.

Mission: C4C's purpose was to create a free, modern computer operating system intended to lead unbelievers to a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and nurture believers in discipleship.
Distribution: Following the philosophy of "freely ye have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:8), the distribution was made available completely free of charge, with permission for users to copy and share it as many times as they wished.
Hardware Focus: As it was based on Lubuntu, the ReSpin retained the lightweight nature of its parent, allowing it to run effectively as a live system or an installation on older hardware, which C4C sometimes refurbished and donated.

Technical Specifications and Features

The C4C Lubuntu ReSpin took the base of a Lubuntu Long Term Support (LTS) release and added a wide array of Christian-focused content and applications.

Base Distribution: It was originally based on LTS point releases of Lubuntu (e.g., 14.04, 16.04), which uses the lightweight LXQt (or earlier, LXDE) desktop environment.
Later Versions: In later years, the project shifted its base to Xubuntu and was renamed C4C Ubuntu, utilizing the Xfce desktop environment.
Christian Content: The operating system came heavily pre-loaded with applications and media for religious study and outreach, including:

   * Multiple versions of the Bible (e.g., KJV, ASV, WEB).
   * Bible study software and tools like Xiphos, BibleTime, Diatheke, and Ezra Bible App.
   * Christian-themed games, daily devotionals, and commentaries.
   * Christian media, including audio Bibles, discipleship materials, and shortcuts to streaming Christian video and music.

Secular Software: In addition to the religious content, it included a full suite of general-purpose software such as LibreOffice, GIMP, an email client (Thunderbird), and a web browser (Firefox).
Parental Controls: A non-snap version of Firefox was included, often bundled with a parental control extension like FoxFilter to help filter out inappropriate content.
Installation: The distribution could be run live from a DVD or USB drive without altering the host computer, or it could be permanently installed.

Development and Legacy

The C4C Lubuntu ReSpin was developed and maintained by a small team of Christian developers who formed the Computers4Christians group in 2011. While the ReSpin itself was eventually superseded by the C4C Ubuntu distribution, it represents a notable example of a remaster or re-spin of a mainstream Linux distribution to fulfill a specific religious and evangelistic purpose.