Linux-libre

Linux-libre

Linux-libre is a free operating system kernel that removes all non-free components from Linux. It aims to respect users' freedom and privacy by only including free software.
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Linux-libre: Free OS Kernel

A free operating system kernel removing non-free components from Linux, respecting user freedom and privacy with only included free software

What is Linux-libre?

Linux-libre is a operating system kernel based on the Linux kernel. It removes all non-free components and firmware blobs from Linux that can restrict users' freedom or violate their privacy. Linux-libre is part of the Free Software Foundation's GNU Project and aims to uphold the project's commitment to only using and promoting free software.

By removing proprietary components like firmware and drivers, Linux-libre provides a completely free system that fully respects users' freedom to study, share, and modify the software as they want. However, this means some devices that require proprietary firmware will not work properly or at all with Linux-libre.

The project is maintained by the Free Software Foundation and available under the GNU GPL license. It works with the GNU operating system to provide a fully free desktop environment. Linux-libre can be installed and used like most Linux distributions but prioritizes ideological purity over hardware compatibility.

Linux-libre Features

Features

  1. 100% free and open source software
  2. Removes all non-free firmware blobs
  3. Respects user freedom and privacy
  4. Compatible with regular Linux distributions
  5. Can be used as a drop-in replacement for Linux kernel

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Upholds software freedom principles

Avoids proprietary code and spyware

Increased security due to code review

Encourages community collaboration

Allows user control over their own computing

Cons

May lack support for some hardware

Requires more technical expertise to set up and use

Limited compatibility with proprietary software

Smaller community than mainstream Linux

Fewer user-friendly distributions available


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