this post was submitted on 20 Nov 2025
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Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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As per fsf only those linux distributions are 100% free:

Dragora
Dyne
Guix
Hyperbola
Parabola
PureOS
Trisquel
Ututo
libreCMC
ProteanOS

Do you agree or no?

I see a lot of people that want to switch from windows to a linux distro or a open os. But from what i see they tend to migrate to another black boxed/closed os.

What is a trully free os that doesnt included any closed code/binary blobs/closed drivers etc.

Just 100% free open code, no traps.

What are the options and what should one go with if they want fully free os that rejects any closed code?

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[–] LeFantome@programming.dev 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

No. You don’t get it.

You have to switch to hardware that keeps its firmware safely hidden inside so we can call it “hardware”. If you let the firmware be updated, now it is “software” and it has to be free. But you can run in whatever “hardware” you want and be totally free.

[–] vapeloki@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I don't get what?

There is a reason for the naming hardware, firmware, software.

HARD, FIRM, SOFT.

No, hardware das not bekomme Software just because it has firmware.

And yes it would love to see free firmware.

Look at CPU microcode. It is used to fix security issues in hardware. Without it you are vulnerable. Not using the property firmware blob to update the microcode is a very very bad idea. Does that make the CPU software...

[–] LeFantome@programming.dev 1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

Sorry buddy. It looks like I somehow replied to the wrong comment.

You misunderstood me (no surprise given the first sentence).

No, the CPU does not become "software" because it has firmware. Which is why it is crazy to disqualify Linux distros as "free" when they include firmware blobs.

Based on your comment here, I would say we completely agree.

[EDIT: Actually, I see my mistake now. I was replying to you. I just forgot to put the /s at the end of my first line. I said "You don't get it" because "you do get it".]

[–] vapeloki@lemmy.world 0 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Sorry, I am very sensible regarding this topic. I may have overreacted too.

I would suggest we keep those comments here for the overall content and shake hands :)

[–] LeFantome@programming.dev 2 points 1 month ago

Very happy to shake hands. Have an excellent week.