Linux-libre
Encyclopedia
Linux-libre is a project that aims to publish and maintain modified versions of the Linux kernel
that include only free software
. This is accomplished by removing software modules without included source code (binary blob
s), obfuscated code
or portions of code under proprietary
(or "semi-free") licenses.
This project is endorsed by the Free Software Foundation
and is a fundamental piece of fully free
GNU
/Linux distribution
s.
Linux-libre was started from the work done in gNewSense
(and expanded upon in BLAG
) to remove non-free parts from Linux. Currently Linux-libre is maintained and published by the Free Software Foundation Latin America
.
Linux kernel
The Linux kernel is an operating system kernel used by the Linux family of Unix-like operating systems. It is one of the most prominent examples of free and open source software....
that include only free software
Free software
Free software, software libre or libre software is software that can be used, studied, and modified without restriction, and which can be copied and redistributed in modified or unmodified form either without restriction, or with restrictions that only ensure that further recipients can also do...
. This is accomplished by removing software modules without included source code (binary blob
Binary blob
In the free software community, binary blob is a pejorative term for an object file loaded into the kernel of a open source operating system without publicly available source code...
s), obfuscated code
Obfuscated code
Obfuscated code is source or machine code that has been made difficult to understand for humans. Programmers may deliberately obfuscate code to conceal its purpose or its logic to prevent tampering, deter reverse engineering, or as a puzzle or recreational challenge for someone reading the source...
or portions of code under proprietary
Proprietary software
Proprietary software is computer software licensed under exclusive legal right of the copyright holder. The licensee is given the right to use the software under certain conditions, while restricted from other uses, such as modification, further distribution, or reverse engineering.Complementary...
(or "semi-free") licenses.
This project is endorsed by the Free Software Foundation
Free Software Foundation
The Free Software Foundation is a non-profit corporation founded by Richard Stallman on 4 October 1985 to support the free software movement, a copyleft-based movement which aims to promote the universal freedom to create, distribute and modify computer software...
and is a fundamental piece of fully free
Free software
Free software, software libre or libre software is software that can be used, studied, and modified without restriction, and which can be copied and redistributed in modified or unmodified form either without restriction, or with restrictions that only ensure that further recipients can also do...
GNU
GNU
GNU is a Unix-like computer operating system developed by the GNU project, ultimately aiming to be a "complete Unix-compatible software system"...
/Linux distribution
Linux distribution
A Linux distribution is a member of the family of Unix-like operating systems built on top of the Linux kernel. Such distributions are operating systems including a large collection of software applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, media players, and database applications...
s.
Linux-libre was started from the work done in gNewSense
GNewSense
gNewSense is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. Its goal is to maintain the user-friendliness of Ubuntu, but with all non FSF approved software and binary blobs removed. The Free Software Foundation considers gNewSense to be a Linux distribution composed entirely of free software.gNewSense takes...
(and expanded upon in BLAG
BLAG Linux and GNU
BLAG Linux and GNU is a GNU/Linux distribution made by the Brixton Linux Action Group.BLAG is a single-CD distro with applications desktop users "expect" from a desktop including multimedia, graphics, desktop internet applications and more. BLAG also includes a collection of server packages...
) to remove non-free parts from Linux. Currently Linux-libre is maintained and published by the Free Software Foundation Latin America
Free Software Foundation Latin America
Free Software Foundation Latin America is the Latin American sister organisation of the Free Software Foundation. It is the fourth sister organisation of FSF, after Free Software Foundation Europe and Free Software Foundation India...
.