Like all Linux distributions, Ubuntu is built on open source software, which means anybody can examine and modify the software used in the operating system, right down to the kernel. But in order for Ubuntu to take full advantage of your computer’s hardware, there’s a good chance you’re going to want to use some restricted/proprietary drivers for your WiFi or graphics card or other PC components.
But if you’re a die-hard open source enthusiast, you can install Ubuntu without any restricted components by hitting F6 at the boot menu when installing Ubuntu. This will let you install free software only, although you’ll still have access to the restricted repositories.
Or if you want to be really hard core about it, you can install gNewSense 2.0, which is basically Hardy Heron without any restricted drivers — or even easy access to them. That means there’s a decent chance that your WiFi and video cards won’t be supported right out of the box. But you can also be certain that you’re using 100% free software which means you or anyone else can examine or modify every last line of code on your system.
In the past, Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, has released Gobuntu, which is basically an official version of Ubuntu with free software only. But according to the Gobuntu wiki, the community that had been supporting the free software version of Ubuntu hasn’t gotten around to creating a version for Hardy Heron, the latest Ubuntu distro.
For the most part gNewSense feels like Ubuntu. But it has about 100 packages missing, including some proprietary drivers, graphics, and even Firefox. The operating system uses Ephinany as its web browser instead.
[via Linux.com and Slashdot]