Linux

66014 readers

385 users here now

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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.

Rules

Posts must be relevant to operating systems running the Linux kernel. GNU/Linux or otherwise.
No misinformation
No NSFW content
No hate speech, bigotry, etc

Related Communities

Community icon by Alpár-Etele Méder, licensed under CC BY 3.0

founded 7 years ago

MODERATORS

nooter692@lemmy.ml

MarcellusDrum@lemmy.ml

cypherpunks@lemmy.ml

cyclohexane@lemmy.ml

Is it worth attempting to make a libre version of QubesOS? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) by Zeon@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.ml

9 comments fedilink hide all child comments

This has always been a thought of mine. I wanted to replace/remove any non-free kernels with a libre kernel that doesn't provide non-free binaries. I know some people say it does not matter, but I think it would be a cool idea.

I was thinking about hardening QubesOS by possibly using a deblobbed version of the Kicksecure kernel on all VMs. It would also come with Javascript disabled entirely on all VMs, all non-free binaries removed, everything run over Tor by default, maybe creating a custom repo with only free software, etc.

This would be inclined towards people who use Libreboot/Canoeboot, specifically those that use systems like OptiPlex 9020 and T440p, that run only 100% free software in the BIOS.

I've never attempted it, but I would like to know if anyone would be interested.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] Arcanoloth@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Absolutely in favour, the non-free blobs are a persistent thorn in my side. I myself have always been tempted to replace all the fedora and debian templates with alpine or OpenBSD to get smaller VMs (and without systemd), built as many things as unikernels as possible (e.g. the MirageOS firewall), and I'd love if X11 got replaced with Wayland (that one is hard, the X11 modifications are kind of the core of what Qubes provides).

[–] Zeon@lemmy.world 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

That would be interesting. Maybe a separate ISO could be created for someone like you. The only issue with using OpenBSD instead of Linux is that OpenBSD’s network stack is much different from Linux’s, which could potentially worsen your anonymity because so few people use OpenBSD. For now, I would at least try to provide optional non‑systemd Debian templates with OpenRC or runit. I do love the minimilist setup though, your other ideas are definitely noted.