gNewSense - A GNU/Linux project distribution available for download

Posted by Vivek Gite [Last updated: November 2, 2006]

This is a GNU/Linux project, to take all the binary blobs (such as driver) out of a rather popular distribution and make it all free.

It also provides a set of scripts that allow anyone to create a GNU/Linux Distribution.

gNewSense is derived from Ubuntu, and thus has most of the same functionality. There are a number of differences though.

* Firmware removed from kernel in main
* Restricted removed
* Ubuntu logos replaced
* Universe enabled by default
* emacs, bsdgames, nethack and build-essential part of the default install

Since there are no binary blobs, you will be not able to use latest wifi/wirless cards or graphics card.

Ubuntu has special package called Restricted kernel. It supports proprietary software that is not part of the kernel such as graphics and wireless driver.

Now the Million dollar question...

Am I going to try out this new distro?
Short answer is no

Long answer

I don't want to waste my time learning new things
I am happy with Ubuntu/Debian on desktop and Fedora core and Red Hat on server
On desktop both Ubuntu and Suse has done great work. In reality blobs are bad, but you need a practical solution (which is provided by Ubuntu).

Download link

If you are looking for a fully free distribution, not to have as many features as possible. Go for it!
=> gNewSense

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