A look at 100% free modern GNU/Linux distributions

It's a common misconception that Linux Mint, is entirely free; just for example. This statement could be taken as true, if looked at from the perspective of cost to the end-user, you; however not if taken at the perspective of free meaning freedom.

Many packages, drivers, and applications used in modern GNU/Linux distributions are not open-sourced, and therefore not really 'free' in the same sense.

There are some users who make the switch to GNU/Linux, away from systems like Windows and MacOS, for the explicit purpose of using only free software, operating systems, drivers, and everything in between, as a way of 'taking back their computing' or other similar concepts.

Whatever the reason one may have, there are a number of distributions to choose from, so here's a few to pique your curiosity.

Parabola

If Archlinux is your thing, but you want to make the switch to a 100% free distro, Parabola is the one you want.

The installation is very similar, and so I do not recommend Parabola for novice users, but users comfortable installing Archlinux will have no issues, and users can also migrate an existing Archlinux install over to Parabola, simply by changing the repositories for Pacman.

Parabola and I have had a good relationship in the past, but I use too many closed-source applications.

• More information can be found at https://www.parabola.nu/

Dragora GNU/Linux-Libre

Dragora is another entirely free system, this time entirely independent. This means it's not based off another system, such as Ubuntu/Debian, Fedora, Gentoo, Archlinux etc.

However, that said, I have used Dragora for a short period in the somewhat recent past, and found it to be pleasant to use.

My main issue however, was the very small repository size, lacking many things I have grown comfortable to using.

However, for a casual user who just wants to surf the web, watch videos, check messages, Dragora would be more than suitable, and the simplicity felt with it could be quite enjoyable.

• The Dragora homepage can be found here for more information http://dragora.org/repo.fsl/doc/trunk/www/index.md

Blag

Blag has done a hilarious job of their website design, with witty and comedic comments around every corner... But don't take all the jokes as a sign of unprofessionalism, Blag is a nice system. Based on Fedora 14, Blag from my experience ran blazing fast, and had a fair number of packages pre-installed with nearly anything one could need. This is especially helpful for users who are new to the free as in freedom world of GNU/Linux, and may not know all the alternative applications to popular closed-source ones they are used to using.

More info on Blag can be found here http://www.blagblagblag.org/

• More free distributions can be found here, as well as more information about free as in freedom computing: https://www.gnu.org/distros/free-distros.html

Now you: Have you ever used a 100% free distribution? What one, and why? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments!

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