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| '''gNewSense''' is a |
'''gNewSense''' is a version of the ] using the ] designed for users who wish to only use ] on ]s. It offers a complete graphical user interface and the full ] for developers. gNewSense is based on ], but with all ] and ]s removed. It is listed by the ] as a free operating system.<ref>http://www.gnu.org/links/links.html#FreeGNULinuxDistributions</ref> | ||
| gNewSense takes a very strict stance for free software. For example, any documentation that gives instructions on installing non-free software is excluded<ref></ref>. | gNewSense takes a very strict stance for free software. For example, any documentation that gives instructions on installing non-free software is excluded<ref></ref>. | ||
Revision as of 23:25, 23 November 2008
Operating system | |
 gNewSense 2.1 Live CD | |
| Developer | Brian Brazil and Paul O'Malley |
|---|---|
| OS family | Unix-like |
| Working state | Current |
| Source model | Free Software |
| Latest release | 2.1 / August 24, 2008; 16 years ago (2008-08-24) |
| Repository | |
| Update method | APT |
| Package manager | dpkg |
| Platforms | x86 |
| Kernel type | Monolithic |
| Default user interface | GNOME |
| License | Free software licenses |
| Official website | www.gnewsense.org |
gNewSense is a version of the GNU operating system using the Linux kernel designed for users who wish to only use free software on personal computers. It offers a complete graphical user interface and the full GNU toolchain for developers. gNewSense is based on Ubuntu, but with all proprietary software and binary blobs removed. It is listed by the Free Software Foundation as a free operating system.
gNewSense takes a very strict stance for free software. For example, any documentation that gives instructions on installing non-free software is excluded.
The backing project was founded and launched by Brian Brazil and Paul O'Malley in 2006. In October 2006, after the 0.85 release it was given assistance by the Free Software Foundation.
Comparison with Ubuntu
Proprietary software repositories are not provided by the gNewSense project, non-free documentation and artwork have been removed and the "Universe" package repository is enabled by default. In order to avoid trademark issues that stem from the modification of Mozilla Firefox, gNewSense 1.1 rebranded it as "BurningDog". BurningDog likewise did not suggest non-free plugins for various web media, such as Adobe Flash. gNewSense 2.0 uses the Epiphany web browser as released by the GNOME Project.
Limitations
Over one hundred pieces of proprietary firmware were removed from the Ubuntu kernel to make gNewSense. Such removals include support for some wireless network cards, and therefore gNewSense currently supports a more limited range of wireless network cards than other GNU/Linux distributions. 3D graphics and application support were also removed by May 1st, 2008 because of license issues with Mesa 3D. The major issue with Mesa 3D has been resolved by September 19, 2008, however there are still licensing issues pending before the FSF and the gNewSense developers consider MESA free software .
Comparison with Debian
Debian is another GNU/Linux distribution noted by strict licensing. gNewSense excludes non-free software that Debian includes (such as proprietary firmware) and does not have repositories for non-free software (which Debian has). It should be noted, however, that gNewSense also includes documentation that the Debian project considers non-free, particularly that licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License with invariant sections.
Technical aspects
By default gNewSense uses GNOME, the official desktop environment of the GNU operating system.
Like Ubuntu, gNewSense has good usability and focuses on software freedom. The Ubiquity installer allows installing to the hard disk from within the Live CD environment without the need for restarting the computer prior to installation.
Besides standard system tools and other small applications, gNewSense comes installed with the following software: the OpenOffice.org productivity suite, the Internet browser Epiphany, the instant messenger Pidgin, and the raster graphics editor GIMP. Common software development tools including the GCC and the GNU Emacs text editor are installed by default.
Installation
The same CD can be used to run the distro as a live CD and to install. CD images are available for download.
Alternatively, gNewSense 2.0 is available pre-installed on computers from Los Alamos Computers.
Versions
Version 1.1, "deltad", was released on 22 January 2007 and is based on Ubuntu 6.06 "Dapper Drake". Version 2.0, "deltah", followed on 30 April 2008 and is based on Ubuntu 8.04 "Hardy Heron"; version 2.1 is a minor update which removes non-free software and expands hardware support.
Creating personalized versions
Brian Brazil developed a tool called 'Builder' to make gNewSense which also can be used by anyone to make their own release of GNU/Linux.
See also
References
- http://www.gnewsense.org/
- http://www.gnu.org/links/links.html#FreeGNULinuxDistributions
- Release 0.85
- gNewSense 1.0 released - Free Software Foundation
- gNewSense Official Website | Main / PressRelease20070122
- http://www.gnewsense.org/Main/Deltah
- http://www.fsf.org/blogs/licensing/2008-09-sgi-announcement
- "LAC Now Shipping gNewSense 2.0 Systems".
External links
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