(Screenshots available at http://www.fsf.org/news/gnewsense)
gNewSense (http://www.gnewsense.org/ ) is a free software GNU/Linux distribution created by two Irish free software advocates, Brian Brazil and Paul O’Malley, and is based on the Ubuntu and Debian distributions. The goal of gNewSense is to provide users with a software package that offers the stability of Ubuntu with the addition of freedom.
In announcing the release of version 1.0, the gNewSense developers stated, “From a philosophical perspective we wanted to create a GNU/Linux distribution where the user has access to all the sources for all software on the system. This includes everything from the heart of the kernel through to the everyday desktop applications.”
With the avowed goal of providing a completely free distribution – one without non-free kernel binary “blobs” or any other non-free software, the Free Software Foundation has announced sponsorship of the project. Ted Teah, FSF’s free software directory maintainer explained, “With all
the kernel firmware and restricted repositories removed, and the reliance on Ubuntu’s proprietary distribution management tool Launchpad gone, this distribution is the most advanced GNU/Linux distribution that has a commitment to be 100% free.”
gNewSense will provide users with full security updates and is available for immediate download in LiveCD ISO format along with a version of the Ubiquity graphical installer. Furthermore, the gNewSense team has created a set of software called Builder which allows users to create their own gNewSense-based distributions. gNewSense provides detailed instructions on how to use the software and the recipe to roll out a customized distro.
The Free Software Foundation is providing the gNewSense team with a high end build machine (running with a free BIOS), with bandwidth and with assistance in developing artwork. The FSF plans to aid widespread adoption of the distribution and, with the release of gNewSense 1.0, is making a call for volunteers who have the skills to act as the following:
* Developers;
* Website Maintainers;
* Graphic Artists;
* Freedom verifiers to monitor package additions and mailing lists;
* Documentation Writers.
To volunteer, please, sign on at irc.freenode.net and /join #gnewsense. You can also join the mailing list via the project website http://www.gnewsense.org/
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About the Free Software Foundation
The Free Software Foundation, founded in 1985, is dedicated to promoting computer users’ right to use, study, copy, modify, and redistribute computer programs. The FSF promotes the development and use of free (as in freedom) software – particularly the GNU operating system and its GNU/Linux variants – and free documentation for free software. The FSF also helps to spread awareness of the ethical and political issues of freedom in the use of software. Their Web site, located at www.fsf.org, is an important source of information about GNU/Linux. Donations to
support their work can be made at http://fsf.org/join They are headquartered in Boston, MA, USA.
Press contact
To schedule an interview with the developers of gNewSense, please contact Ted Teah at the Free Software Foundation (+1 617-542-5942) or Peter Brown (+1 617-542-5942) or email pr@fsf.org”
Link: fsf.org
