The GNU Linux-libre project has officially released the GNU Linux-libre 6.13 kernel, providing a fully free and deblobbed version of the Linux 6.13 kernel for users seeking a 100% free software experience. This release continues the project’s mission to eliminate all non-free components and deliver a kernel that aligns with the principles of software freedom.
Key Features and Updates
Based on the recently released Linux 6.13, the GNU Linux-libre 6.13 kernel introduces several important changes to ensure a completely free computing experience:
- Blob-Free Drivers:
- Six new drivers have been cleaned to remove requests for proprietary blobs:
rtw8812a,rtw8821a,bmi270,aw88081,ntp8835, andntp8918. - Updates to existing drivers, including
wilc1000,rt1320,ivpu,adreno, andx86 touchscreen, ensure they remain free of non-free components. - Removal of cleanup logic for drivers that have been dropped upstream, such as
rtl8192e,rtl8712, andvt6656.
- Six new drivers have been cleaned to remove requests for proprietary blobs:
- Documentation Adjustments:
- The project has updated the
cs35l56documentation to remove recommendations for installing proprietary firmware, ensuring alignment with the goals of software freedom.
- The project has updated the
- Device Tree Enhancements:
- Numerous
devicetreefiles have been updated to neutralize blob mentions and ensure no non-free components are referenced or loaded.
- Numerous
- Expanded Hardware Support:
- GNU Linux-libre 6.13 retains compatibility with the expanded hardware support introduced in Linux 6.13, including devices such as the Surface Pro 9 5G, AMD I3C controllers, and NVIDIA Mellanox “MLX5” devices, while ensuring these implementations remain free of proprietary software.
The Philosophy Behind GNU Linux-Libre
The GNU Linux-libre kernel is designed for users and organizations who prioritize freedom in their software choices. By removing proprietary firmware, disabling runtime requests for non-free components, and eliminating references to non-free software in documentation, GNU Linux-libre ensures that users have a truly free operating system.
Freedo, the project’s light-blue penguin mascot, symbolizes the project’s commitment to a pure, free software ecosystem, untainted by proprietary dependencies.
Why Choose GNU Linux-Libre?
GNU Linux-libre is ideal for:
- Purists: Users who value a completely free software environment and wish to avoid proprietary software entirely.
- Developers: Those building systems or distributions that adhere strictly to the principles of free software.
- Organizations: Entities seeking compliance with strict open-source or free software standards.
The kernel’s deblobbed design ensures users are not “baited” into using proprietary software, aligning with the principles of the Free Software Foundation (FSF) and the GNU Project.
Availability
The GNU Linux-libre 6.13 kernel is available for download in multiple formats:
- Source Code: Accessible via the official GNU Linux-libre website or directly from the project’s Git repository.
- Precompiled Packages: Ready-to-use
.deband.rpmpackages are available from the Freesh and RPM Freedom repositories for Debian- and Red Hat-based distributions.
Looking Ahead
GNU Linux-libre 6.13 is a testament to the ongoing efforts of the free software community to provide ethical and transparent software alternatives. With the upcoming Linux 6.14 release, the GNU Linux-libre project is expected to continue its vital role in ensuring software freedom remains at the core of the open-source movement.
For users and developers, adopting GNU Linux-libre is more than a technical choice—it’s a commitment to freedom, transparency, and ethical computing.
Vía: FSFLA
