libreCMC FAQ

What is libreCMC ?

A set of fully free embedded Operating Systems that work on routers and a wide range of general purpose computers. It is 100% free software and meets the GNU Free System Distribution Guidelines or GNU FSDG. libreCMC consists of two projects, one being a GNU/Linux-libre distro and the other being an experimental OS that is not based around a linux* kernel (more will be published on this soon).

Why should I care?

In the light of recent events, it is more important now more than ever to fight for the freedom to control the software that runs on a given device. Users should have the freedom to control their devices, not the OEMs who originally made the device. Since libreCMC is free software, users have total control over what the software on their device is doing. This is important because it means that the community can add new features, review what the software is doing and make improvements that benefit the community as a whole.

Will you support device "X" ?

Does device X need a non-free blob? Many popular devices and development boards are non-free and will NOT be supported by libreCMC. There is currently an audit of the Cubieboard, but we are not currently adding support until it is 100% confirmed that it does not need binary blobs to work.

If the device has a DSL modem or an 802.11ac wifi chipset, the libreCMC project can't support these devices. There are currently no fully free (libre) 802.11ac or DSL modem chipsets

What is libreCMC based upon?

libreCMC GNU/linux-libre is a fork of the popular LEDE Project, but we use a linux-libre kernel and strip out some non-free components that are otherwise included in LEDE.

What is wrong with OpenWRT/LEDE?

Some people have the view that everyone should have the freedom to control the software that runs on devices they own. If any compromises are made, then some of the benefits of Free Software go out the window. The OpenWRT/LEDE project does help give users more freedom than they would otherwise have, but some of the supported devices and packages are non-free.

How often are releases made?

libreCMC releases every 3 - 6 months, depending on if there is a critical security or design flaw. We are currently working out new plans for regular package updates and (maybe) semi-daily builds. Many factors are involved in when a new release is made so releases could be more frequent or delayed.

There are different flavors of libreCMC : what is the difference?

See the flavors page for more info.

Can people contribute to the project?

Documentation : Pull requests can be made against the libreCMC source repository.

Issues can be filed against the project.

Pull requests can be made against libreCMC repositories (an account will be needed on libreCMC's GOGs deployment.

Donations can be made to the project.

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