List of recommended GNU/Linux distributions for libreboot

Any distribution should work, so long as it uses kernel mode setting for graphics. We recommend using distributions that are entirely free software; most distros out there have proprietary software in them, but the ones that we recommend do not have proprietary software by default.

Note: we are not the Free Software Foundation. The recommendations here consist of both FSF-endorsed and non-FSF-endorsed distros.

How to install GNU/Linux on a libreboot system

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Debian

Most of the developers use it (Leah Rowe always uses testing releases of Debian). We recommend Debian stable releases for most users. If you want to do development, e.g. libreboot development, then you should use the testing release of Debian.

Debian by default comes without non-free software in the default installation or repos. There is a non-free repo that's not added by default. Just avoid adding this, and you should have a fully free system.

Visit the Debian website

Devuan

Devuan is a fork of Debian that does not use the controversial systemd init system.

https://www.devuan.org/os/init-freedom/. TODO for Leah: try it. Systemd sometimes make shutting down take 10 minutes. No joke.

Visit the Devuan website

Parabola GNU/Linux

Fully free bleeding edge distribution, based on the Arch distribution. Good for saavy users and developers in general (some libreboot developers use this).

Arch users, refer to the Parabola migration guide.

Visit the Parabola website

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