% 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. Some of these distributions
wrongly call the whole system *Linux*. Despite libreboot's [stance against the
GNU project](../../gnu/), we still agree with the free software philosophy and
we still want you to call the whole system *GNU+Linux*, since this is the
technically correct name for the system.

FSF-endorsed distros
--------------------

Many FSF-endorsed GNU+Linux distributions are considered unfit for general use
by the libreboot project. You can read about their problems here:

[Why we can't endorse many FSF-endorsed distributions](../fsf-distros/).

[How to install GNU+Linux on a libreboot
system](../gnulinux/grub_boot_installer.html)

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](https://www.debian.org/)

We recommend using the *MATE* desktop.

Devuan
------

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

See: <https://www.devuan.org/os/init-freedom/>.

[Visit the Devuan website](https://www.devuan.org/)

We recommend using the *MATE* desktop.

Qubes
-----

Security-focussed distribution. It makes heavy use of IOMMU and hardware
virtualization to separate running applications, along with other security
features. Provides a full hypervisor for running applications.

Also heavily in favour of adoption of both Libreboot and Coreboot.

**Of all available Libreboot systems, Qubes is currently only known to be
compatible with the ASUS KGPE-D16 and KCMA-D8, due to the hardware
virtualization requirement (and even on those boards, only certain CPUs have
fully functional virtualization in Libreboot).**

[Visit the Qubes website](https://www.qubes-os.org/)

Dragora
-------

Fully free distribution, with a focus on simple package management and
configuration. Experienced users might like this distro. It also has native
support for multiple languages.

[Visit the Dragora website](https://dragora.org/)

Parabola
--------

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](https://wiki.parabola.nu/Migration_from_the_GNU+Linux_distribution_of_Arch).

[Visit the Parabola website](https://www.parabola.nu/)

We recommend using the *MATE* desktop.

Copyright © 2016 Leah Rowe <info@minifree.org>

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