Is a Freed Mageia Possible?

[gnuzen]

1. Is there a Linux-libre kernel in the Mageia repositories?

2. Can software be filtered by license, prior to installation, such that only free software is installed?

I am looking for distros to try on my netbook, but use free software exclusively these days, thus the questions.

[doktor5000]

1. No, there is not.

2. No, but you can keep nonfree and tainted repositories disabled, that way you only get FL/OSS.
[Nitpick: Even if you enable those two, you only get free software. But not necessarily open source or not infringed by patents - as you asked for free software ]

Check also https://wiki.mageia.org/en/Mirrors_policy#core

[claire]

kernel-linus has "no Mageia patches and no third-party drivers", it may be what you're looking for.

I won't vouch for it's libre linux status but, if I'm not mistaken, it is the upstream kernel in mageia packaging. Nonfree drivers can be installed onto it if desired/necessary using their dkms packages but there are no prebuilt kmod packages available for it.

I won't say for 100% certain as it's a bit like advising a vegetarian there is no meat in a meal you didn't prepare yourself, plus I could of course be mistaken, it's been known to happen

[jkerr82508]

The upstream kernel is not "libre". Mageia does not provide a "libre" kernel.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_libre

Jim

[gnuzen]

Thanks for the responses. I'll keep looking. The only reason I asked is because I started on Mandrake 7.0 back in the day.

[doktor5000]

Uhmm, looking for what exactly?