Mageia forum

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.

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

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

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

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

Jim

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.

Uhmm, looking for what exactly?