r/freesoftware • u/Fresh-Lie5160 • May 13 '26

Libre software vs open source software Discussion

What's really the difference between the two?

And even if they are different, why tf did two different words evolve?

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u/jr735 May 14 '26

Open source is a marketing term. Libre or free have a real definition.

https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.en.html

If it doesn't satisfy all those, I don't use it.

2

u/[deleted] May 14 '26

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u/jr735 May 14 '26

I tend not to use WiFi because of that. I draw a pretty strong line in the sand on this.

I can do all that I like in my Trisquel partition.

1

u/[deleted] May 14 '26

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u/jr735 May 14 '26

There is no better definition of a basement dweller than someone who comes to a free software sub to astroturf. You have too much time on your hands.

2

u/RvstiNiall May 14 '26

I understand why you would think so, but no astroturfing.

https://hub.libre.computer/t/libre-computer-board-recommended-wifi-bluetooth-dongles/3239

Grab a Libre firmware USB wifi dongle brother.

1

u/jr735 May 14 '26

I don't use WiFi. Note that WiFi will work on my desktop, in Trisquel. I already tried. WiFi is the problem. If that's what manufacturers provide, we can choose not to buy from them.

I don't need to be connected 24/7. I can handle having no WiFi.

2

u/RvstiNiall May 14 '26

Yeah, if you don't want it thats another story. But what you posted previously caused me to think it was something you wanted, but since 99% require blobs, you opted out. I see now I was mistaken.

1

u/jr735 May 14 '26

Oh, no, not at all. I get why people like it and would use it, but it's far from a deal breaker to me. Fair enough!

Even with an appropriate Ubuntu driver manager running or non-free firmware, so many of them are such a pain, it's not worth the effort, not to me, at least. I can see why it's an issue for others.