Some Linux distributions are available at no charge, but include restrictive software. Why is it so?
There are typically three types of policies regarding the inclusion of non-free software: • Some GNU/Linux distributors allow non-free software in order to enable hardware functionality. This happens because some hardware manufacturers such as NVidia do not care about their customers’ freedoms, and only release restricting firmware and drivers (some of them don’t even release anything, like Broadcom). These are available at no cost (they are freeware) but under restrictive licenses. Distributions such as Ubuntu thus include such components to improve hardware compatibility. • Some GNU/Linux distributors do not compromise on the freedom of software, and make sure their distribution are entirely free. Such is the case of gNewSense, which is a Ubuntu derivative with all restricting components removed. • Some GNU/Linux distributors assemble free and restrictive software without distinction. Such distributors would not like users to think of their freedom, and rather advertise only the tech
