# FreedomBox

> Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q51627](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q51627)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FreedomBox)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/freedombox

## Summary
FreedomBox is a Linux distribution designed as an easy-to-manage, privacy-oriented home server and embedded operating system. It runs on Android and ARM architecture devices, offering a user-friendly interface for managing self-hosted services like email, file sharing, and communication tools.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Embedded operating system and free software
- **Primary use**: Home server, embedded home server, wireless router
- **Platforms**: Android and ARM architecture
- **Programming language**: Python
- **License**: GNU Affero General Public License, version 3.0 or later
- **Latest stable version**: 20.2 (released 2020-02-11)
- **Website**: [freedombox.org](https://freedombox.org/)
- **Twitter handle**: @FreedomBoxFndn
- **Mastodon address**: freedomboxfndn@mastodon.social
- **Source code repository**: [Salsa Debian](https://salsa.debian.org/freedombox-team/freedombox.git)
- **Debian packages**: freedombox, freedombox-doc-en, freedombox-doc-es

## FAQs
### Q: What is FreedomBox used for?
A: FreedomBox is used as a privacy-focused home server, allowing users to self-host services like email, file sharing, and communication tools on their own devices.

### Q: Is FreedomBox compatible with Android?
A: Yes, FreedomBox runs on Android devices, making it accessible for users who prefer mobile-friendly interfaces.

### Q: How do I install FreedomBox?
A: FreedomBox can be installed on ARM architecture devices, such as Raspberry Pi, and is available through the Debian package repository.

### Q: What programming language is FreedomBox written in?
A: FreedomBox is primarily written in Python, which contributes to its modular and easy-to-manage design.

### Q: Who maintains FreedomBox?
A: FreedomBox is maintained by the FreedomBox Foundation, with contributions from the open-source community.

## Why It Matters
FreedomBox addresses the growing need for personal digital privacy and self-sovereignty in an era of mass surveillance. By providing an easy-to-use platform for self-hosting essential services, it empowers individuals to control their own data without relying on third-party providers. Its focus on privacy and decentralization aligns with the principles of the free software movement, making it a valuable tool for users who prioritize autonomy and security. The project also supports the broader goal of promoting digital freedom by offering a practical alternative to centralized cloud services.

## Notable For
- **Privacy-first design**: FreedomBox is explicitly designed to prioritize user privacy and data sovereignty.
- **Modular architecture**: Built with Python, it allows users to easily add or remove services as needed.
- **Cross-platform support**: Runs on both Android and ARM-based devices, expanding its accessibility.
- **Community-driven development**: Maintained by the FreedomBox Foundation with contributions from the open-source community.
- **Debian integration**: Available as a Debian package, ensuring compatibility with the broader Linux ecosystem.

## Body
### Overview
FreedomBox is a Linux distribution tailored for home servers and embedded systems, emphasizing ease of use and privacy. It is part of the free software movement and is licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License, version 3.0 or later.

### Development and Community
FreedomBox is developed by the FreedomBox Foundation, with contributions from volunteers and the open-source community. The project is hosted on Salsa Debian, and its source code is available for modification and redistribution. The project also has an active mailing list and issue tracker for user feedback and development discussions.

### Technical Specifications
FreedomBox supports multiple platforms, including Android and ARM architecture devices. It is written primarily in Python, which facilitates its modular design and ease of management. The distribution includes documentation in multiple languages, such as English and Spanish, to cater to a global audience.

### Versions and Releases
FreedomBox has undergone several releases, with the latest stable version being 20.2, released on February 11, 2020. The project follows a versioning scheme that includes both major and minor updates, ensuring continuous improvement and bug fixes.

### Integration with Debian
FreedomBox is available as a Debian package, making it easily installable on Debian-based systems. The distribution includes packages for the main software, as well as documentation in English and Spanish. This integration ensures compatibility with the broader Debian ecosystem and simplifies the installation process for users.

### Social Media and Engagement
FreedomBox engages with its community through various social media platforms, including Twitter and Mastodon. The project also maintains an active mailing list and issue tracker for user support and development discussions. The community-driven approach ensures that FreedomBox remains responsive to user needs and feedback.

## References

1. [Source](https://salsa.debian.org/freedombox-team/plinth/blob/master/COPYING.md)
2. [The freedombox Open Source Project on Open Hub: Languages Page. Open Hub](https://www.openhub.net/p/freedombox/analyses/latest/languages_summary)
3. [Freedombox 0.6 Released!. 2015](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2015-October/006933.html)
4. [FreedomBox 0.5 Released!. 2015](https://lists.alioth.debian.org/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2015-August/006831.html)
5. [FreedomBox 0.7 Released!. 2015](https://lists.alioth.debian.org/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2015-December/007135.html)
6. [FreedomBox 0.8 Released!. 2016](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2016-February/007265.html)
7. [FreedomBox 0.9 Released!. 2016](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2016-April/007392.html)
8. [Plinth v0.10.0 released. 2016](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2016-August/007593.html)
9. [Plinth v0.11.0 released. 2016](http://lists.alioth.debian.org/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2016-October/007656.html)
10. [FreedomBox v20.0 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-January/009015.html)
11. [FreedomBox v20.1 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-January/009022.html)
12. [FreedomBox v20.2 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-February/009027.html)
13. [FreedomBox v20.3 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-February/009037.html)
14. [FreedomBox 20.4 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-March/009038.html)
15. [FreedomBox 20.5 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-March/009041.html)
16. [FreedomBox 20.6 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-April/009058.html)
17. [FreedomBox 20.7 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-April/009075.html)
18. [FreedomBox 20.8 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-May/009085.html)
19. [FreedomBox 20.9 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-May/009091.html)
20. [FreedomBox 20.10 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-June/009099.html)
21. [FreedomBox 20.11 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-June/009101.html)
22. [FreedomBox 20.12 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-June/009113.html)
23. [FreedomBox 20.12.1 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-July/009114.html)
24. [FreedomBox 20.13 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-July/009116.html)
25. [FreedomBox 20.14 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-September/009128.html)
26. [FreedomBox 20.14.1 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-September/009129.html)
27. [FreedomBox 20.15 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-October/009141.html)
28. [FreedomBox 20.16 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-October/009149.html)
29. [FreedomBox 20.17 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-November/009153.html)
30. [FreedomBox 20.18 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-November/009166.html)
31. [FreedomBox 20.19 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-December/009190.html)
32. [FreedomBox 20.20 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-December/009205.html)
33. [FreedomBox 20.20.1 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-December/009219.html)
34. [FreedomBox 20.21 released. 2020](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2020-December/009223.html)
35. [FreedomBox 21.0 released. 2021](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2021-January/009228.html)
36. [FreedomBox 21.1 release. 2021](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2021-January/009230.html)
37. [FreedomBox 21.2 released. 2021](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2021-February/009232.html)
38. [FreedomBox 21.3 released. 2021](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2021-February/009234.html)
39. [Source](https://salsa.debian.org/freedombox-team/freedombox/-/tags/v20.18.1)
40. [Source](https://salsa.debian.org/freedombox-team/freedombox/-/tags/v20.17.1)
41. [Source](https://salsa.debian.org/freedombox-team/freedombox/-/tags/v20.6.1)
42. [Source](https://salsa.debian.org/freedombox-team/freedombox/-/tags/v20.5.1)
43. [FreedomBox v0.49.1 released. 2019](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2019-February/008741.html)
44. [FreedomBox 21.4 released. 2021](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2021-March/009238.html)
45. [FreedomBox 21.4.1 released. 2021](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2021-March/009242.html)
46. [FreedomBox 21.4.2 released. 2021](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2021-March/009246.html)
47. [FreedomBox 21.5 released to experimental. 2021](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2021-April/009272.html)
48. [FreedomBox 21.6 released to experimental. 2021](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2021-June/009304.html)
49. [2021](https://wiki.debian.org/FreedomBox/ReleaseNotes#FreedomBox_21.7_.282021-08-16.29)
50. [FreedomBox 21.7 released. 2021](https://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/freedombox-discuss/2021-August/009345.html)