# Freetz

> firmware extension/modification for the AVM FRITZ!Box series and devices with identical hardware

**Wikidata**: [Q115707152](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q115707152)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/freetz-q115707152

## Summary
Freetz is a firmware extension and modification designed for the AVM FRITZ!Box series and related devices with identical hardware. It functions as a Linux distribution, classified as a Unix-like operating system based on the Linux kernel, and is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0. The project provides a framework for extending the functionality of embedded router hardware through custom software packages and modifications.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type:** Firmware extension/modification and Linux distribution.
- **Target Hardware:** AVM FRITZ!Box series and devices with identical hardware.
- **License:** GNU General Public License, version 2.0.
- **Alias:** freetz-linux.
- **Developer:** Entity Q131724833.
- **Project Status:** Copyrighted.
- **Source Code Repository:** Hosted on GitHub at `https://github.com/Freetz/freetz`.
- **Project Page:** OSDN project `sfnet_freetz-linux`.
- **Official Website:** `https://freetz.github.io/`
- **Official Forum:** `http://www.ip-phone-forum.de/forumdisplay.php?f=525` (Title: Freetz; Description: Paket- und Mod-Entwicklung für die FBF).
- **Version History:** Includes releases 1.0, 1.0.1, 1.0.2, 1.0.3, 1.1, 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, and 1.2 (marked as preferred).
- **Release Date Reference:** Source data references version releases with the date 2015-12-29.

## FAQs
### What exactly is Freetz?
Freetz is a modification and extension of the official firmware for AVM FRITZ!Box devices and compatible hardware. It is built as a Linux distribution, allowing users to customize the operating system of their router.

### Is Freetz free to use?
Yes, Freetz is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0, which ensures it remains free and open-source software.

### Where can I find the Freetz source code?
The source code is maintained in a repository on GitHub at `https://github.com/Freetz/freetz`.

### What kind of hardware does Freetz support?
The software is specifically designed for the AVM FRITZ!Box series as well as other devices that share identical hardware components.

### How is Freetz classified in terms of software architecture?
Freetz is an instance of a Linux distribution. This means it is an operating system based on the Linux kernel, often including core GNU components, and behaves as a Unix-like system tailored for embedded hardware.

## Why It Matters
Freetz plays a critical role in the open-source ecosystem for embedded networking hardware. By transforming the proprietary firmware of the popular AVM FRITZ!Box series into a modifiable Linux distribution, it empowers users to unlock the full potential of their hardware. It solves the problem of vendor lock-in and software limitations, allowing for the addition of packages and features not supported by the default manufacturer firmware. As a Unix-like operating system, it adheres to open standards, providing transparency, security, and flexibility for developers and advanced users who wish to tailor their network infrastructure to specific needs.

## Notable For
- **Firmware Extension:** Being a specialized tool for extending and modifying the AVM FRITZ!Box firmware.
- **Linux Distribution Classification:** Distinguished as a standalone Linux distribution tailored for embedded systems rather than just a patch.
- **Open Source Compliance:** Notable for its use of the GNU General Public License, version 2.0, ensuring community freedom.
- **Broad Versioning:** Maintaining a detailed release history from version 1.0 through 1.2.
- **Community Integration:** Hosting an active development community on GitHub and a dedicated forum for "Paket- und Mod-Entwicklung" (Package and Mod Development).

## Body
### Definition and Classification
Freetz is defined as a firmware extension and modification for the AVM FRITZ!Box series and compatible hardware. Structurally, it is an instance of a **Linux distribution**, meaning it is an operating system based on the Linux kernel and often includes core GNU components. As a Unix-like operating system, it behaves similarly to Unix systems but is tailored for the specific embedded environment of router hardware.

### Development and Repository
The project is copyrighted and developed by entity **Q131724833**. The source code is publicly hosted on **GitHub** (`https://github.com/Freetz/freetz`), facilitating open collaboration. Freetz is also associated with the **OSDN project** `sfnet_freetz-linux`. It is distributed under the **GNU General Public License, version 2.0**.

### Version History
The project maintains a comprehensive release history. Specific versions cited in the project records include **1.0**, **1.0.1**, **1.0.2**, **1.0.3**, **1.1**, **1.1.1**, **1.1.2**, **1.1.3**, **1.1.4**, **1.1.5**, and **1.2**. In the provided structured data, version **1.2** is marked as the "preferred" version. Reference data for these releases cites the publication date **2015-12-29**.

### Community and Support
Freetz has an established online presence. The official website is located at `https://freetz.github.io/`. Community support and discussion are centralized at the **IP-Phone-Forum** (`http://www.ip-phone-forum.de/forumdisplay.php?f=525`), specifically within the section titled "Freetz" dedicated to "Paket- und Mod-Entwicklung für die FBF" (Package and Mod Development for the FRITZ!Box Fon).

### Technical Context
As a Linux distribution, Freetz inherits the characteristics of the broader category, functioning as a lightweight operating system packaged with infrastructure to allow easy use on embedded systems. It represents a subclass of operating system distributions that leverage the Linux kernel to provide customizable, low-resource computing solutions.

## References

1. [Release 1.0. 2015](https://github.com/Freetz/freetz/releases/tag/freetz-1.0)
2. [Release 1.0.1. 2015](https://github.com/Freetz/freetz/releases/tag/freetz-1.0.1)
3. [Release 1.0.2. 2015](https://github.com/Freetz/freetz/releases/tag/freetz-1.0.2)
4. [Release 1.0.3. 2015](https://github.com/Freetz/freetz/releases/tag/freetz-1.0.3)
5. [Release 1.1. 2015](https://github.com/Freetz/freetz/releases/tag/freetz-1.1)
6. [Release 1.1.1. 2015](https://github.com/Freetz/freetz/releases/tag/freetz-1.1.1)
7. [Release 1.1.2. 2015](https://github.com/Freetz/freetz/releases/tag/freetz-1.1.2)
8. [Release 1.1.3. 2015](https://github.com/Freetz/freetz/releases/tag/freetz-1.1.3)
9. [Release 1.1.4. 2015](https://github.com/Freetz/freetz/releases/tag/freetz-1.1.4)
10. [Release 1.1.5. 2015](https://github.com/Freetz/freetz/releases/tag/freetz-1.1.5)
11. [Release 1.2. 2015](https://github.com/Freetz/freetz/releases/tag/freetz-1.2)