# Nova

> Cuban state-sponsored Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q974188](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q974188)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nova_(operating_system))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nova

## Summary
Nova is a Cuban state-sponsored Linux distribution developed by the University of Information Science (UCI). Launched in 2009, this operating system is based on the Linux kernel and is distributed under the GNU General Public License. It serves as a software project tailored for Cuban technological infrastructure.

## Key Facts
- **Developer:** University of Information Science (UCI), Cuba.
- **Inception:** 2009.
- **License:** GNU General Public License.
- **Latest Stable Version:** 9.0 (released October 2, 2023).
- **Operating System Class:** Linux distribution.
- **Package Management:** dpkg.
- **Official Website:** https://www.nova.cu/
- **Motto:** Distribución Cubana de GNU/Linux.
- **Parent Base:** Linux kernel (indicated by base property Q381 and class definition).

## FAQs
### Q: Who created the Nova operating system?
A: Nova was created and is developed by the University of Information Science (Universidad de las Ciencias Informáticas or UCI) in Cuba. The university was established in 2002.

### Q: What is the most recent version of Nova?
A: As of October 2, 2023, the latest stable version of Nova is version 9.0. An older version, 7.0, is also noted in distribution repositories.

### Q: Is Nova free to use?
A: Yes, Nova is distributed under the GNU General Public License, making it free and open-source software.

## Why It Matters
Nova represents a significant effort in Cuban technological policy to adopt and promote free and open-source software (FOSS) over proprietary alternatives. As a state-sponsored Linux distribution, it is designed to meet the specific needs of Cuban infrastructure and education, reducing reliance on foreign software licensing.

Developed by the University of Information Science, the project serves a dual purpose: providing a localized operating system for the country and acting as a practical training ground for university students in software development. Its continued development, evidenced by the release of version 9.0 in 2023, highlights an ongoing commitment to maintaining a sovereign technological ecosystem within Cuba. The system supports Spanish language interfaces by default, aligning with the region's primary language.

## Notable For
- **State Sponsorship:** It is one of the few Linux distributions explicitly identified as Cuban state-sponsored.
- **Educational Origins:** Developed directly within a Cuban university (UCI), integrating academic development with national deployment.
- **Localization:** specifically tailored for Spanish-speaking users in Cuba.
- **Longevity:** The project has been active since 2009, with updates spanning over a decade.

## Body

### Development and Origin
Nova is a software project classified as a Linux distribution. It was developed by the University of Information Science (UCI), a Cuban university founded in 2002. The inception of the Nova project occurred in 2009. The development is tracked through academic and public channels, with a significant digital footprint including a dedicated website and repository.

### Technical Specifications
The operating system is based on the Linux kernel (identified structurally as Q381) and often includes core GNU components, typical of standard Linux distributions. Key technical attributes include:
- **License:** GNU General Public License.
- **Package Management:** Utilizes `dpkg` for managing software packages.
- **Language:** The primary interface and official websites are in Spanish.
- **Availability:** The system is available via ISO images hosted at `repo.nova.cu`.

### Release History
The development cycle of Nova has produced multiple versions, reflecting ongoing maintenance and feature updates.
- **Version 7.0:** An established release available in university repositories.
- **Version 9.0:** The current stable version, published on October 2, 2023. This version is preferred and highlighted in distribution tracking databases.

### Identity and Resources
The project maintains a distinct identity through its motto, "Distribución Cubana de GNU/Linux." It is documented across multiple Wikipedia languages (including English, Spanish, and German) and has a dedicated category on Wikimedia Commons. The project's official online presence is centralized at `https://www.nova.cu/`, replacing older portals previously hosted at `humanos.uci.cu`.

## References

1. [Source](http://repo.nova.cu/isos/)
2. [Source](https://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=nova)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013