# Parabola GNU/Linux-libre

> Free software-only Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q3308694](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3308694)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parabola_GNU/Linux-libre)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/parabola-gnu-linux-libre

## Summary
Parabola GNU/Linux-libre is a free software-only Linux distribution based on the Linux-libre kernel and endorsed by the Free Software Foundation (FSF). It was founded in 2009 and is designed to exclude proprietary firmware and non-free software, aligning with the principles of the free software movement.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: Launched on October 26, 2009.
- **License**: Released under the GNU General Public License (GPL).
- **Kernel**: Uses Linux-libre, a version of the Linux kernel without binary blobs.
- **Package Manager**: Employs Pacman for package management.
- **Platforms**: Supports IA-32 and ARM architectures.
- **Endorsement**: Listed among FSF-endorsed operating systems.
- **Community**: Maintains an IRC channel on Freenode (#parabola) and a Subreddit.
- **Website**: Official site is [parabola.nu](https://www.parabola.nu).
- **Movement**: Aligned with the free software movement.
- **Self-hosting**: Described as self-hosting in FSF documentation.

## FAQs
### Q: What makes Parabola GNU/Linux-libre different from other Linux distributions?
A: Parabola GNU/Linux-libre distinguishes itself by exclusively using free software and the Linux-libre kernel, which removes proprietary firmware and non-free components. It is endorsed by the Free Software Foundation and adheres strictly to free software principles.

### Q: How does Parabola GNU/Linux-libre ensure software freedom?
A: Parabola GNU/Linux-libre achieves software freedom by using the Linux-libre kernel, which excludes binary blobs, and by only including software licensed under free software licenses like the GPL. The distribution is maintained by a community committed to free software principles.

### Q: What hardware architectures does Parabola GNU/Linux-libre support?
A: Parabola GNU/Linux-libre supports IA-32 (x86) and ARM architectures, making it compatible with a wide range of hardware.

### Q: How can I contribute to Parabola GNU/Linux-libre?
A: You can contribute to Parabola GNU/Linux-libre by joining its IRC channel (#parabola on Freenode), participating in its Subreddit, or submitting packages through its issue tracker at [labs.parabola.nu/projects](https://labs.parabola.nu/projects).

### Q: Is Parabola GNU/Linux-libre suitable for beginners?
A: Parabola GNU/Linux-libre is designed for users who prioritize free software and are comfortable with Linux distributions that exclude proprietary components. Beginners may need additional guidance to navigate its setup and community resources.

## Why It Matters
Parabola GNU/Linux-libre plays a crucial role in the free software movement by providing a Linux distribution that strictly adheres to the principles of software freedom. By exclusively using free software and the Linux-libre kernel, it ensures that users have full control over their computing environment without proprietary dependencies. This commitment to free software aligns with the Free Software Foundation's mission to promote software freedom and user autonomy. The distribution's endorsement by the FSF further validates its adherence to free software principles, making it a valuable choice for users who prioritize ethical and transparent software. Additionally, Parabola GNU/Linux-libre supports multiple hardware architectures, including IA-32 and ARM, expanding its accessibility to a broader range of users. Its community-driven development and active engagement with the free software community contribute to its significance in the Linux ecosystem.

## Notable For
- **Free Software Compliance**: Exclusively uses free software and the Linux-libre kernel, ensuring no proprietary components.
- **FSF Endorsement**: Listed among FSF-endorsed operating systems, reflecting its commitment to free software principles.
- **Multi-architecture Support**: Supports IA-32 and ARM architectures, making it compatible with a wide range of hardware.
- **Community-Driven Development**: Maintained by a community that actively engages in IRC, Subreddit, and issue tracking.
- **Self-hosting**: Described as self-hosting, indicating a strong commitment to free software principles and independence.

## Body
### Overview
Parabola GNU/Linux-libre is a Linux distribution that prioritizes free software and software freedom. It was founded on October 26, 2009, and is based on the Linux-libre kernel, which excludes proprietary firmware and non-free components. The distribution is endorsed by the Free Software Foundation (FSF) and is listed among FSF-endorsed operating systems.

### Development and Community
Parabola GNU/Linux-libre is developed by a community of volunteers who adhere to free software principles. The distribution maintains an IRC channel on Freenode (#parabola) and a Subreddit for community engagement. Users can contribute to the project by submitting packages through its issue tracker at [labs.parabola.nu/projects](https://labs.parabola.nu/projects).

### Technical Specifications
- **Kernel**: Linux-libre (inception: February 20, 2008).
- **Package Manager**: Pacman.
- **Architectures**: IA-32 and ARM.
- **License**: GNU General Public License (GPL).
- **Movement**: Free software movement.

### Endorsement and Recognition
Parabola GNU/Linux-libre is listed among FSF-endorsed operating systems, reflecting its commitment to free software principles. The distribution's official website is [parabola.nu](https://www.parabola.nu), and it is available in multiple languages, including Arabic, German, and Spanish.

### Unique Traits
- **Exclusive Free Software**: Only includes software licensed under free software licenses like the GPL.
- **Linux-libre Kernel**: Uses a version of the Linux kernel without binary blobs.
- **Self-hosting**: Described as self-hosting, indicating a strong commitment to free software principles and independence.

### Availability and Resources
- **Website**: [parabola.nu](https://www.parabola.nu).
- **Source Code**: Available at [repomirror.parabola.nu/sources/packages/](https://repomirror.parabola.nu/sources/packages/).
- **Issue Tracker**: [labs.parabola.nu/projects](https://labs.parabola.nu/projects).
- **IRC Channel**: #parabola on Freenode.
- **Subreddit**: r/parabola.

## References

1. [Crunchbase](http://www.crunchbase.com/organization/parabola)
2. [Source](https://wiki.parabola.nu/Main_Page)
3. [Source](http://www.fsf.org/blogs/licensing/parabola-gnu-linux-joins-the-fsf-list-of-free-distributions)
4. [Source](https://www.gnu.org/distros/free-distros.html)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013