# PureOS

> Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q13183457](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13183457)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PureOS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pureos

## Summary
PureOS is a privacy-focused Linux distribution developed by Purism. It is officially endorsed by the Free Software Foundation and specifically designed for privacy-oriented hardware like the Librem 5 smartphone.

## Key Facts
- PureOS is a Linux distribution officially endorsed by the Free Software Foundation (FSF)
- Developed by Purism for privacy-focused computing devices
- Latest stable version is PureOS 10.3 (Byzantium), released on June 14, 2023
- Based on privacy software architecture, prioritizing user privacy and security
- Runs on both standard computer platforms and AArch64 architecture for Librem 5
- Self-hosting distribution that can build its own system from source code
- Official website is pureos.net with documentation at tracker.pureos.net/w/
- Source code repository available at https://repo.pureos.net/pureos/pool/main/

## FAQs
### Q: What is PureOS designed for?
A: PureOS is a Linux distribution specifically designed for privacy-focused computing, particularly for devices like Purism's Librem 5 smartphone. It prioritizes user privacy and security through free software principles.

### Q: How does PureOS differ from other Linux distributions?
A: PureOS is FSF-endorsed, meaning it meets the Free Software Foundation's criteria for free software distributions. It focuses specifically on privacy and security, being self-hosting and based on privacy software architecture, making it distinct from most other Linux distributions.

### Q: What devices can run PureOS?
A: PureOS is designed to run on standard computer platforms as well as the Librem 5 smartphone, which uses the AArch64 architecture. It's specifically optimized for privacy-oriented hardware.

## Why It Matters
PureOS represents a significant contribution to the growing privacy-focused computing ecosystem. As an FSF-endorsed operating system, it embodies the principles of free software while specifically addressing concerns about digital surveillance and data privacy. By developing a Linux distribution that works seamlessly with privacy-oriented hardware like the Librem 5, Purism offers a complete solution for users seeking alternatives to mainstream operating systems that collect user data. PureOS's self-hosting capability demonstrates its commitment to transparency, allowing users to verify and potentially build their own system from source code.

## Notable For
- Being an FSF-endorsed Linux distribution, meeting rigorous free software criteria
- Designed specifically for privacy-oriented hardware like the Librem 5 smartphone
- Self-hosting capability that allows the system to be built from its own source code
- Strong focus on privacy software architecture that prioritizes user data protection
- Developed by Purism as part of a comprehensive privacy-focused product ecosystem

## Body
### Overview
PureOS is a Linux distribution developed by Purism that emphasizes user privacy and security. It is officially endorsed by the Free Software Foundation, meaning it meets strict criteria for free software distributions. The operating system is designed to work with privacy-focused hardware, particularly Purism's Librem 5 smartphone, while also being compatible with standard computer platforms.

### Development
- Developed by Purism, a company focused on privacy-oriented technology
- Based on privacy software architecture with a focus on user data protection
- Self-hosting distribution that can build its own system from source code
- Source code repository available at https://repo.pureos.net/pureos/pool/main/

### Versions
- Version 10.3 (Byzantium) - Current stable release, launched June 14, 2023
- Version 9.0 (Hephaestus) - Previous stable release
- Version 8.0 (Prometheus) - Earlier stable release
- Version 7.0 - Released March 3, 2013
- Special versions include green, purple, laboratory, and landing

### Technical Specifications
- Runs on standard computer platforms and AArch64 architecture
- Uses the Phosh shell for its user interface
- Compatible with Librem 5 privacy-oriented smartphones
- Requires privacy software foundation components
- Self-hosting capabilities allow system to build from source

### Documentation and Support
- Official website: https://pureos.net/
- User manual available at: https://tracker.pureos.net/w/
- Issue tracker: https://tracker.pureos.net
- Documentation available in multiple languages including English, German, French, and others
- Distribution information available on Distrowatch with ID "pureos"

## References

1. [Source](https://tracker.pureos.net/w/faq/)
2. [Source](https://pureos.net/download/)
3. [Download Byzantium Version: PureOS 10.3 Media Size: 2 GB. 2023](https://pureos.net/download/)
4. [Distribution Release: PureOS 7.0. DistroWatch. 2013](https://distrowatch.com/?newsid=07737)
5. [Source](https://www.fsf.org/news/fsf-adds-pureos-to-list-of-endorsed-gnu-linux-distributions-1)
6. [Source](https://tracker.pureos.net/w/pureos/hardware_requirements/)
7. [Source](https://puri.sm/products/librem-5/)
8. [Source](https://marjorie-wiki.de/wiki/PureOS)
9. [Source](https://www.gnu.org/distros/free-distros.html)