# Rubén Rodríguez Pérez

> main developer and founder of Trisquel GNU/Linux

**Wikidata**: [Q20517888](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20517888)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ruben-rodriguez-perez

## Summary
Rubén Rodríguez Pérez is a Spanish computer engineer and programmer who founded and serves as the main developer of Trisquel GNU/Linux, a free software Linux distribution. He is a prominent figure in the free software movement, maintaining projects like IceCat and LibreJS while contributing to the GNU Project.

## Biography
- Born: [date not provided]
- Nationality: Spain
- Education: Computer engineering at Vigo University
- Known for: Founding and developing Trisquel GNU/Linux
- Employer(s): Trisquel (2015-2019 as system administrator, 2019-2021 as chief technology officer)
- Field(s): Software engineering, free software development

## Contributions
Rubén Rodríguez Pérez founded Trisquel GNU/Linux in 2004, creating a fully free software alternative to mainstream Linux distributions. As lead programmer, he has directed the project's development for nearly two decades. He maintains IceCat, a free software version of Firefox that removes proprietary components, and LibreJS, a browser extension that blocks non-free JavaScript. His work extends to the GNU Project, where he contributes to preserving user freedom in software. Through these projects, Rodríguez has provided practical implementations of free software principles, enabling users to have full control over their computing environments while maintaining compatibility with common hardware and software.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Trisquel GNU/Linux?
A: Trisquel GNU/Linux is a free software Linux distribution founded by Rubén Rodríguez Pérez in 2004. It aims to provide a completely free operating system while maintaining compatibility with common hardware and software.

### Q: What is Rubén Rodríguez Pérez's role in the free software movement?
A: Rodríguez is an active participant in the free software movement, contributing to the GNU Project and maintaining key free software projects like IceCat and LibreJS. He advocates for software freedom through his development work on Trisquel.

### Q: What is IceCat and LibreJS?
A: IceCat is a free software version of Firefox maintained by Rodríguez, with proprietary components removed. LibreJS is a browser extension he maintains that blocks non-free JavaScript, enhancing user privacy and freedom while browsing the web.

### Q: Where did Rubén Rodríguez Pérez study?
A: He studied computer engineering at Vigo University in Spain, where he developed the foundation for his career in software development and free software advocacy.

## Why They Matter
Rubén Rodríguez Pérez has significantly advanced the free software ecosystem through his development of Trisquel GNU/Linux, providing a practical, user-friendly alternative to proprietary operating systems. His work on IceCat and LibreJS addresses critical freedom issues in web browsing, where non-free software often compromises user autonomy. By maintaining these projects for nearly two decades, he has ensured the continued availability of fully free software options, influencing countless users and developers who prioritize software freedom. His contributions help preserve the principles of the free software movement in an increasingly digital world where proprietary software dominates many aspects of computing.

## Notable For
- Founder and main developer of Trisquel GNU/Linux (2004-present)
- Maintainer of IceCat, a free software version of Firefox
- Maintainer of LibreJS, a browser extension blocking non-free JavaScript
- Former chief technology officer of Trisquel (2019-2021)
- System administrator at Trisquel (2015-2019)

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Rubén Rodríguez Pérez, a Spanish national, studied computer engineering at Vigo University, where he developed the technical foundation for his career in software development.

### Career and Roles
Rodríguez has held several key positions within the Trisquel organization:
- Lead programmer (2004-present)
- System administrator (2015-2019)
- Chief technology officer (2019-2021)

### Free Software Contributions
As a committed member of the free software movement, Rodríguez contributes to the GNU Project and maintains several important free software projects:
- Trisquel GNU/Linux: A fully free Linux distribution founded in 2004
- IceCat: A free software version of Firefox with proprietary components removed
- LibreJS: A browser extension that blocks non-free JavaScript

### Technical Expertise
Rodríguez works primarily as a programmer and software engineer, with expertise in developing free software alternatives to proprietary systems. His technical contributions focus on creating practical implementations of free software principles while maintaining compatibility with common hardware and software.

### Online Presence
He maintains an active online presence through his personal website (quidam.cc) and various development platforms including GitLab and GNU Savannah, where he contributes to free software projects under the username "rubenquidam."

## References

1. [Source](https://quidam.cc/sites/default/files/curriculum.pdf)
2. [Source](https://quidam.cc/sites/default/files/curriculum-en.pdf)
3. [Source](https://quidam.cc/acerca-de)
4. [Source](https://www.fsf.org/about/staff-and-board)