Parabola GNU/Linux-libre

Parabola GNU/Linux-libre is an operating system for the i686, x86-64 and ARMv7 architectures.[4] It is based on many of the packages from Arch Linux and Arch Linux ARM,[3] but distinguishes from the former by offering only free software. It includes the GNU operating system components common to many Linux distributions and the Linux-libre kernel instead of the generic Linux kernel.[4] Parabola is listed by the Free Software Foundation as a completely free operating system, true to their Free System Distribution Guidelines.[5][6]

Parabola GNU/Linux-libre
Parabola GNU/Linux-libre live boot selection mode
DeveloperParabola Hackers[1]
OS familyUnix-like
Working stateCurrent
Source modelFree software
Initial releaseOctober 26, 2009 (2009-10-26)
Latest release(Rolling release) / Installation medium 2020.01.18[2]
Repository
Update methodRolling release
Package managerpacman
PlatformsAMD64, i686, ARMv7[3]
Kernel typeMonolithic (Linux-libre)
UserlandGNU
Default user interfaceZsh (Main live and TalkingParabola ISO)
MATE (MATE live ISO)
LXDE (LXDE live ISO)
LicenseFSDG
Official websitewww.parabola.nu

Parabola uses a rolling release model like Arch, such that a regular system update is all that is needed to obtain the latest software. Development focuses on system simplicity, community involvement and use of the latest free software packages.

History

Parabola was originally proposed by members of the gNewSense IRC channel in 2009. Members of different Arch Linux communities, especially Spanish-speaking members, started the development and maintenance of the project software and documentation.[7]

On May 20, 2011, the Parabola distribution was recognized as a completely free project by GNU, making it part of the FSF list of free distributions.[8]

In February 2012 Dmitrij D. Czarkoff reviewed Parabola for OSNews. Czarkoff reported that on his test computer a number of hardware problems surfaced, due to lack of free firmware. He said "That effectively means that many devices are not supported in Parabola. Eg., after installing it on my Acer Aspire One 531h netbook I couldn't use my Broadcom bluetooth module and Intel's WiFi/WiMax Link 5150 adapter. (I still could use my HTC Magic with a custom Gingerbread ROM as a USB 3G/WiFi modem, though having something always connected to USB port is pretty annoying on laptop and specifically on netbook.)" Czarkoff also criticized the lack of documentation available for Parabola. He concluded "The overall impression of the Parabola GNU/Linux user experience exactly matches the one of Arch: a system with easy and flexible installation and configuration process and good choice of free software packages. Though the lack of documentation spoils the user experience, the Arch Linux resources can be used to further configure and extend the distribution. If my hardware would allow, I would probably stick with Parabola."[9][10]

Parabola used to have a mips64el port to provide support for the Chinese Loongson processor used in the Lemote Yeeloong laptop. It was discontinued due to a lack of resources and interest, and the final activity was seen in July 2014.[11]

Robert Rijkhoff reviewed Parabola GNU/Linux for DistroWatch in September 2017.[12]

Differences from Arch and Arch ARM
Parabola GNU/Linux-libre running the MATE desktop environment

The project uses only 100% free software from the official Arch repositories for the i686 and x86-64 architectures and official Arch ARM repositories (except [alarm] and [aur]) for the ARMv7. It uses free replacements when possible, such as the Linux-libre kernel instead of the generic Linux kernel.

The filtering process removes around 700 software packages from the repositories that do not meet the requirements of the Free Software Definition for each architecture.[13]

Social contract

Parabola has established a Social Contract. The Parabola Social Contract commits the project to the free software community (viewing itself as only competing against nonfree systems), free culture, democracy, and to follow Arch's philosophy.[14] Under the covenant are included the GNU Free System Distribution Guidelines.

Installation

There are two ways to install Parabola, either from scratch using installable ISO images, or by migrating from an existing Arch-based system. The latter process is almost as simple as switching to the Parabola repositories list.[2][15]

TalkingParabola

TalkingParabola is a derivative install CD based on TalkingArch. It is a respin of the Parabola ISO modified to include speech and braille output for blind and visually impaired users. TalkingParabola retains all the features of the Parabola live image, but adds speech and braille packages to make it possible for blind and visually impaired users to install Parabola eyes-free.[16]

Mascots

The Parabola community has created a number of cartoon characters for the project. The characters are a gnu and a cat named "Bola", who is conceived after Parabola's main characteristics: "elegant, minimalist and lightweight".[17]

See also

References
  1. Parabola Hackers development team
  2. "Get Parabola". Parabola project.
  3. Parabola GNU/Linux-libre supports ARMv7
  4. "7 Best GNU/Linux Distribution With No Proprietary Components - nixCraft". nixCraft. 2011-02-21. Retrieved 2018-04-02.
  5. "List of Free GNU/Linux Distributions". Free Software Foundation. 21 December 2011.
  6. "Parabola GNU/Linux-libre". DistroWatch. 1 November 2011. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  7. "Parabola Presentation - ParabolaWiki". wiki.parabola.nu. Retrieved 2020-12-26.
  8. Smith, Brett (20 May 2011). "Parabola GNU/Linux joins the FSF list of free distributions". Free Software Foundation.
  9. Czarkoff, Dmitrij D. (2 February 2012). "Parabola GNU/Linux: Freedom Packaged". OSNews. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  10. Sohail (2017-09-25). "A Quick Review Of Parabola Linux Distribution". LinuxAndUbuntu. Retrieved 2020-05-08.
  11. "Parabola support for mips64el discontinued - Parabola project". Parabola Wiki. 2015-06-17. Retrieved 2015-07-01.
  12. DistroWatch Weekly, Issue 729, 11 September 2017
  13. "blacklist.git - Nonfree packages found in ArchLinux repos". Parabola project.
  14. "Parabola Social Contract". Parabola project. 30 August 2011. Retrieved 12 November 2015.
  15. "Migration from Arch". Parabola project. 16 September 2011.
  16. "Get Parabola - TalkingParabola ISO". Parabola project.
  17. "Parabola has a new mascot called Bola". Parabola project. April 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
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