Defining Free Hardware
Off the Beat: Bruce Byfield's Blog
Most Linux users have heard of the Four Freedoms that define free software. But where is the corresponding free hardware definition?
The Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) has tried to develop one, but it is unsatisfactory for two reasons. First, it is too verbose, and like many documents written by committee, somewhat disorganized.
Second, as I realized when writing about Len Leighton's EOMA68 laptop, a free hardware definition needs to be oriented towards giving all users control over their computing. Free software's Four Freedoms can ignore this aspect, because only programmers generally exercise them, but free hardware will be used by people with all levels of expertise.
With these points in mind, here is my attempt at a definition of free hardware. It is not meant to be definitive so much as to encourage discussion of what I believe is an increasingly important topic:
1. Free hardware must use free software to operate for everything from firmware to user interfaces. This is a difficult goal, especially since computer chips rarely use free software, but I am talking about the ideal. A manufacturer may choose, of course, to have different models of the same device, some that meet the definition of freedom and some that do not.
2 .Free hardware must use free standards. Users must be able to choose the hardware of their choice, instead of being restricted to a certain manufacturer's hardware.
3. Free hardware must be designed so that any part of it is accessible and replaceable by users. In many cases, this requirement might be best met by a module design that allows replacement parts to be swapped in and out with difficulty. However, sealed cases of the kind often found in tablets and phones are unacceptable
4. Free hardware must include free and complete documentation of every aspect from integrated circuit boards and .stl files for 3D printing of parts (if applicable) to user guides. This requirement can almost be ignored in free software, but in free hardware it can be an absolute necessity if users are going to have full control.
5. Free hardware must be built to last, and not designed for planned obsolescence that forces users onto an upgrade treadmill. Individual parts should be replaceable without replacing the entire device. Whenever possible, it may use recycled parts, frames of bamboo or plywood, modular construction, or anything that keeps pieces out of land-fill -- naturally, the more the better. New releases should occur only when genuinely new designs or features are added, and be as backwardly compatible as possible.
In isolation, some of these conditions may seem peripheral to the definition. However, keep in mind that the point is to allow users the greatest amount of freedom and control possible, and they should make more sense.
Similarly, if the standards are high, trying to follow them will produce better results than if they are relaxed. If a device falls short of these standards, It may at least be freer than if the standards were lower. The Broadcom chip in the Raspberry Pi, for example, is not completely free, but it is freer than it would have been if the manufacturers had not made an effort for as much freedom as possible.
However, I consider the free hardware definition a work in progress, so if you have any additions or corrections, I would appreciate hearing them.
comments powered by DisqusSubscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
-
Juno Computers Launches Another Linux Laptop
If you're looking for a powerhouse laptop that runs Ubuntu, the Juno Computers Neptune 17 v6 should be on your radar.
-
ZorinOS 17.1 Released, Includes Improved Windows App Support
If you need or desire to run Windows applications on Linux, there's one distribution intent on making that easier for you and its new release further improves that feature.
-
Linux Market Share Surpasses 4% for the First Time
Look out Windows and macOS, Linux is on the rise and has even topped ChromeOS to become the fourth most widely used OS around the globe.
-
KDE’s Plasma 6 Officially Available
KDE’s Plasma 6.0 "Megarelease" has happened, and it's brimming with new features, polish, and performance.
-
Latest Version of Tails Unleashed
Tails 6.0 is based on Debian 12 and includes GNOME 43.
-
KDE Announces New Slimbook V with Plenty of Power and KDE’s Plasma 6
If you're a fan of KDE Plasma, you'll be thrilled to hear they've announced a new Slimbook with an AMD CPU and the latest version of KDE Plasma desktop.
-
Monthly Sponsorship Includes Early Access to elementary OS 8
If you want to get a glimpse of what's in the pipeline for elementary OS 8, just set up a monthly sponsorship to help fund its continued existence.