FreedomBox is made up of two things: a free and open source software system and inexpensive hardware. The costs of computer processors and network bandwidth have both fallen to such low levels that hosting your own digital services is now affordable. It’s a Debian-based distribution.
FreedomBox is a private server for non-experts: it lets you install and configure server applications with only a few clicks. It runs on cheap hardware of your choice, uses your internet connection and power, and is under your control.
Features include:
- Provides file sharing like Dropbox. Your data stays with you.
- Provides a VPN server. Connect securely to your devices at home from outside. Protect your browsing session when on untrusted networks.
- Provides a secure, decentralized replacement for WhatsApp. Do group chats and audio/video calls from any device.
- Privacy enhancing proxy server.
- Synchronize your calender and contacts to FreedomBox.
- Share media and take backups from all devices on your home network. FreedomBox can be your Network Attached Storage (NAS).
| Working state: | Active |
| Desktop: | WebUI |
| Init Software: | systemd |
| Package Management: | APT |
| Release Model: | Fixed, Rolling |
| Platforms: | arm64, armhf, i686, x86_64 |
| Home Page: | freedombox.org |
| Developer: | FreedomBox Foundation |
| This article is part of our Big List of Active Linux Distros which is currently under development. |
What's a Linux distribution ("distro")? |
| A distro provides the user with a desktop environment, preloaded applications, and ways to update and maintain the system. Each distro makes different choices, deciding which open source projects to install and provides custom written programs. They can have different philosophies. Some distros are intended for desktop computers, some for servers without a graphical interface, and others for special uses. Because Linux is an open source operating system, combinations of software vary between Linux distros. |