GNU Linux-Libre 5.1-gnu also available, for those who want total freedom

A few hours ago we have published an article announcing the release of Linux 5.1, the latest version of the Linux kernel developed by Linus Torvalds. But the original version of the Linux kernel is not 100% free, if not proprietary. The one that is 100% free is the one developed by the GNU Linux-Libre project, who announced el GNU Linux-Libre 5.1-gnu release, a version based on Linux 5.1 for those who want total freedom without any kind of ties.

Due to this search for freedom, GNU Linux-Libre 5.1 does not include some drivers which does include the official version. This is understandable, since some drivers are owned by a company. For everything else, this free version of the Linux kernel comes with all the news that Linux 5.1 includes, which has been officially released less than 24 hours ago.

GNU Linux-Libre 5.1 supports less hardware

Among the novelties that it does include and that it shares with Linux 5.1 we have the ability to use persistent memory as RAM, support for cumulative patches for the new Disco Dingo Live Patching feature, the new high-performance io_uring interface, and support for new hardware, as long as the drivers allow.

The new version of Linux-Libre is available from this link. On whether to recommend it or not, I would personally say that, initially, no. First, because you have to do the manual installation, unlike the official version that can be installed with tools like Ukuu. On the other hand, including fewer drivers is exactly the opposite that many of us look for when updating the kernel of our Linux distribution: trying to solve a hardware problem. Of course, for more advanced users who also want use a 100% free coreGNU Linux-Libre 5.1 is the option they should choose, although first they must make sure that their hardware is going to be supported. Are you one of those who is satisfied with the kernel that comes with your Linux distribution or do you prefer it always updated and / or 100% free?