Update description; add FLOSS entry; update license

See the discussion at: https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/13035/
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Andrew David Wong 2022-08-17 18:05:00 -07:00
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2 changed files with 18 additions and 8 deletions

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@ -12,7 +12,8 @@ title: Software license
Qubes OS is a compilation of software packages, each under its own license. The Qubes OS is a compilation of software packages, each under its own license. The
compilation is made available under the GNU General Public License version 2 compilation is made available under the GNU General Public License version 2
(GPLv2). (GPLv2). However, the license for this compilation does not supersede the
license of any package included in the compilation.
The source code of Qubes OS is contained in repositories under the The source code of Qubes OS is contained in repositories under the
[@QubesOS](https://github.com/QubesOS) account on GitHub. This source code is [@QubesOS](https://github.com/QubesOS) account on GitHub. This source code is

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@ -19,12 +19,21 @@ title: Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
### What is Qubes OS? ### What is Qubes OS?
Qubes OS is a security-oriented operating system (OS). Qubes OS is a security-focused operating system that allows you to organize your digital life into compartments called "qubes." If one qube is compromised, the others remain safe, so a single cyberattack can no longer take down your entire digital life in one fell swoop. You can think of using Qubes OS as having many different computers on your desk for different activities but with the convenience of a single physical machine, a single unified desktop environment, and a set of tools for using qubes together securely as parts of a unified system.
The OS is the software that runs all the other programs on a computer.
Some examples of popular OSes are Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. ### Is Qubes OS free and open-source software?
Qubes is free and open-source software (FOSS).
This means that everyone is free to use, copy, and change the software in any way. Qubes OS is provided at no cost (gratis), though [donations](/donate/) are greatly appreciated.
It also means that the source code is openly available so others can contribute to and audit it.
All the software created by the Qubes OS Project is free/libre and open-source software (FLOSS).
This means that everyone is allowed to use, copy, study, and change the software in accordance with its [license](/doc/license/).
It also means that the source code is publicly available so everyone can audit and contribute to it.
Since Qubes OS is a security-focused operating system, it includes some non-free firmware that was not created by the Qubes OS Project (such as CPU microcode), which is necessary in order to protect against known security vulnerabilities.
Moreover, the nature of Qubes OS as a meta-operating system means that it incorporates other software (including entire operating systems) from various upstream projects, some of which may include non-free software of their own.
In order to make the installation process easier for a wide range of users across many different devices, standard Qubes [templates](/doc/templates/) also include some non-free firmware and drivers.
Also see: [Will Qubes seek to get certified under the GNU Free System Distribution Guidelines (GNU FSDG)?](#will-qubes-seek-to-get-certified-under-the-gnu-free-system-distribution-guidelines-gnu-fsdg)
### Why is OS security important? ### Why is OS security important?
@ -279,7 +288,7 @@ Instead, Qubes aims to be as free as possible *without sacrificing security*. Al
The [four essential freedoms](https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html) are part of the core of our philosophy, but so is security. Together, they inform our decisions and motivate our actions. Qubes aims to maximize both security and software freedom to the extent that they are compatible in the world today. The [four essential freedoms](https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html) are part of the core of our philosophy, but so is security. Together, they inform our decisions and motivate our actions. Qubes aims to maximize both security and software freedom to the extent that they are compatible in the world today.
Also see the Qubes OS [software license](/doc/license/). Also see [Is Qubes free?](#is-qubes-os-free-and-open-source-software) and the Qubes OS [software license](/doc/license/).
### Should I trust this website? ### Should I trust this website?