A Manifesto for Free Appliances

Just as there is a need for Free Software, there is a need for free (as in speech) appliances.

Free Appliances can be modified or enhanced using GNU/Linux tools or other Open Source Software, preferably licensed as GPLv3.  They have no binaries without source code.  They adhere to generally accepted standards as much as possible. Their documentation is open. They favor open file formats since information in open file formats should not require DRM. They do not use proprietary components when there are generic ones widely available. (For example: batteries should be replaceable.)

We need to know that products that we use have no hidden functionality and that we can enjoy their full capability and value. They must be open because that is the only way their functionality can be peer-reviewed, verified, and audited. That should assure that no malware has been introduced. In the event that user modifications go wrong, there must be a simple user reset of the device to its original state.

When manufacturers are unreceptive to this approach, there can be considerable effort required at reverse engineering. Some of the problems are evident at the Free Software Foundation (FSF) Free Bios project. If sufficient numbers of people agree, there should be no problem finding manufacturers who will want to serve this market. Consumers could insist for good reason and there will be no problem persuading them if they know the facts. 

Manufacturers with products that meet these requirements are invited to submit specifications to info at freeappliances dot org. Having done that, the product may display the Free Appliance logo (Design suggestions welcome.) and will be listed and linked on this site.

Can you trust your computer ?

 Links

[frdm] Support SFLC

Free Software Foundation

Free Bios

Linux Devices

Linux Foundation

embedded.com

Sony Root Kit

More about the rootkit

Linux Audio

 

The Need.

Closed, proprietary products lack interoperability, auditability, extensibility, robustness, security and, too often, quality.

Such products are accompanied by long EULAs (End User License Agreements) which you must sign to actually use the product. If you do not agree, you are legally not allowed to use the product. In the case of Microsoft operating systems, such an agreement could prohibit you from using your own computer. Audio CDs are accompanied by these agreements and they may have software that prevents you from using your disk drive freely. In the past there have been root kits that compromise security. Copy protection schemes have been used that allow monitoring of consumer behavior, compromise computer security, render drives useless, and can result in computer breakdown and repair expense.

A hard drive failure can cause re-install of all software, renewal of all licenses, re-purchase of subscriptions, loss of data, recovery of passwords, and so on.

The DefectiveByDesign website has identified products that are not consumer friendly. Although Defective By Design is mostly concerned with DRM, other examples include Vista, and there are others. Digital Video recorders are made in such a way that viewers listening habits can be monitored remotely. Microsoft Office and other MS products phone home.

Voting machines are a more serious threat because they are hackable, have known security risks, and may not count properly as a result. Even though such machines are a threat to everything that we hold dear, a number of companies insist that their code is proprietary, that their product is not open to audit or to standards that could minimize the risk. Proprietary voting machines are dangerous. It is not just about freedom in products, it is also about personal freedom from search, surveillance, or unwarranted supervision. See Open Voting Foundation. Also see this.

Free Desktop Computer

Announcing a project to build a desktop machine that is as free as possible. The BIOS, drivers, operating system, and applications will be as open as possible, all source code fully disclosed, and licensing preferably should be under the latest version of the GPL. Some hardware has been suggested for this. Let us know if you have ideas to share. See here.

Examples of Free Applications

Free applications can be assembled from free components.

If components are free, you can alter or extend their functionality for your personal requirements. Even though you are not a developer, you can benefit from applications that other people are working on.

Already there are a lot of 'hackable' devices. Browsing the shelf at a good bookstore, you will find books describing how to hack a Sony PSP, a Tivo, or even a Roomba vacuum cleaner. Such books have a hint of illegality about them because it is not something that the manufacturer anticipated or authorized. No doubt warranties can be voided through such modifications.

Smart House

For anyone with an open computer in their home security and monitoring can be automated. Other home appliances, if open, could also become part of a smarter home environment. Not a new idea, but what is needed is software that is open enough to allow further development. You might want to know if your refrigerator has gone out of its expected temperature range, you might want to capture images from a security camera, you might want to record events on other security devices, you might want to monitor the status of other equipment including circuit breakers, window latches, garage doors, lights and so on. X10 devices are available but it is not unreasonable that home appliances should be customer configurable. That is why appliance manufacturers will want an open seal.

Open Telephone

Telephones are becoming multi-purpose devices. Some are PDAs with the ability to record audio, play video, to do standard computer applications. There is no reason why they should not be capable of checking on a home video surveillance system, operating a vcr remotely, or otherwise acting as a remote for an automobile or other appliance. It should be able to play an open format audio file and it seems inevitable that there will be free video players/recorders or even ebook readers. It is not reasonable to have to carry a separate device for each of these applications. It is also possible, given a wireless environment, to make a phone call using a voice over IP channel.

The Problem with the Iphone.


Wearable computer

A Wearable Computer is assembled rather like a stereo. It has various modules that are replaceable. It could allow a hard drive to be used as storage for a walkman. It could be compatible with a video camera or a still camera. It could function as a mobile telephone to make wireless internet calls. Displays or keyboards could be offered in varying forms.

Emergency Alarm

Elderly people sometimes have a necklace which can be used as an alarm in an emergency. Such a device could first use a wireless facility to call someone in the house, and failing within a minute or two to get a response could page some one or even call 911. It should be programmable for individual requirements.

Audio Applications

 

 

 

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