Trisquel is based on Ubuntu like other operating systems (Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, Zorin OS, etc.) but they do something unique - they rebuild the Ubuntu packages from source, instead of just including the Ubuntu repos in their software sources.<p>Trisquel is quite a usable distro for laptops that are 3-4 years old if you have an appropriate wireless card - Atheros 9xxx series cards tend to work well as the ath9k driver is FOSS. That's really the only blocker most people encounter. Why run this over Debian Stable (without adding "non-free" sources) I couldn't tell you. Debian tends to be more up to date than Trisquel since it's usually based on the previous Ubuntu LTS.
Since it runs on Linux-libre, there is a good chance several devices/peripherals will fail to perform as intended. If the idea is to have a toy distro (working as a VM) to explore around, it’s looking great. But I don’t see why it will gain traction for real use case.
Why Trisquel?<p>> entirely free software<p>> teach users to value and protect their freedom<p>> no binary-only firmware for wireless cards or proprietary drivers for AMD/ATI and NVIDIA graphics cards are included
Trisquel's FAQ says:<p>> <i>Why should I use Trisquel instead of one of the better-known distributions?</i><p>> There are literally hundreds of GNU/Linux distributions designed to fill every conceivable niche. Only a handful of them are entirely free software; Trisquel is one such distribution.<p>... but I disagree. Trisquel is based on ubuntu, and uses systemd. Not just as some optional init system you can remove - it's deeply dependent on systemd. And while systemd's license is free, may find it tends to suppress aspects of free software development by taking over and enclosing more and more system functionality.<p>If Trisquel were to dump systemd, I would seriously consider using it. My personal choice these days is Devuan (<a href="https://devuan.org/" rel="nofollow">https://devuan.org/</a>), the systemd-free variant of Debian., and I suggest you consider using it without the non-free components, instead of Trisquel.
Those people are super shy about what their system is based on, which packages are available, and what is unique to Trisquel.<p>From what I could find out, it seems to be another Ubuntu-based system, but with all non-free parts disabled. Is there anything more to it?