The Good Tech Companies - 5 Open-source and Free Operating Systems to Donate via Kivach
Episode Date: January 3, 2025This story was originally published on HackerNoon at: https://hackernoon.com/5-open-source-and-free-operating-systems-to-donate-via-kivach. There are free and open-sourc...e OS available for everyone, and we’re going to list some of them ahead. Maybe you can donate them crypto with Kivach! Check more stories related to web3 at: https://hackernoon.com/c/web3. You can also check exclusive content about #kivach, #cryptocurrency-donations, #kivach-donations, #open-source-software, #operating-systems, #smartphone-operating-system, #obyte, #good-company, and more. This story was written by: @obyte. Learn more about this writer by checking @obyte's about page, and for more stories, please visit hackernoon.com. An operating system (OS) is the main software on a computer or mobile device that manages all other software and hardware. It lets you run apps, organize files, and interact with the device, acting like a bridge between you and the machine to make everything work smoothly. There are also free and open-source OS available for everyone, and we’re going to list some of them ahead.
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5 Open Source and Free Operating Systems to Donate via Kiva, by Obite.
Let's remember that an operating system, OS, is the main software on a computer or mobile device
that manages all other software and hardware, like Windows on desktop or Android on mobile.
It lets you run apps, organize files, and interact with the device,
acting like a bridge between you and the machine to make everything work smoothly. We're mostly used to a limited
set of options when selecting an OS for our devices, and it's not uncommon to just keep
the one that came first with the device itself. However, it's possible to change it for another
one, in most cases. And that other one could bring more benefits and features,
like being lighter or more private. Of course, there are also free and open-source OS available for everyone, and we're going to list some of them ahead. If you find them handy, you can always
donate to them in cryptocurrency via Kiva. This is an Obite-based cascading donation platform for
open-source projects on GitHub, through which recipients can automatically redistribute their own donations to other projects and developers.
OpenBSD, first launched in 1996 by Theo de Rott, this is a free, Unix-like operating system
developed for enhanced security. Built from the BSD, Berkeley Software Distribution, system,
it's intended primarily for desktop and server environments.
Known for its proactive security stance, OpenBSD emphasizes correctness and portability across
various hardware platforms. This system is also widely recognized for contributing to the OpenSSH
software, used for secure remote communications worldwide. OpenBSD's main features include its
robust cryptographic integrations,
meticulously crafted firewall, and continuous code auditing to maintain high security.
It's particularly popular for secure applications such as firewalls, routers,
and intrusion detection systems. OpenBSD has also refined techniques like privilege separation,
which restricts applications' access to certain system resources, bolstering its secure-by-default reputation. Funding for OpenBSD comes from
donations and support from the OpenBSD Foundation, a Canadian non-profit formed in 2007 to provide
sustainable backing. If you're interested in donating crypto to this project, you can find
them on Kiva as OpenBSD SRC. LineageOS. LineageOS is a free
OS for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, initially launched in December 2016,
as a fork from the discontinued CyanogenMod. Created by a global community of developers,
LineageOS is rooted in the Android platform and offers a user-controlled,
customizable experience without
pre-installed apps from manufacturers or carriers. It's specifically designed for those looking to
enhance or extend the life of their Android devices. Some unique features of this system
include advanced privacy and security options, such as its Trust interface, which provides alerts
about security and privacy. Users can also enjoy customizable quick settings,
pin-scramble 4XLock screen security, and theme options for a more personalized look.
Additionally, LineageOS supports system profiles and app permissions control,
making it flexible and ideal for power users or developers looking for greater control over their
devices. LineageOS releases frequent updates and security patches,
typically aligned with Android's security cycle and continues to support a wide range of devices.
The project is community-funded and sustained primarily through donations via PayPal and Patreon,
allowing it to remain independent and user-focused. To send them some coins,
it's possible to find them on Kiva as LineageOS, Android.
Ubuntu Touch Ubuntu Touch. Ubuntu Touch
is a free operating system tailored for mobile devices, developed by the UBports community.
Originally launched by the firm Canonical in 2013, it was later passed to UBports in 2017
after Canonical discontinued support. Primarily designed for smartphones and tablets, Ubuntu Touch is
unique for its Convergence feature, which aims to extend the mobile experience to desktop SAN TVs.
While its primary focus remains mobile, it also offers an innovative experience by transforming
a phone into a desktop when connected to a monitor. Another standout feature of Ubuntu
Touch is its emphasis on user control and privacy. It provides a
pre-installed suite of essential apps and allows easy multitasking through gestures,
offering a smooth, ad-free experience. The system also incorporates Libertine,
a feature that enables users to run traditional Linux desktop applications on their devices.
Ubuntu Touch's interface is powered by Qt, designed to be intuitive and easily navigable.
The community releases periodic updates, keeping the OS adaptable and secure.
In recent years, support has been extended to newer devices like the PinePhone,
providing users with an alternative to Android and iOS backed by a committed open-source community.
UB Ports, a non-profit foundation, funds Ubuntu Touch through community
donations, sponsorships, and an online shop. You could also donate cryptocurrency via Kiva.
Linux Kodachi. Released by Warrith Al-Maawali in 2013, this is a security-focused OS tailored
for desktop users who prioritize privacy and anonymity. Running as a live OS from the temporary RAM in a computer,
Kodachi leaves no traces on the host device once shut down, ensuring a safe and transient
computing experience. It can be run via a USB drive. C equals T9 ZDC2 QNHI2 GaIM built on Zubuntu but shifting towards Debian in recent versions,
Kodachi offers a user-friendly platform that requires no special Linux expertise to benefit
from its privacy features. It comes with pre-configured tools for secure browsing
and communication, including VPN, Tor network integration, DNS crypt, and cryptographic
utilities for file encryption
and secure messaging. Its anti-forensic capabilities prevent data recovery attempts,
while network monitoring tools provide real-time insights into security status.
Kodachi's design ensures that online activities remain anonymous,
making ITP articulately useful for high-stakes privacy needs.
Maintained as a one-person project by Al Mahawali,
Kodachi sustains itself through community donations, including options for cryptocurrency
and PayPal support. If you find it useful, you can donate to it via Kiva.
Wanox Developed by Patrick Schleiser and released in 2012,
Wanox is a free desktop OS designed for privacy and security. Built on Debian and the
security-focused KickSecure OS, it leverages the Tor network to anonymize user activities online,
protecting against IP leaks and monitoring attempts. It operates through a unique setup
involving two isolated virtual machines, VMs, WANIX Gateway, which routes all traffic through
Tor, and WANIX Workstation, where users can safely
perform tasks. Therefore, its use set is a guest OS that relies on a host OS, such as Windows or
Linux, to provide a virtual environment in which it operates. Unique features include Cloak,
a tool that anonymizes keystrokes, Turtid for TCP sequence number protection, and SDWDATE,
which securely updates system time. Funding for WANIX primarily comes from user donations,
paid support services, and grants. The project has evolved through multiple updates,
enhancing its compatibility and strengthening its privacy protections, while maintaining a
focus on open-source principles and community engagement. If you want to support them with crypto, they can be found in Kiva as Wanox, Wanox Firewall.
How to donate with Kiva? To donate using Kiva, start by ensuring you have an Obite wallet with
funds ready. Then, simply enter the GitHub repository name in Kivox search bar, click
donate, and choose the amount and cryptocurrency you'd like to give.
It's that easy. The developers don't need to know about your donation right away,
but the process of withdrawing the funds also requires an Obite wallet on their side.
Therefore, remember to let the recipients know about the donation afterwards so they can claim it. Kiva lets you support any GitHub project with crypto, and there are millions to explore.
Feel free to
browse around or check out our previous guides for more inspiration five open source projects
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Author Your Own Adventure with these 5 Must-Try Free Tools featured Vector Image by Freepik.
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