T400 with GNU/Linux

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Why it's cool: You need a reliable computer for work and play. This one is just dandy for both, minus icky DRM and spyware.

Setting up a fully free system is easier than it used to be, but can still seem daunting -- especially if you've never done it before. Luckily, you can now get a new-to-you laptop that's ready to go out of the box.

Technoethical also has a T400s available.

• Runs the FSF-endorsed Trisquel operating system and libreboot firmware.
• Durable hardware is meant to last and is easy to repair.
• Created by a small business that replaces all restrictive components from a stock laptop.

Stay away from: Microsoft Windows

• Runs on proprietary software that profits from treating the user as a product -- each account is assigned an advertising ID to help Microsoft sell user data.
• Mandatory Windows updates force users to test potentially unstable new versions. Read more about Windows's abuses.

X200 with GNU/Linux

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Why it's cool: Take it to the office, take it to the cafe, take it to class, take it home and set it up on the counter so you can rock out while you cook. Do all of this the easy way.

This machine is made to go everywhere with you, and thanks to Libiquity and Technoethical, you can have your mobility and your freedom too.

• Runs the FSF-endorsed Trisquel operating system with libreboot firmware. The X200 sold by Libiquity is also certified to Respect Your Freedom.
• Durable hardware is meant to last and is easy to repair.
• Created by a small business that replaces all restrictive components from a stock laptop.

Stay away from: Apple

• Runs on proprietary software that restricts the user's freedoms.
• Apple app stores use DRM to restrict what you can do with your purchases.
• Comes crawling with spyware.

X200t with GNU/Linux

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Why it's cool: Use it as a laptop or as a tablet with a built-in stylus. It may not be a brand-new concept, but it'll always feel a little futuristic.

Enjoy all the portability of a tablet, without having to hunt-and-peck every letter when it comes time to do some work. It's versatile, multi-purpose, and stylish, and fits smoothly into every environment in your life (without pummeling you with the abuses of proprietary software).

• Runs the FSF-endorsed Trisquel operating system with libreboot firmware.
• Durable hardware is meant to last and is easy to repair.
• Created by a small business that replaces all restrictive components from a stock laptop.

Stay away from: Microsoft Surface

• Runs on proprietary software that profits from treating the user as a product -- each account is assigned an advertising ID to help Microsoft sell user data.
• Mandatory Windows updates force users to test potentially unstable new versions. Read more about Windows's abuses.

D16 Workstation with GNU/Linux

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Why it's cool: Sometimes you need heavy-duty computing power that a laptop just can't provide.

Gamers, video editors, and other users may want or need a more powerful machine – a desktop is the answer when you really need that extra push. Also good for users who want a bigger screen.

Vikings offers three desktop computers. (ThinkPenguin also has desktops.)

• Options of coming with the FSF-endorsed Trisquel or Parabola operating systems.
• Free boot firmware.
• Customize and specialize to your needs.

Stay away from: Apple iMac

An iMac puts designers and film makers at risk:

• Photoshop and Illustrator have pesky DRM that can prevent the software from running even with a valid subscription.
• Format lock-in keeps users from switching software.

Stay away from: Alienware Aurora

• This gaming desktop claims to come without boundaries, but it does include enough proprietary software to limit any gamer.

• Great for all-free-software installations on laptops with incompatible Wi-Fi hardware.
• Certified to Respect Your Freedom.
• Options from Technoethical and ThinkPenguin.
• If you use a laptop listed in this guide, an adapter like this won't be necessary.

LulzBot Mini

BUY sale

Why it's cool: Think ahead -- if you give this to your friend or relative, they might use it next year to make YOU a gift.

3D printers are an amazing learning and exploration tool for kids and a fun toy for grownups, and they've come a long way from their origins in the early 2000s. Keep it free and fun by digging into the zillions of free software options for modeling, and communities that share freely licensed designs.

• Performance and seamless interface earned it "Editor's Choice" in Tom's Guide's 2017 3D printer comparison.
• Hardware designs are available to make customization easy. Standardized material format allows 3D printing with plastics, wood-, stone-, bamboo-, rubber-, and metal-like materials.

Stay away from: MakerBot

• MakerWare software is proprietary, restricting freedom and stifling innovation.
• MakerBot was founded with a more freedom-respecting philosophy, but has since announced an increasingly proprietary approach and distanced itself from the community that formed around it.

DRM-free Ebooks

There are a lot of options for where to get your literature fix without any pesky DRM. We're highlighting some publishers and shops who are offering deals for you!

• Delphi Classics has a wide range of classic literature available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Use the code fsfdelphi for 30% off orders over $10 through the end of December.
• Ediciones Babylon can supply you with all of your Spanish language needs for comics, art, novellas, and novels. Use the code FSFDISCOUNTEB for 5% off all the way through March 2018.
• No Starch Press specializes in educational, instructional, and how-to books on everything from arduinos to system administration. Use the code ETHICTECH for 40% off through January 10th, 2018.

Stay away from: Amazon

• Amazon is one of the most notorious of DRM offenders. Whether it's their Kindle e-reader or their countless DRM-encumbered ebooks, Amazon is the place to go if you want to let someone else snatch away texts from your personal library.
• Where's O'Reilly? While the publisher's ebooks are still available from third party sellers (in both DRM-free and DRM-encumbered formats), O'Reilly themselves stopped selling their DRM-free catalogue earlier in 2017.

DRM-free Music

Many consider music essential to the richness of the human experience. Thanks to the many artists, producers, record labels, and shops highlighted on Defective by Design, the rights-respecting options are nearly endless. Check out music from great labels and artists, including:

• Dischord Records, a classic punk label providing music since 1980.
• Folkways, courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute.
• Merge Records, home to Grammy-winning and well-loved indie darlings.
• Nine Inch Nails, the industrial rock band fronted by Trent Reznor.
• They Might Be Giants, delivering tunes to you since the 1980s.

Stay away from: Spotify

Spotify isn't the only offender when it comes to putting DRM in music--all major streaming services do this with the support of big record labels.

In addition to streaming music encumbered by DRM, people who want to use Spotify are required to install additional proprietary software. Even Spotify's client for GNU/Linux relies on proprietary software.

DRM-free Video

As winter comes to the Northern Hemisphere, it's the perfect time to curl up under a blanket and watch some DRM-free video. In the Southern Hemisphere? Enjoy relaxing with a great movie actually owned by you.

You can find your DRM-free video fix at places including:

• ComedyDirect can make you laugh while storing your videos locally.
• Moving Image Archive is a section of Archive.org containing thousands of film releases, available to stream or download.
• Sintel has a huge selection of DRM-free films made with free software.
• WolfeOnDemand provides for all of your LGBTQ watching desires.

Stay away from: Netflix

Whether it's using major studios as scapegoats for using DRM or pushing for DRM as an official W3C Recommendation, Netflix has been at the front line of getting DRM into media online and in your home.