A new phone or computer can be the highlight of the holidays, but with proprietary software lurking under the wrapping paper, your thoughtful gift may be more naughty than nice.
-This guide replaces these holiday humbugs with better devices from ethical companies -- no creepy remote deletion of files, no punitive and mean rules about copying and sharing. Just products and software that respect the freedom and privacy of your loved ones: gifts you can feel good about.
+This guide replaces these holiday humbugs with better devices from ethical companies—no creepy remote deletion of files, no punitive and mean rules about copying and sharing. Just products and software that respect the freedom and privacy of your loved ones: gifts you can feel good about.
Plus, our crib notes below will help you explain why this version is better than the one they've heard of (and spread the word about software freedom, too).
@@ -294,7 +294,7 @@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.
+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.
Why it's cool: Trying to go 100% free but stuck with a proprietary wifi card? just plug this into your USB port and you're ready to go.
+Why it's cool: Trying to go 100% free but stuck with a proprietary Wi-Fi card? just plug this into your USB port and you're ready to go.
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.
+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.
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.
+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.
The FSF certifies devices that respects your freedoms. These items arrive installed with free software, and you can see a complete list of RYF products on FSF.org.
-We would never recommend you use, run, or give proprietary software. However, one part of RYF certification is the promise that one can install any software they wish on the device. This includes proprietary software. Free software is about many things, including the right to choose what is on your device. We urge you to keep your gifts and own devices fully free -- it's not only the responsible thing, but the right thing.
+We would never recommend you use, run, or give proprietary software. However, one part of RYF certification is the promise that one can install any software they wish on the device. This includes proprietary software. Free software is about many things, including the right to choose what is on your device. We urge you to keep your gifts and own devices fully free—it's not only the responsible thing, but the right thing.