- It's hard to be sure what you're actually giving someone--especially when you're talking about digital media, electronics, and the newest batch of gadgets. With manufacturer restrictions going out of control, some gifts take away more than they give us.
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But sometimes you can look inside
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- Ethical companies are making--and using--ethical technologies to make sure the gifts we give belong to those they're for. Whether you're looking for freedom and privacy or just the knowledge that that ebook will still be around six months from now, the Free Software Foundation's Ethical Giving Guide can help you find the perfect gift.
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Give the gift of freedom!
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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.
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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.
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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).
- Help a free software organization in a friend's name.
+ Donate to our suggested charities in your friend/family member's name
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Smartphones
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Galaxy Note 2 with Replicant
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Your smartphone isn't just a phone--it's a computer you carry with you every day. It's your camera, your connection to your friends and family, and, for many people around the world, their only internet-enabled device. By choosing one of these phones, you're bringing freedom to your pocket, not just your communications.
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You can also get an S2 or S3, complete with replicant.
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Why it's cool: Ever feel like every time you pick up your smartphone, someone is watching you? This may not cut off their access entirely, but it will make their job a little harder.
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Your smartphone is so much more than a phone: it's a tiny computer you carry with you every day, and for many people around the world, it's their only internet-enabled device. Choosing one of these phones lets you bring software freedom everywhere you go.
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You can also get an S2 or S3, complete with Replicant.
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- Runs the Replicant free operating system, based on Android.
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+ Runs the Replicant free operating system, based on Android.
Features F-Droid, the free software catalogue that makes it easy to get all the applications you need without sacrificing control of your phone.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Compact laptops are light and easy to carry, making them popular among people on the go. Whether it's for a student, or someone who likes to work from coffee shops or travels frequently, it's great to have a machine that goes with you. Thanks to Libiquity and Technoethical, you can have mobility and freedom.
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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 listen to NPR while you cook. Do all of this the easy way.
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This machine is made to go everywhere with you, and thanks to Libiquity and Technoethical, you can have your mobility and your freedom too.
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There are a lot of things to say about why a convertible laptop is great. With a stylus and screen you can use as a tablet, they're versitle, multi-purpose, and stylish.
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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.
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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).
- The D16 Workstation is not Respects Your Freedoms certified at this point.
+ The D16 Workstation is not Respects Your Freedoms certified at this point. Sale details.
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.
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The FSF certifies hardware that respects your freedoms. These items arrive installed with free software, and you can see a complete list of RYF products on FSF.org.
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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.