Leste FAQ - Revision history

Sicelo: fix typos; drop systemd vs openrc section since we are somewhat willing to support systemd in future

2024-09-19T21:12:41Z

fix typos; drop systemd vs openrc section since we are somewhat willing to support systemd in future

Parazyd at 05:24, 25 May 2021

2021-05-25T05:24:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:24, 25 May 2021
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	Yes. This is very useful for N900 since it only has 256MB RAM. https://www.embedded.com/electronics-blogs/beginner-s-corner/4024632/Introduction-to-ARM-thumb		Yes. This is very useful for N900 since it only has 256MB RAM. https://www.embedded.com/electronics-blogs/beginner-s-corner/4024632/Introduction-to-ARM-thumb

			=== How to translate Maemo Leste into my language? ===

			We have our translation source files on Weblate, so anyone can contribute. See our [[Localization]] page for more information.

Derby: /* How about other popular non-Android mobile Linux distributions? */

2020-06-06T17:43:49Z

How about other popular non-Android mobile Linux distributions?

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:43, 6 June 2020
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	Another popular alternative distribution decided that instead of working together with the community on a common display manager, Wayland, to replace X11, they would develop their own. In the process, they heavily criticised Wayland. Some of the criticism was unfounded, and even though other points may have been fair, Wayland could have been adapted to suit their needs. They since retracted that criticism, nevertheless they continue to work on their own display manager in preference of working with the greater community on Wayland.		Another popular alternative distribution decided that instead of working together with the community on a common display manager, Wayland, to replace X11, they would develop their own. In the process, they heavily criticised Wayland. Some of the criticism was unfounded, and even though other points may have been fair, Wayland could have been adapted to suit their needs. They since retracted that criticism, nevertheless they continue to work on their own display manager in preference of working with the greater community on Wayland.

	Finally, the vast majority of alternative distributions have decided to go the route of using [[#What.27s_wrong_with_Android_.28vendor.29_kernels.3F\|Android kernels]], ~~preferring to prioritise~~ device compatibility and ease of device porting, ~~instead~~ of ~~prioritising~~ software freedoms.		Finally, the vast majority of alternative distributions have decided to go the route of using [[#What.27s_wrong_with_Android_.28vendor.29_kernels.3F\|Android kernels]], which favours device compatibility and ease of device porting, at the expense of software freedoms.

	=== Why is Maemo Leste based on Devuan rather than Debian? ===		=== Why is Maemo Leste based on Devuan rather than Debian? ===

Derby: /* How does Maemo Leste compare with PureOS? */ Removing link to viedo as it is no longer available

2020-06-06T17:03:05Z

How does Maemo Leste compare with PureOS?: Removing link to viedo as it is no longer available

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:03, 6 June 2020
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	=== How does Maemo Leste compare with PureOS? ===		=== How does Maemo Leste compare with PureOS? ===

	Purism's PureOS is currently in development for the Librem 5 phone. Purism have stated their plans to upstream all work to parent projects. This naturally presents another opportunity for collaboration, especially with PureOS also being based on Debian. We would welcome any collaborations with Purism. Work on a Maemo Leste port for the Librem 5 phone is in progress ([https://github.com/Daniel-Abrecht/image-builder image-builder], [https://github.com/Daniel-Abrecht/arm-sdk arm-sdk~~], [https://dpa.li/temp/l5-maemo.mp4 video~~]).		Purism's PureOS is currently in development for the Librem 5 phone. Purism have stated their plans to upstream all work to parent projects. This naturally presents another opportunity for collaboration, especially with PureOS also being based on Debian. We would welcome any collaborations with Purism. Work on a Maemo Leste port for the Librem 5 phone is in progress ([https://github.com/Daniel-Abrecht/image-builder image-builder], [https://github.com/Daniel-Abrecht/arm-sdk arm-sdk]).

	=== How about other popular non-Android mobile Linux distributions? ===		=== How about other popular non-Android mobile Linux distributions? ===

Derby: /* Is Maemo Leste completely free? */

2020-06-06T17:01:31Z

Is Maemo Leste completely free?

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:01, 6 June 2020
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	Unfortunately not. There is still no smartphone available that is fully functional without the use of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proprietary_device_driver binary blobs]. Our primary supported devices currently require closed firmware to be able to use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the TI OMAP-based devices have integrated PowerVR video hardware which require closed user space drivers for video acceleration. It's an unfortunate state of affairs, however progress is being made, and the PinePhone is a great example of this as it can have video acceleration with the Lima driver which is 100% free software.		Unfortunately not. There is still no smartphone available that is fully functional without the use of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proprietary_device_driver binary blobs]. Our primary supported devices currently require closed firmware to be able to use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the TI OMAP-based devices have integrated PowerVR video hardware which require closed user space drivers for video acceleration. It's an unfortunate state of affairs, however progress is being made, and the PinePhone is a great example of this as it can have video acceleration with the Lima driver which is 100% free software.

	Our current goal is to provide full functionality for our supported devices, however there are plans to additionally provide a blob-free, libre version of Maemo Leste with missing functionality where blobs ~~are~~ required.		Our current goal is to provide full functionality for our supported devices, however there are plans to additionally provide a blob-free, libre version of Maemo Leste with missing functionality where blobs would be required.

	=== How does Maemo Leste compare with postmarketOS? ===		=== How does Maemo Leste compare with postmarketOS? ===

Derby: State that Maemo Leste uses mainline Linux in the description under "What is Maemo Leste?"

2020-05-22T19:35:37Z

State that Maemo Leste uses mainline Linux in the description under "What is Maemo Leste?"

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:35, 22 May 2020
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	Maemo Leste is an operating system based on GNU/Linux that is currently in development. It is aimed at mobile devices with touch screens such as smartphones, tablets and PDAs.		Maemo Leste is an operating system based on GNU/Linux that is currently in development. It is aimed at mobile devices with touch screens such as smartphones, tablets and PDAs.

	It is built on top of '''[https://devuan.org/ Devuan]''', and thus indirectly based on [https://www.debian.org/ Debian]. Essentially, it is a modernised and liberated version of '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maemo#Maemo_5 Maemo 5/Fremantle]'''; the last version of the mobile Linux OS from Nokia that was released in 2009 for the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nokia_N900 Nokia N900] internet tablet/smartphone. Unlike its predecessor which only ran on a single device, Maemo Leste runs on a variety of devices.		It is built on top of '''[https://devuan.org/ Devuan]''', and thus indirectly based on [https://www.debian.org/ Debian]. Essentially, it is a modernised and liberated version of '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maemo#Maemo_5 Maemo 5/Fremantle]'''; the last version of the mobile Linux OS from Nokia that was released in 2009 for the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nokia_N900 Nokia N900] internet tablet/smartphone. Unlike its predecessor which only ran on a single device, Maemo Leste runs on a variety of devices. It also uses a '''[[#What_is_mainline_Linux.3F\|mainline Linux]]''' kernel.

	In Maemo Leste, closed-source packages that originate from Fremantle have been reversed engineered, liberated, updated and rebuilt; whilst open-source Fremantle packages have been updated to newer libraries and APIs, including [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hildon Hildon], the mobile user interface from Fremantle.		In Maemo Leste, closed-source packages that originate from Fremantle have been reversed engineered, liberated, updated and rebuilt; whilst open-source Fremantle packages have been updated to newer libraries and APIs, including [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hildon Hildon], the mobile user interface from Fremantle.
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	=== Why do we need another mobile operating system? ===		=== Why do we need another mobile operating system? ===

	Today's smartphone industry is dominated by the duopoly of Apple and Google with their iOS and Android operating systems. This leaves those of us who value information privacy and software freedoms with virtually no options when it comes to choosing a smartphone. Some pretenders have tried to change this but have ultimately [[#How_about_other_popular_non-Android_mobile_Linux_distributions.3F\|fallen short in some areas]]. Maemo Leste aims to put an end to this dire situation. We provide a ''true'' GNU/Linux experience which evolves along with the base Linux distribution from which it is built on top of. Maemo Leste is the only multi-device mobile Linux distribution that prioritises the use of ~~[[#What_is_mainline_Linux.3F\|~~mainline Linux]]. We hope that Maemo Leste will help to raise awareness of the [[#Why_is_it_important_to_run_mainline_Linux.3F\|importance of running mainline Linux]] which may eventually lead to increased consumer demand for devices that are compatible with mainline Linux, leading to improved options when choosing a smartphone.		Today's smartphone industry is dominated by the duopoly of Apple and Google with their iOS and Android operating systems. This leaves those of us who value information privacy and software freedoms with virtually no options when it comes to choosing a smartphone. Some pretenders have tried to change this but have ultimately [[#How_about_other_popular_non-Android_mobile_Linux_distributions.3F\|fallen short in some areas]]. Maemo Leste aims to put an end to this dire situation. We provide a ''true'' GNU/Linux experience which evolves along with the base Linux distribution from which it is built on top of. Maemo Leste is the only multi-device mobile Linux distribution that prioritises the use of mainline Linux. We hope that Maemo Leste will help to raise awareness of the [[#Why_is_it_important_to_run_mainline_Linux.3F\|importance of running mainline Linux]] which may eventually lead to increased consumer demand for devices that are compatible with mainline Linux, leading to improved options when choosing a smartphone.

	=== Why not add/extend new packages to Fremantle instead? ===		=== Why not add/extend new packages to Fremantle instead? ===

Derby: /* What devices does Maemo Leste work on? */ Fix punctuation

2020-02-20T02:44:22Z

What devices does Maemo Leste work on?: Fix punctuation

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:44, 20 February 2020
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	Maemo Leste focuses on providing support for devices that can run on mainline Linux, with an emphasis on supporting mobile/cellular phones. There are a limited number of mobile phones supported by mainline Linux at present, all with varying degrees of hardware support. Although you may be disappointed by the lack of devices currently supported by Maemo Leste, we hope this will expand and we strongly believe that running on top of mainline Linux is the right way forward for building a mobile OS that respects software freedoms.		Maemo Leste focuses on providing support for devices that can run on mainline Linux, with an emphasis on supporting mobile/cellular phones. There are a limited number of mobile phones supported by mainline Linux at present, all with varying degrees of hardware support. Although you may be disappointed by the lack of devices currently supported by Maemo Leste, we hope this will expand and we strongly believe that running on top of mainline Linux is the right way forward for building a mobile OS that respects software freedoms.

	Maemo Leste has also been shown to run on the Gemini PDA which uses an Android kernel with libhybris. It should be possible to run Maemo Leste on other Android devices using this method, however this falls outside of the scope of this project and what we are trying to achieve, As such, only limited support would be provided.		Maemo Leste has also been shown to run on the Gemini PDA which uses an Android kernel with libhybris. It should be possible to run Maemo Leste on other Android devices using this method, however this falls outside of the scope of this project and what we are trying to achieve. As such, only limited support would be provided.

	=== Can I run an alternative desktop environment or window manager instead of Hildon? ===		=== Can I run an alternative desktop environment or window manager instead of Hildon? ===

Derby: /* Does Maemo Leste run with pure mainline Linux? */ Improve wording as "running" is already possible.

2020-02-19T13:20:13Z

Does Maemo Leste run with pure mainline Linux?: Improve wording as "running" is already possible.

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:20, 19 February 2020
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	=== Does Maemo Leste run with pure mainline Linux? ===		=== Does Maemo Leste run with pure mainline Linux? ===

	The primary devices that we support can run with a pure mainline Linux kernel, however right now our images use mainline plus a few patches. As we are still in the early phases of development, our current priority is to ensure that our supported devices are as fully functional as they can possibly be, thus the additional patches help to achieve this. We have already upstreamed some of our patches and our goal is to upstream the remaining ones to be able to ~~run~~ a 100% mainline kernel on our devices.		The primary devices that we support can run with a pure mainline Linux kernel, however right now our images use mainline plus a few patches. As we are still in the early phases of development, our current priority is to ensure that our supported devices are as fully functional as they can possibly be, thus the additional patches help to achieve this. We have already upstreamed some of our patches and our goal is to upstream the remaining ones to be able to switch to using a 100% mainline kernel on our devices.

	=== Is Maemo Leste completely free? ===		=== Is Maemo Leste completely free? ===

Derby: /* How about other popular non-Android mobile Linux distributions? */ Fix broken link

2020-02-17T13:35:21Z

How about other popular non-Android mobile Linux distributions?: Fix broken link

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:35, 17 February 2020
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	Another popular alternative distribution decided that instead of working together with the community on a common display manager, Wayland, to replace X11, they would develop their own. In the process, they heavily criticised Wayland. Some of the criticism was unfounded, and even though other points may have been fair, Wayland could have been adapted to suit their needs. They since retracted that criticism, nevertheless they continue to work on their own display manager in preference of working with the greater community on Wayland.		Another popular alternative distribution decided that instead of working together with the community on a common display manager, Wayland, to replace X11, they would develop their own. In the process, they heavily criticised Wayland. Some of the criticism was unfounded, and even though other points may have been fair, Wayland could have been adapted to suit their needs. They since retracted that criticism, nevertheless they continue to work on their own display manager in preference of working with the greater community on Wayland.

	Finally, the vast majority of alternative distributions have decided to go the route of using [[#What.27s_wrong_with_Android_.28vendor.~~29_Linux_kernels~~.3F\|Android kernels]], preferring to prioritise device compatibility and ease of device porting, instead of prioritising software freedoms.		Finally, the vast majority of alternative distributions have decided to go the route of using [[#What.27s_wrong_with_Android_.28vendor.29_kernels.3F\|Android kernels]], preferring to prioritise device compatibility and ease of device porting, instead of prioritising software freedoms.

	=== Why is Maemo Leste based on Devuan rather than Debian? ===		=== Why is Maemo Leste based on Devuan rather than Debian? ===

Derby: /* Does Maemo Leste use Halium? */

2020-02-02T16:01:38Z

Does Maemo Leste use Halium?

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:01, 2 February 2020
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	No. Halium aims to build a common base for mobile GNU/Linux distributions. This is great idea in principle but their choice of components leaves a lot to be desired.		No. Halium aims to build a common base for mobile GNU/Linux distributions. This is great idea in principle but their choice of components leaves a lot to be desired.

	Halium uses ~~Linux~~ kernels from Android. See [[#What.27s_wrong_with_Android_.28vendor.29_kernels.3F\|below]] for a description of some of the problems of Android kernels. By embracing the use of Android kernels, Halium can provide working device ports fairly quickly but this may have a negative effect in the long run. A developer who has a fully working device running GNU/Linux with an Android kernel, may be less inclined to help get that device running on mainline Linux, thus the reliance on Android continues. The shortage of mainline Linux kernel contributions from the developers of Halium and other libhybris-based Linux distributions is evident.		Halium uses kernels from Android. See [[#What.27s_wrong_with_Android_.28vendor.29_kernels.3F\|below]] for a description of some of the problems of Android kernels. By embracing the use of Android kernels, Halium can provide working device ports fairly quickly but this may have a negative effect in the long run. A developer who has a fully working device running GNU/Linux with an Android kernel, may be less inclined to help get that device running on mainline Linux, thus the reliance on Android continues. The shortage of mainline Linux kernel contributions from the developers of Halium and other libhybris-based Linux distributions is evident.

	=== What is mainline Linux? ===		=== What is mainline Linux? ===

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:12, 19 September 2024
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	It is built on top of '''[https://devuan.org/ Devuan]''', and thus indirectly based on [https://www.debian.org/ Debian]. Essentially, it is a modernised and liberated version of '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maemo#Maemo_5 Maemo 5/Fremantle]'''; the last version of the mobile Linux OS from Nokia that was released in 2009 for the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nokia_N900 Nokia N900] internet tablet/smartphone. Unlike its predecessor which only ran on a single device, Maemo Leste runs on a variety of devices. It also uses a '''[[#What_is_mainline_Linux.3F\|mainline Linux]]''' kernel.		It is built on top of '''[https://devuan.org/ Devuan]''', and thus indirectly based on [https://www.debian.org/ Debian]. Essentially, it is a modernised and liberated version of '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maemo#Maemo_5 Maemo 5/Fremantle]'''; the last version of the mobile Linux OS from Nokia that was released in 2009 for the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nokia_N900 Nokia N900] internet tablet/smartphone. Unlike its predecessor which only ran on a single device, Maemo Leste runs on a variety of devices. It also uses a '''[[#What_is_mainline_Linux.3F\|mainline Linux]]''' kernel.

	In Maemo Leste, closed-source packages that originate from Fremantle have been ~~reversed~~ engineered, liberated, updated and rebuilt; whilst open-source Fremantle packages have been updated to newer libraries and APIs, including [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hildon Hildon], the mobile user interface from Fremantle.		In Maemo Leste, closed-source packages that originate from Fremantle have been reverse engineered, liberated, updated and rebuilt; whilst open-source Fremantle packages have been updated to newer libraries and APIs, including [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hildon Hildon], the mobile user interface from Fremantle.

	Building on top an actively developed Linux distribution makes Maemo Leste maintenance sustainable. Fremantle was built on top of Debian packages forked from several versions of Debian, leaving the onus on Nokia to maintain every single package. Leste ~~however,~~ utilises Devuan's package repositories meaning that much of the heavy lifting is already done by upstream; we only have to manage and maintain a limited set of packages. This also gives us the benefit of having access to over 20,000 packages from upstream, immediately available for installation in Maemo Leste.		Building on top of an actively developed Linux distribution makes Maemo Leste maintenance sustainable. Fremantle was built on top of Debian packages forked from several versions of Debian, leaving the onus on Nokia to maintain every single package. However Leste utilises Devuan's package repositories, meaning that much of the heavy lifting is already done by upstream; we only have to manage and maintain a limited set of packages. This also gives us the benefit of having access to over 20,000 packages from upstream immediately available for installation in Maemo Leste.

	All in all, Maemo Leste aims to provide an unconstrained and free mobile Linux distribution for hackers, developers and even just casual users.		All in all, Maemo Leste aims to provide an unconstrained and free mobile Linux distribution for hackers, developers and even just casual users.
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	=== Why do we need another mobile operating system? ===		=== Why do we need another mobile operating system? ===

	Today's smartphone industry is dominated by the duopoly of Apple and Google with their iOS and Android operating systems. This leaves those of us who value information privacy and software freedoms with virtually no options when it comes to choosing a smartphone. Some pretenders have tried to change this but have ultimately [[#How_about_other_popular_non-Android_mobile_Linux_distributions.3F\|fallen short in some areas]]. Maemo Leste aims to put an end to this dire situation. We provide a ''true'' GNU/Linux experience which evolves along with the base Linux distribution from which it is built on top of~~. Maemo Leste is the only multi-device mobile Linux distribution that prioritises the use of mainline Linux~~. We hope that Maemo Leste will help to raise awareness of the [[#Why_is_it_important_to_run_mainline_Linux.3F\|importance of running mainline Linux]] which may eventually lead to increased consumer demand for devices that are compatible with mainline Linux, leading to improved options when choosing a smartphone.		Today's smartphone industry is dominated by the duopoly of Apple and Google with their iOS and Android operating systems. This leaves those of us who value information privacy and software freedoms with virtually no options when it comes to choosing a smartphone. Some pretenders have tried to change this but have ultimately [[#How_about_other_popular_non-Android_mobile_Linux_distributions.3F\|fallen short in some areas]]. Maemo Leste aims to put an end to this dire situation. We provide a ''true'' GNU/Linux experience which evolves along with the base Linux distribution from which it is built on top of. We hope that Maemo Leste will help to raise awareness of the [[#Why_is_it_important_to_run_mainline_Linux.3F\|importance of running mainline Linux]] which may eventually lead to increased consumer demand for devices that are compatible with mainline Linux, leading to improved options when choosing a smartphone.

	=== Why not add/extend new packages to Fremantle instead? ===		=== Why not add/extend new packages to Fremantle instead? ===
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	No. Halium aims to build a common base for mobile GNU/Linux distributions. This is great idea in principle but their choice of components leaves a lot to be desired.		No. Halium aims to build a common base for mobile GNU/Linux distributions. This is great idea in principle but their choice of components leaves a lot to be desired.

	Halium uses kernels from Android. See [[#What.27s_wrong_with_Android_.28vendor.29_kernels.3F\|below]] for a description of some of the problems of Android kernels. By embracing the use of Android kernels, Halium can provide working device ports fairly quickly but this may have a negative effect in the long run. A developer who has a fully working device running GNU/Linux with an Android kernel, may be less inclined to help get that device running on mainline Linux, thus the reliance on Android continues. The shortage of mainline Linux kernel contributions from the developers of Halium and other libhybris-based Linux distributions is evident.		Halium uses kernels from Android. See [[#What.27s_wrong_with_Android_.28vendor.29_kernels.3F\|below]] for a description of some of the problems of Android kernels. By embracing the use of Android kernels, Halium can provide working device ports fairly quickly but this may have a negative effect in the long run. A developer who has a fully working device running GNU/Linux with an Android kernel may be less inclined to help get that device running on mainline Linux, thus the reliance on Android continues. The shortage of mainline Linux kernel contributions from the developers of Halium and other libhybris-based Linux distributions is evident.

	=== What is mainline Linux? ===		=== What is mainline Linux? ===
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	=== What's wrong with Android (vendor) kernels? ===		=== What's wrong with Android (vendor) kernels? ===

	The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) leeches off Linux. Hundreds, if not thousands, of out-of-tree kernel forks are maintained by vendors with almost no effort to contribute back to mainline Linux. This not only hurts the Linux development ecosystem but we as users also suffer as a consequence of this. There are thousands of different Android devices on the market, all with kernels based on Linux; yet only a handful of those devices are able to run on mainline Linux, and most of those that do, have very limited hardware support. Linux kernels are [https://source.android.com/devices/architecture/kernel/android-common#branch-hierarchy forked up to five times by AOSP, before finally being forked once more by the device manufacturer]. This results in kernels that have diverged significantly from mainline. This means that it is not possible to install an up-to-date mainline kernel on any given Android device. Also, it often means that kernel updates are not timely, nor frequent. When the device manufacturer decides to stop supporting the device, no further kernel updates are provided. This allow the manufacturers of Android devices to practise [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planned_obsolescence planned obsolescence]. This practice is a huge contributor to our society's [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Throw-away_society throw-away culture], forcing consumers to replace their devices every year or two and has a [https://www.fastcodesign.com/90165365/smartphones-are-wrecking-the-planet-faster-than-anyone-expected big impact on our planet]. The vast majority of users of Android devices are not even made aware when their kernel has reached end-of-life, leaving them vulnerable to known exploits.		The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) leeches off Linux. Hundreds, if not thousands, of out-of-tree kernel forks are maintained by vendors with almost no effort to contribute back to mainline Linux. This not only hurts the Linux development ecosystem but we as users also suffer as a consequence of this. There are thousands of different Android devices on the market, all with kernels based on Linux; yet only a handful of those devices are able to run on mainline Linux, and most of those that do, have very limited hardware support. Linux kernels are [https://source.android.com/devices/architecture/kernel/android-common#branch-hierarchy forked up to five times by AOSP, before finally being forked once more by the device manufacturer]. This results in kernels that have diverged significantly from mainline. This means that it is likely not possible to install an up-to-date mainline kernel on any given Android device. Also, it often means that kernel updates are not timely, nor frequent. When the device manufacturer decides to stop supporting the device, no further kernel updates are provided. This allow the manufacturers of Android devices to practise [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planned_obsolescence planned obsolescence]. This practice is a huge contributor to our society's [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Throw-away_society throw-away culture], forcing consumers to replace their devices every year or two and has a [https://www.fastcodesign.com/90165365/smartphones-are-wrecking-the-planet-faster-than-anyone-expected big impact on our planet]. The vast majority of users of Android devices are not even made aware when their kernel has reached end-of-life, leaving them vulnerable to known exploits.

	=== Why is it important to run mainline Linux? ===		=== Why is it important to run mainline Linux? ===
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	=== Does Maemo Leste run with pure mainline Linux? ===		=== Does Maemo Leste run with pure mainline Linux? ===

	The primary devices that we support can run with a pure mainline Linux kernel~~, however~~ right now our images use mainline plus a few patches. As we are still in the early phases of development, our current priority is to ensure that our supported devices are as fully functional as they can possibly be, thus the additional patches help to achieve this. We ~~have already upstreamed some of~~ our patches and our goal is to upstream the remaining ones to be able to switch to using a 100% mainline kernel on our devices.		The primary devices that we support can run with a pure mainline Linux kernel. However right now our images use mainline plus a few patches. As we are still in the early phases of development, our current priority is to ensure that our supported devices are as fully functional as they can possibly be, thus the additional patches help to achieve this. We continuously upstream our patches (for the kernel and other software) and our goal is to upstream the remaining ones to be able to switch to using a 100% mainline kernel on our devices.

	=== Is Maemo Leste completely free? ===		=== Is Maemo Leste completely free? ===
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	=== How does Maemo Leste compare with postmarketOS? ===		=== How does Maemo Leste compare with postmarketOS? ===

	postmarketOS is mobile GNU/Linux distribution which runs ~~Android~~ kernels ~~but~~ also ~~mainline Linux~~ kernels. We share several goals in common with postmarketOS, particularly the use of mainline Linux. This presents a great opportunity for collaboration. Both Maemo Leste and postmarketOS have great working relationship and have already benefited from each other's work.		postmarketOS is mobile GNU/Linux distribution which runs mainline Linux kernels and also supports Android kernels. We share several goals in common with postmarketOS, particularly the use of mainline Linux. This presents a great opportunity for collaboration. Both Maemo Leste and postmarketOS have great working relationship and have already benefited from each other's work.

	=== How does Maemo Leste compare with PureOS? ===		=== How does Maemo Leste compare with PureOS? ===
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	As you may know, the Devuan project focuses on providing a Debian alternative that can be used without systemd. Although Debian can be installed without systemd, Devuan provides a much more stable and tested system in this regard. Key system components such as PolicyKit, UPower and udisks2 have been known to be broken in Debian when it is used without systemd, whereas Devuan provides working replacements.		As you may know, the Devuan project focuses on providing a Debian alternative that can be used without systemd. Although Debian can be installed without systemd, Devuan provides a much more stable and tested system in this regard. Key system components such as PolicyKit, UPower and udisks2 have been known to be broken in Debian when it is used without systemd, whereas Devuan provides working replacements.

	~~=== Are there any technical merits in using System V init with OpenRC instead of systemd? ===~~

	Not wanting to turn this into a systemd debate; there are already plenty of places on the internet where you can read up on the pros and cons of systemd. Both init systems have their merits. System V init with OpenRC does not provide as many features as systemd, but perhaps its main advantage is architectural. systemd now has [https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=systemd-2019-stats over 1.2 million lines of code]; this complexity increases the [https://2h73ayp5jhv44aq9p3zmp9gd-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/GaugingSoftwareReadinessWithDefectTracking.pdf defect density] and [https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/msdn-magazine/2004/november/security-tips-minimizing-the-code-you-expose-to-untrusted-users attack surface]. Although traditional init is flawed in several aspects, we believe that its loose coupling of components help to provide better reliability, stability and security.

	=== Can Maemo Leste work with a Debian/systemd base? ===		=== Can Maemo Leste work with a Debian/systemd base? ===

	Several users and developers have expressed interest in using Maemo Leste with Debian and systemd. ~~Work has begun~~ to make this possible. We do not want to restrict the reach of Maemo Leste, therefore we welcome contributions for Debian/systemd compatibility and provide assistance with it. It is hoped that eventually we will be able to provide users with a choice of Devuan and Debian bases for Maemo Leste.		Several users and developers have expressed interest in using Maemo Leste with Debian and systemd. Proof-of-concept work was started to make this possible. We do not want to restrict the reach of Maemo Leste, therefore we welcome contributions for Debian/systemd compatibility and provide assistance with it. It is hoped that eventually we will be able to provide users with a choice of Devuan and Debian bases for Maemo Leste.

	=== musl libc kicks arse. Can I use Maemo Leste with musl? ===		=== musl libc kicks arse. Can I use Maemo Leste with musl? ===
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	=== What devices does Maemo Leste work on? ===		=== What devices does Maemo Leste work on? ===

	Our ~~currently~~ list of (semi) supported devices can be found here: [[:Category:Device]]		Our current list of (semi) supported devices can be found here: [[:Category:Device]]

	Maemo Leste could work on your device, and we'd like to link you to a porting guide here, but we don't have one yet.		Maemo Leste could work on your device, and we'd like to link you to a porting guide here, but we don't have one yet.
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	=== Can I run an alternative desktop environment or window manager instead of Hildon? ===		=== Can I run an alternative desktop environment or window manager instead of Hildon? ===

	The Devuan base of Maemo Leste provides a variety of desktop environments and window managers. There are some issues at the moment with running these whilst Hildon is installed, however it has been proven that it is possible to run them after making a few minor hacks. ~~There are plans~~ to ~~make~~ this ~~process easier~~, ~~however don~~'t expect any alternatives to provide the same level of device integration and optimisation that Hildon provides.		The Devuan base of Maemo Leste provides a variety of desktop environments and window managers. There are some issues at the moment with running these whilst Hildon is installed, however it has been proven that it is possible to run them after making a few minor hacks. For now, if you choose to do this, limited support will be provided, if any. Don't expect any alternatives to provide the same level of device integration and optimisation that Hildon provides.

	=== Are ARM packages Thumb-compiled? ===		=== Are ARM packages Thumb-compiled? ===