*Please consider adding to your address book, which will ensure that our messages reach you and not your spam box.*
*Read and share online: *
Welcome to the *Free Software Supporter*, the Free Software Foundation's (FSF) monthly news digest and action update -- being read by you and 229,496 other activists. That's 281 more than last month!
### Help others find their reason to support free software: Donate by July 8 and help us reach our spring goal
*From June 12*
True user freedom is relevant for anyone in today's society, because to truly have the right to collaborate, repair, and live more sustainably, we need freedom for computer users. A world with free software would have better privacy, protection from bulk surveillance, and would avoid user lock-in.
Free software is the driving force that can help bring major change to matters of global importance. With your support, we can continue helping people find their reasons and motivation to live more freely. Share the free software message using the hashtag #UserFreedom on [social media networks](https://u.fsf.org/3mc).
*
## TABLE OF CONTENTS
* Help others find free software: Watch and share *Escape to Freedom* * Flock over to Mastodon on July 8 for an interactive session * How the Eyüpsultan district of Turkey uses GNU/Linux * Beat the heat with GNU summer swag * Many governments encourage schools to let companies snoop on students * A digital euro and the future of cash * Give up GitHub: The time has come! * Remembering and honoring Marina Zhurakhinskaya, founder of Outreachy * Celebrating ten years of GNU Guix in Paris, September 16-18 * GNU Health Hospital Management 4.0.4 patchset released * New Replicant 6.0 0004 release and Replicant 11 status * When DRM comes for your wheelchair * New study shows free software automated insulin delivery is a safe and effective treatment option for people with Type 1 diabetes * June GNU Emacs news * Join the FSF and friends in updating the Free Software Directory * LibrePlanet featured resource: *Escape to Freedom* translations group * June GNU Spotlight with Amin Bandali: Twelve new GNU releases! * FSF and other free software events * Thank GNUs! * GNU copyright contributions * Translations of the *Free Software Supporter* * Take action with the FSF!
View this issue online here:
Encourage your friends to subscribe and help us build an audience by adding our subscriber widget to your Web site.
* Subscribe: * Widget:
Miss an issue? You can catch up on back issues at .
Want to read this newsletter translated into another language? Scroll to the end to read the *Supporter* in French and Spanish.
### Help others find free software: Watch and share *Escape to Freedom*
*From June 28*
*Escape to Freedom* is a new animated video from the FSF. It gives an introduction to the concepts behind software freedom: both what we gain by having it and what rights are at stake. Join our lead freedom-seeker, Zara, as she learns the importance of free software and guides herself through the labyrinth of challenges posed to her by contemporary digital society. In search of freedom, she learns how to seize control of her own seemingly predetermined narrative and helps others do the same -- taking the ladder that leads to digital liberation step by step. Watch the video and share with others.
*
### Flock over to Mastodon on July 8 for an interactive session
*From June 24*
On July 8, from 16:00-17:00 EDT (20:00-21:00 UTC), FSF staff are hosting a "Mastodon Hour." Mastodon Hour is a special window of time that we are setting aside when we, the FSF campaigns team, will respond to your messages in real time. The main topic will be "helping others find their reason to support free software" and the secondary topic will be "decentralization and federation." This blog post gives some background on the event, how FSF posts to microblogs with free software, and where you can go to find a Mastodon server with open registration.
*
### How the Eyüpsultan district of Turkey uses GNU/Linux
*From June 21*
The FSF is proud to publish a new article to our Working Together for Free Software pages. It tells the story of how the government of Eyüpsultan, district of Turkey, moved to GNU/Linux, gained more software freedom for their municipality, and saved money. Accompanying the article is the addition of Eyüpsultan as a Working Together profile under "Who's using free software," along with Wikipedia, CERN, and others. The article is an inspiring story of passionate activists persuading government officials to make an important switch to free software.
* *
### Beat the heat with GNU summer swag
*From June 16*
This year's color is in: we have a brand new GNU head t-shirt in "storm" color (a muted tone, halfway between tan and purple). This is different than all previous years: not only did we invert the print, but the GNU itself is sporting sassy sunglasses. Pre-order yours by Friday, July 8 to receive it in August. We expect to only print this once. All our t-shirts are printed locally on ethically-produced, 100% cotton material. Plus, your purchase helps us reach our summer fundraiser goal and support software freedom advocacy.
*
### Many governments encourage schools to let companies snoop on students
*From June 20 by Richard Stallman*
A study by Human Rights Watch found that, of 164 software programs and Web sites recommended by various governments for schools and their students, 146 of them gave data to advertising and tracking companies. The researchers were thorough in their methods and checked for various snooping methods, including fingerprinting of devices to identify users. The research examined both programs marketed being specifically "for education" as well as programs, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, which are used for education but not marketed specifically so. Stallman raises the point that "the only approach that makes it possible to end massive surveillance starts with demanding that the software be free. Then users will be able to modify the software to avoid giving real data to companies."
*
### A digital euro and the future of cash
*From June 21 by GNU Taler*
The Central Bank of Austria has published a report in the context of a workshop celebrating twenty years of euro-denominated cash. The report discusses the future of cash, including account- and blockchain-based designs, as well as GNU Taler, which features prominently in their discussion on the future of cash. This is exciting news for both software freedom and privacy. (Also, if this interests you, be sure to check out their upcoming "Libre Retail CBDC Technology Forum." Details are under "Libre Retail CBDC Technology Forum" below.)
*
### Give up GitHub: The time has come!
*From June 30 by Software Freedom Conservancy*
[Following GitHub's announcement](https://u.fsf.org/3me) of Copilot as a for-profit product, Software Freedom Conservancy calls on all free software developers to leave and "Give up GitHub!" The campaign page lists major reasons to give up on GitHub. Conservancy says, "developers have been, for too long, the proverbial frog in slowly boiling water. GitHub's behavior has gotten progressively worse, and we've excused, ignored, or otherwise acquiesced to cognitive dissonance." Read about the initiative, join the public mailing list, and learn how you can support the campaign yourself.
*
### Remembering and honoring Marina Zhurakhinskaya, founder of Outreachy
*From June 14 by Software Freedom Conservancy*
The FSF shares the great sadness about the death of Marina Zhurakhinskaya with the many free software organizations and people whose lives she touched. We express our condolences to her family, and to her friends and colleagues.
Marina Zhurakhinskaya was architect of GNOME's Outreach Program for Women (precursor to Outreachy), Ada Initiative board member, and "Pants Award" recipient. She was a force for change and leaves a profound legacy of diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice. Read about Marina's life, legacy, and contributions to free software.
* *
### Celebrating ten years of GNU Guix in Paris, September 16-18
*From June 13 by Ludovic Courtès, Tanguy Le Carrour, and Simon Tournier*
GNU Guix is turning ten, and they will be hosting an event in Paris, France this September. If you’re interested in presenting a topic, in facilitating a session, or in organizing a hackathon, get in touch with the organizers at . They are also looking for people to help with logistics, in particular during the event; please let them know if you can lend a hand. But, *most importantly*, they emphasize, "check out the Web site and consider registering as soon as possible so we can better estimate the size of the birthday cake!"
*
### GNU Health Hospital Management 4.0.4 patchset released
*From June 16 by Luis Falcon*
GNU Health Hospital Management has released a "patchset" for its stable branch, which allows for applying bug fixes and updates on production systems. The maintainers recommend that you keep your production system up-to-date with the latest patches. Patches and patchsets maximize uptime for production systems and keep your system updated, without the need to do a whole installation. Read about and download the updates directly from Savannah.
*
### New Replicant 6.0 0004 release and Replicant 11 status
*From June 3 by GNUtoo*
The release of Replicant 6.0 0004 has been announced. Read about it, as well as a status update for Replicant 11.
*Note: The FSF supports the work of Replicant through its [Working Together for Free Software fund](https://www.fsf.org/working-together/fund). If you want to support their work, you can do with with a directed donation: *
*
### When DRM comes for your wheelchair
*From June 7 by Cory Doctorow*
Many people (and roughly three million Americans) depend on wheelchairs to help with the basic necessities of life: getting around the house, going to work, shopping, and spending time with friends and family. This is especially true of powered wheelchairs, which integrate sophisticated computers that allow wheelchairs to respond dynamically to their environment. Powered wheelchairs, like other vehicles, break down eventually and need fixing. However, implementation of [Digital Restrictions Management (DRM)](https://www.defectivebydesign.org/) can thwart people's efforts to fix their own wheelchairs, which consequently threatens their mobility. In this detailed article, light is given to the many unnecessary headaches and injustices DRM causes wheelchair owners.
*
### New study shows free software automated insulin delivery is a safe and effective treatment option for people with Type 1 diabetes
*From June 6 by American Diabetes Association*
New research into free software automated insulin delivery (AID) systems are considered a safe and effective treatment option for people with Type 1 diabetes, according to findings presented at the 82nd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The free software AID systems were developed to reduce the burden of living with diabetes. It combines an insulin pump, continuous glucose monitor (CGM), and an algorithm that automatically adjusts insulin delivery every five minutes to keep glucose levels in target range. The randomized controlled trial (RCT) is the first of its kind to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the most commonly used free software AID system. This development is promising as it helps diabetes patients maintain their freedom as well as their health.
*
### June GNU Emacs news
*From June 28 by Sacha Chua*
In these issues: Themes (e.g. Modus, Doom Verde), Elfeed Tube, Emacs jokes, and more!
### Join the FSF and friends in updating the Free Software Directory
Tens of thousands of people visit directory.fsf.org each month to discover free software. Each entry in the Directory contains a wealth of useful information, from basic category and descriptions to version control, IRC channels, documentation, and licensing. The Free Software Directory has been a great resource to software users over the past decade, but it needs your help staying up-to-date with new and exciting free software projects.
To help, join our weekly IRC meetings on Fridays. Meetings take place in the #fsf channel on Libera.Chat, and usually include a handful of regulars as well as newcomers. Libera.Chat is accessible from any IRC client -- Everyone's welcome!
The next meeting is Friday, July 8 from 12:00 - 15:00 EDT (16:00 to 19:00 UTC). Details here:
*
### LibrePlanet featured resource: *Escape to Freedom* translations group
For this month, we are highlighting *Escape to Freedom* translations group, which provides information about translating the FSF's latest video to promote software freedom, *Escape to Freedom*. You are invited to adopt, spread, and improve this important resource. Also, if you are interested in translating, we encourage you to join the FSF translators mailing list where we coordinate translations for FSF Web sites, videos, and articles.
* *
Do you have a suggestion for next month's featured resource? Let us know at .
### June GNU Spotlight with Amin Bandali: Twelve new GNU releases!
Twelve new GNU releases in the last month (as of June 28, 2022):
For announcements of most new GNU releases, subscribe to the info-gnu mailing list: .
To download: nearly all GNU software is available from , or preferably one of its mirrors from . You can use the URL to be automatically redirected to a (hopefully) nearby and up-to-date mirror.
A number of GNU packages, as well as the GNU operating system as a whole, are looking for maintainers and other assistance: please see if you'd like to help. The general page on how to help GNU is at .
If you have a working or partly working program that you'd like to offer to the GNU project as a GNU package, see .
As always, please feel free to write to me, , with any GNUish questions or suggestions for future installments.
### FSF and other free software events
* July 6, 2022, Online via Mastodon, [Mastodon Hour, hosted by FSF](https://www.fsf.org/events/mastodon-hour20220624) * July 17-24, 2022, Prizren, Kosovo, [DebConf](https://debconf22.debconf.org/) * July 20-25, 2022, Guadalajara, Mexico, [GUADEC](https://events.gnome.org/event/77/) * July 22-24, 2022, St. John's University in Queens, New York, [HOPE 2022](https://hope.net/cfp.html) * July 25-31, 2022, Hilton Los Angeles Airport, California, [SCALE](https://www.socallinuxexpo.org/scale/19x/venue) * August 26, 2022, Leonardo Royal Hotel, Frankfurt, Germany, [Libre Retail CBDC Technology Forum](https://cbdc-forum.tech/en/) * September 16-18, 2022, Paris, France, [Ten Years of GNU Guix](https://10years.guix.gnu.org/) * September 26-30, 2022, Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C., [GRCon 2022](https://www.gnuradio.org/news/2022-02-14-grcon22-location-announcement/) * October 7, 2022, Barcelona, Spain, [KDE Academy](https://akademy.kde.org/2022/)
### Thank GNUs!
We appreciate everyone who donates to the Free Software Foundation, and we'd like to give special recognition to the folks who have donated $500 or more in the last month.
*
This month, a big Thank GNU to:
* Antoine Mercadal * Catalin Francu * Dane Gutsell * Deborah Jackson * Hideki Igarashi * Mark Harris * Patrick Balsiger * Stefan Kuhnert * Steven Hay
You can add your name to this list by donating at .
### GNU copyright contributions
Assigning your copyright to the Free Software Foundation helps us defend the GNU GPL and keep software free. The following individuals have assigned their copyright to the FSF (and allowed public appreciation) in the past month:
Want to see your name on this list? Contribute to GNU and assign your copyright to the FSF.
*
### Translations of the *Free Software Supporter*
El Free Software Supporter está disponible en español. Para ver la versión en español haz click aqui:
**Para cambiar las preferencias de usuario y recibir los próximos números del Supporter en español, haz click aquí:**
Le Free Software Supporter est disponible en français. Pour voir la version française cliquez ici:
**Pour modifier vos préférences et recevoir les prochaines publications du Supporter en français, cliquez ici:**
### Take action with the FSF!
Contributions from thousands of individual associate members enable the FSF's work. You can contribute by joining at . If you're already a member, you can help refer new members (and earn some rewards) by adding a line with your member number to your email signature like:
I'm an FSF member -- Help us support software freedom!
The FSF is always looking for volunteers (). From rabble-rousing to hacking, from issue coordination to envelope stuffing -- there's something here for everybody to do. Also, head over to our [campaigns section] (https://www.fsf.org/campaigns) and get involved in the fight against [Digital Restrictions Management](https://www.defectivebydesign.org/), the struggle to [end software patents](https://endsoftwarepatents.org/), or our efforts to bring the world to freedom [one step up the ladder](https://libreplanet.org/wiki/Group:Freedom_Ladder) at a time.
**Do you read and write Portuguese and English?** The FSF is looking for translators for *Free Software Supporter*. Please send an email to with your interest and a list of your experience and qualifications.
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit .
-- * Follow us on Mastodon at , GNU social at , PeerTube at , and on Twitter at -at-fsf. * Read about why we use Twitter, but only with caveats at . * Subscribe to our RSS feeds at . * Join us as an associate member at . * Read our Privacy Policy at .
Sent from the Free Software Foundation,
51 Franklin St, Fifth Floor Boston, Massachusetts 02110-1335 United States
You can unsubscribe from this mailing list by visiting
Welcome to the Free Software Supporter, the Free Software Foundation's (FSF) monthly news digest and action update -- being read by you and 229,496 other activists. That's 281 more than last month!
Help others find their reason to support free software: Donate by July 8 and help us reach our spring goal
From June 12
True user freedom is relevant for anyone in today's society, because to truly have the right to collaborate, repair, and live more sustainably, we need freedom for computer users. A world with free software would have better privacy, protection from bulk surveillance, and would avoid user lock-in.
Free software is the driving force that can help bring major change to matters of global importance. With your support, we can continue helping people find their reasons and motivation to live more freely. Share the free software message using the hashtag #UserFreedom on social media networks.
Want to read this newsletter translated into another language? Scroll to the end to read the Supporter in French and Spanish.
Help others find free software: Watch and share Escape to Freedom
From June 28
Escape to Freedom is a new animated video from the FSF. It gives an introduction to the concepts behind software freedom: both what we gain by having it and what rights are at stake. Join our lead freedom-seeker, Zara, as she learns the importance of free software and guides herself through the labyrinth of challenges posed to her by contemporary digital society. In search of freedom, she learns how to seize control of her own seemingly predetermined narrative and helps others do the same -- taking the ladder that leads to digital liberation step by step. Watch the video and share with others.
Flock over to Mastodon on July 8 for an interactive session
From June 24
On July 8, from 16:00-17:00 EDT (20:00-21:00 UTC), FSF staff are hosting a "Mastodon Hour." Mastodon Hour is a special window of time that we are setting aside when we, the FSF campaigns team, will respond to your messages in real time. The main topic will be "helping others find their reason to support free software" and the secondary topic will be "decentralization and federation." This blog post gives some background on the event, how FSF posts to microblogs with free software, and where you can go to find a Mastodon server with open registration.
How the Eyüpsultan district of Turkey uses GNU/Linux
From June 21
The FSF is proud to publish a new article to our Working Together for Free Software pages. It tells the story of how the government of Eyüpsultan, district of Turkey, moved to GNU/Linux, gained more software freedom for their municipality, and saved money. Accompanying the article is the addition of Eyüpsultan as a Working Together profile under "Who's using free software," along with Wikipedia, CERN, and others. The article is an inspiring story of passionate activists persuading government officials to make an important switch to free software.
This year's color is in: we have a brand new GNU head t-shirt in "storm" color (a muted tone, halfway between tan and purple). This is different than all previous years: not only did we invert the print, but the GNU itself is sporting sassy sunglasses. Pre-order yours by Friday, July 8 to receive it in August. We expect to only print this once. All our t-shirts are printed locally on ethically-produced, 100% cotton material. Plus, your purchase helps us reach our summer fundraiser goal and support software freedom advocacy.
Many governments encourage schools to let companies snoop on students
From June 20 by Richard Stallman
A study by Human Rights Watch found that, of 164 software programs and Web sites recommended by various governments for schools and their students, 146 of them gave data to advertising and tracking companies. The researchers were thorough in their methods and checked for various snooping methods, including fingerprinting of devices to identify users. The research examined both programs marketed being specifically "for education" as well as programs, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, which are used for education but not marketed specifically so. Stallman raises the point that "the only approach that makes it possible to end massive surveillance starts with demanding that the software be free. Then users will be able to modify the software to avoid giving real data to companies."
The Central Bank of Austria has published a report in the context of a workshop celebrating twenty years of euro-denominated cash. The report discusses the future of cash, including account- and blockchain-based designs, as well as GNU Taler, which features prominently in their discussion on the future of cash. This is exciting news for both software freedom and privacy. (Also, if this interests you, be sure to check out their upcoming "Libre Retail CBDC Technology Forum." Details are under "Libre Retail CBDC Technology Forum" below.)
Following GitHub's announcement of Copilot as a for-profit product, Software Freedom Conservancy calls on all free software developers to leave and "Give up GitHub!" The campaign page lists major reasons to give up on GitHub. Conservancy says, "developers have been, for too long, the proverbial frog in slowly boiling water. GitHub's behavior has gotten progressively worse, and we've excused, ignored, or otherwise acquiesced to cognitive dissonance." Read about the initiative, join the public mailing list, and learn how you can support the campaign yourself.
Remembering and honoring Marina Zhurakhinskaya, founder of Outreachy
From June 14 by Software Freedom Conservancy
The FSF shares the great sadness about the death of Marina Zhurakhinskaya with the many free software organizations and people whose lives she touched. We express our condolences to her family, and to her friends and colleagues.
Marina Zhurakhinskaya was architect of GNOME's Outreach Program for Women (precursor to Outreachy), Ada Initiative board member, and "Pants Award" recipient. She was a force for change and leaves a profound legacy of diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice. Read about Marina's life, legacy, and contributions to free software.
Celebrating ten years of GNU Guix in Paris, September 16-18
From June 13 by Ludovic Courtès, Tanguy Le Carrour, and Simon Tournier
GNU Guix is turning ten, and they will be hosting an event in Paris, France this September. If you’re interested in presenting a topic, in facilitating a session, or in organizing a hackathon, get in touch with the organizers at guix-birthday-event@gnu.org. They are also looking for people to help with logistics, in particular during the event; please let them know if you can lend a hand. But, most importantly, they emphasize, "check out the Web site and consider registering as soon as possible so we can better estimate the size of the birthday cake!"
GNU Health Hospital Management 4.0.4 patchset released
From June 16 by Luis Falcon
GNU Health Hospital Management has released a "patchset" for its stable branch, which allows for applying bug fixes and updates on production systems. The maintainers recommend that you keep your production system up-to-date with the latest patches. Patches and patchsets maximize uptime for production systems and keep your system updated, without the need to do a whole installation. Read about and download the updates directly from Savannah.
Many people (and roughly three million Americans) depend on wheelchairs to help with the basic necessities of life: getting around the house, going to work, shopping, and spending time with friends and family. This is especially true of powered wheelchairs, which integrate sophisticated computers that allow wheelchairs to respond dynamically to their environment. Powered wheelchairs, like other vehicles, break down eventually and need fixing. However, implementation of Digital Restrictions Management (DRM) can thwart people's efforts to fix their own wheelchairs, which consequently threatens their mobility. In this detailed article, light is given to the many unnecessary headaches and injustices DRM causes wheelchair owners.
New study shows free software automated insulin delivery is a safe and effective treatment option for people with Type 1 diabetes
From June 6 by American Diabetes Association
New research into free software automated insulin delivery (AID) systems are considered a safe and effective treatment option for people with Type 1 diabetes, according to findings presented at the 82nd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The free software AID systems were developed to reduce the burden of living with diabetes. It combines an insulin pump, continuous glucose monitor (CGM), and an algorithm that automatically adjusts insulin delivery every five minutes to keep glucose levels in target range. The randomized controlled trial (RCT) is the first of its kind to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the most commonly used free software AID system. This development is promising as it helps diabetes patients maintain their freedom as well as their health.
Join the FSF and friends in updating the Free Software Directory
Tens of thousands of people visit directory.fsf.org each month to discover free software. Each entry in the Directory contains a wealth of useful information, from basic category and descriptions to version control, IRC channels, documentation, and licensing. The Free Software Directory has been a great resource to software users over the past decade, but it needs your help staying up-to-date with new and exciting free software projects.
To help, join our weekly IRC meetings on Fridays. Meetings take place in the #fsf channel on Libera.Chat, and usually include a handful of regulars as well as newcomers. Libera.Chat is accessible from any IRC client -- Everyone's welcome!
The next meeting is Friday, July 8 from 12:00 - 15:00 EDT (16:00 to 19:00 UTC). Details here:
LibrePlanet featured resource: Escape to Freedom translations group
For this month, we are highlighting Escape to Freedom translations group, which provides information about translating the FSF's latest video to promote software freedom, Escape to Freedom. You are invited to adopt, spread, and improve this important resource. Also, if you are interested in translating, we encourage you to join the FSF translators mailing list where we coordinate translations for FSF Web sites, videos, and articles.
We appreciate everyone who donates to the Free Software Foundation, and we'd like to give special recognition to the folks who have donated $500 or more in the last month.
Assigning your copyright to the Free Software Foundation helps us defend the GNU GPL and keep software free. The following individuals have assigned their copyright to the FSF (and allowed public appreciation) in the past month:
Denys Tarasovych Nykula (GNU Emacs)
Ellis Kenyo (GNU Emacs)
Gregory Lee Chamberlain (GNU Emacs)
Jean Abou Samra (GNU Emacs)
Markus Schaney (Gnuastro)
Taiju Higashi (GNU Emacs)
Want to see your name on this list? Contribute to GNU and assign your copyright to the FSF.
Contributions from thousands of individual associate members enable the FSF's work. You can contribute by joining at https://my.fsf.org/join. If you're already a member, you can help refer new members (and earn some rewards) by adding a line with your member number to your email signature like:
The FSF is always looking for volunteers (https://www.fsf.org/volunteer). From rabble-rousing to hacking, from issue coordination to envelope stuffing -- there's something here for everybody to do. Also, head over to our [campaigns section] (https://www.fsf.org/campaigns) and get involved in the fight against Digital Restrictions Management, the struggle to end software patents, or our efforts to bring the world to freedom one step up the ladder at a time.
Do you read and write Portuguese and English? The FSF is looking for translators for Free Software Supporter. Please send an email to campaigns@fsf.org with your interest and a list of your experience and qualifications.
*Please consider adding to your address book, which will ensure that our messages reach you and not your spam box.*
*Read and share online: *
Welcome to the *Free Software Supporter*, the Free Software Foundation's (FSF) monthly news digest and action update -- being read by you and 229,496 other activists. That's 281 more than last month!
### Help others find their reason to support free software: Donate by July 8 and help us reach our spring goal
*From June 12*
True user freedom is relevant for anyone in today's society, because to truly have the right to collaborate, repair, and live more sustainably, we need freedom for computer users. A world with free software would have better privacy, protection from bulk surveillance, and would avoid user lock-in.
Free software is the driving force that can help bring major change to matters of global importance. With your support, we can continue helping people find their reasons and motivation to live more freely. Share the free software message using the hashtag #UserFreedom on [social media networks](https://u.fsf.org/3mc).
*
## TABLE OF CONTENTS
* Help others find free software: Watch and share *Escape to Freedom* * Flock over to Mastodon on July 8 for an interactive session * How the Eyüpsultan district of Turkey uses GNU/Linux * Beat the heat with GNU summer swag * Many governments encourage schools to let companies snoop on students * A digital euro and the future of cash * Give up GitHub: The time has come! * Remembering and honoring Marina Zhurakhinskaya, founder of Outreachy * Celebrating ten years of GNU Guix in Paris, September 16-18 * GNU Health Hospital Management 4.0.4 patchset released * New Replicant 6.0 0004 release and Replicant 11 status * When DRM comes for your wheelchair * New study shows free software automated insulin delivery is a safe and effective treatment option for people with Type 1 diabetes * June GNU Emacs news * Join the FSF and friends in updating the Free Software Directory * LibrePlanet featured resource: *Escape to Freedom* translations group * June GNU Spotlight with Amin Bandali: Twelve new GNU releases! * FSF and other free software events * Thank GNUs! * GNU copyright contributions * Translations of the *Free Software Supporter* * Take action with the FSF!
View this issue online here:
Encourage your friends to subscribe and help us build an audience by adding our subscriber widget to your Web site.
* Subscribe: * Widget:
Miss an issue? You can catch up on back issues at .
Want to read this newsletter translated into another language? Scroll to the end to read the *Supporter* in French and Spanish.
### Help others find free software: Watch and share *Escape to Freedom*
*From June 28*
*Escape to Freedom* is a new animated video from the FSF. It gives an introduction to the concepts behind software freedom: both what we gain by having it and what rights are at stake. Join our lead freedom-seeker, Zara, as she learns the importance of free software and guides herself through the labyrinth of challenges posed to her by contemporary digital society. In search of freedom, she learns how to seize control of her own seemingly predetermined narrative and helps others do the same -- taking the ladder that leads to digital liberation step by step. Watch the video and share with others.
*
### Flock over to Mastodon on July 8 for an interactive session
*From June 24*
On July 8, from 16:00-17:00 EDT (20:00-21:00 UTC), FSF staff are hosting a "Mastodon Hour." Mastodon Hour is a special window of time that we are setting aside when we, the FSF campaigns team, will respond to your messages in real time. The main topic will be "helping others find their reason to support free software" and the secondary topic will be "decentralization and federation." This blog post gives some background on the event, how FSF posts to microblogs with free software, and where you can go to find a Mastodon server with open registration.
*
### How the Eyüpsultan district of Turkey uses GNU/Linux
*From June 21*
The FSF is proud to publish a new article to our Working Together for Free Software pages. It tells the story of how the government of Eyüpsultan, district of Turkey, moved to GNU/Linux, gained more software freedom for their municipality, and saved money. Accompanying the article is the addition of Eyüpsultan as a Working Together profile under "Who's using free software," along with Wikipedia, CERN, and others. The article is an inspiring story of passionate activists persuading government officials to make an important switch to free software.
* *
### Beat the heat with GNU summer swag
*From June 16*
This year's color is in: we have a brand new GNU head t-shirt in "storm" color (a muted tone, halfway between tan and purple). This is different than all previous years: not only did we invert the print, but the GNU itself is sporting sassy sunglasses. Pre-order yours by Friday, July 8 to receive it in August. We expect to only print this once. All our t-shirts are printed locally on ethically-produced, 100% cotton material. Plus, your purchase helps us reach our summer fundraiser goal and support software freedom advocacy.
*
### Many governments encourage schools to let companies snoop on students
*From June 20 by Richard Stallman*
A study by Human Rights Watch found that, of 164 software programs and Web sites recommended by various governments for schools and their students, 146 of them gave data to advertising and tracking companies. The researchers were thorough in their methods and checked for various snooping methods, including fingerprinting of devices to identify users. The research examined both programs marketed being specifically "for education" as well as programs, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, which are used for education but not marketed specifically so. Stallman raises the point that "the only approach that makes it possible to end massive surveillance starts with demanding that the software be free. Then users will be able to modify the software to avoid giving real data to companies."
*
### A digital euro and the future of cash
*From June 21 by GNU Taler*
The Central Bank of Austria has published a report in the context of a workshop celebrating twenty years of euro-denominated cash. The report discusses the future of cash, including account- and blockchain-based designs, as well as GNU Taler, which features prominently in their discussion on the future of cash. This is exciting news for both software freedom and privacy. (Also, if this interests you, be sure to check out their upcoming "Libre Retail CBDC Technology Forum." Details are under "Libre Retail CBDC Technology Forum" below.)
*
### Give up GitHub: The time has come!
*From June 30 by Software Freedom Conservancy*
[Following GitHub's announcement](https://u.fsf.org/3me) of Copilot as a for-profit product, Software Freedom Conservancy calls on all free software developers to leave and "Give up GitHub!" The campaign page lists major reasons to give up on GitHub. Conservancy says, "developers have been, for too long, the proverbial frog in slowly boiling water. GitHub's behavior has gotten progressively worse, and we've excused, ignored, or otherwise acquiesced to cognitive dissonance." Read about the initiative, join the public mailing list, and learn how you can support the campaign yourself.
*
### Remembering and honoring Marina Zhurakhinskaya, founder of Outreachy
*From June 14 by Software Freedom Conservancy*
The FSF shares the great sadness about the death of Marina Zhurakhinskaya with the many free software organizations and people whose lives she touched. We express our condolences to her family, and to her friends and colleagues.
Marina Zhurakhinskaya was architect of GNOME's Outreach Program for Women (precursor to Outreachy), Ada Initiative board member, and "Pants Award" recipient. She was a force for change and leaves a profound legacy of diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice. Read about Marina's life, legacy, and contributions to free software.
* *
### Celebrating ten years of GNU Guix in Paris, September 16-18
*From June 13 by Ludovic Courtès, Tanguy Le Carrour, and Simon Tournier*
GNU Guix is turning ten, and they will be hosting an event in Paris, France this September. If you’re interested in presenting a topic, in facilitating a session, or in organizing a hackathon, get in touch with the organizers at . They are also looking for people to help with logistics, in particular during the event; please let them know if you can lend a hand. But, *most importantly*, they emphasize, "check out the Web site and consider registering as soon as possible so we can better estimate the size of the birthday cake!"
*
### GNU Health Hospital Management 4.0.4 patchset released
*From June 16 by Luis Falcon*
GNU Health Hospital Management has released a "patchset" for its stable branch, which allows for applying bug fixes and updates on production systems. The maintainers recommend that you keep your production system up-to-date with the latest patches. Patches and patchsets maximize uptime for production systems and keep your system updated, without the need to do a whole installation. Read about and download the updates directly from Savannah.
*
### New Replicant 6.0 0004 release and Replicant 11 status
*From June 3 by GNUtoo*
The release of Replicant 6.0 0004 has been announced. Read about it, as well as a status update for Replicant 11.
*Note: The FSF supports the work of Replicant through its [Working Together for Free Software fund](https://www.fsf.org/working-together/fund). If you want to support their work, you can do with with a directed donation: *
*
### When DRM comes for your wheelchair
*From June 7 by Cory Doctorow*
Many people (and roughly three million Americans) depend on wheelchairs to help with the basic necessities of life: getting around the house, going to work, shopping, and spending time with friends and family. This is especially true of powered wheelchairs, which integrate sophisticated computers that allow wheelchairs to respond dynamically to their environment. Powered wheelchairs, like other vehicles, break down eventually and need fixing. However, implementation of [Digital Restrictions Management (DRM)](https://www.defectivebydesign.org/) can thwart people's efforts to fix their own wheelchairs, which consequently threatens their mobility. In this detailed article, light is given to the many unnecessary headaches and injustices DRM causes wheelchair owners.
*
### New study shows free software automated insulin delivery is a safe and effective treatment option for people with Type 1 diabetes
*From June 6 by American Diabetes Association*
New research into free software automated insulin delivery (AID) systems are considered a safe and effective treatment option for people with Type 1 diabetes, according to findings presented at the 82nd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The free software AID systems were developed to reduce the burden of living with diabetes. It combines an insulin pump, continuous glucose monitor (CGM), and an algorithm that automatically adjusts insulin delivery every five minutes to keep glucose levels in target range. The randomized controlled trial (RCT) is the first of its kind to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the most commonly used free software AID system. This development is promising as it helps diabetes patients maintain their freedom as well as their health.
*
### June GNU Emacs news
*From June 28 by Sacha Chua*
In these issues: Themes (e.g. Modus, Doom Verde), Elfeed Tube, Emacs jokes, and more!
### Join the FSF and friends in updating the Free Software Directory
Tens of thousands of people visit directory.fsf.org each month to discover free software. Each entry in the Directory contains a wealth of useful information, from basic category and descriptions to version control, IRC channels, documentation, and licensing. The Free Software Directory has been a great resource to software users over the past decade, but it needs your help staying up-to-date with new and exciting free software projects.
To help, join our weekly IRC meetings on Fridays. Meetings take place in the #fsf channel on Libera.Chat, and usually include a handful of regulars as well as newcomers. Libera.Chat is accessible from any IRC client -- Everyone's welcome!
The next meeting is Friday, July 8 from 12:00 - 15:00 EDT (16:00 to 19:00 UTC). Details here:
*
### LibrePlanet featured resource: *Escape to Freedom* translations group
For this month, we are highlighting *Escape to Freedom* translations group, which provides information about translating the FSF's latest video to promote software freedom, *Escape to Freedom*. You are invited to adopt, spread, and improve this important resource. Also, if you are interested in translating, we encourage you to join the FSF translators mailing list where we coordinate translations for FSF Web sites, videos, and articles.
* *
Do you have a suggestion for next month's featured resource? Let us know at .
### June GNU Spotlight with Amin Bandali: Twelve new GNU releases!
Twelve new GNU releases in the last month (as of June 28, 2022):
For announcements of most new GNU releases, subscribe to the info-gnu mailing list: .
To download: nearly all GNU software is available from , or preferably one of its mirrors from . You can use the URL to be automatically redirected to a (hopefully) nearby and up-to-date mirror.
A number of GNU packages, as well as the GNU operating system as a whole, are looking for maintainers and other assistance: please see if you'd like to help. The general page on how to help GNU is at .
If you have a working or partly working program that you'd like to offer to the GNU project as a GNU package, see .
As always, please feel free to write to me, , with any GNUish questions or suggestions for future installments.
### FSF and other free software events
* July 6, 2022, Online via Mastodon, [Mastodon Hour, hosted by FSF](https://www.fsf.org/events/mastodon-hour20220624) * July 17-24, 2022, Prizren, Kosovo, [DebConf](https://debconf22.debconf.org/) * July 20-25, 2022, Guadalajara, Mexico, [GUADEC](https://events.gnome.org/event/77/) * July 22-24, 2022, St. John's University in Queens, New York, [HOPE 2022](https://hope.net/cfp.html) * July 25-31, 2022, Hilton Los Angeles Airport, California, [SCALE](https://www.socallinuxexpo.org/scale/19x/venue) * August 26, 2022, Leonardo Royal Hotel, Frankfurt, Germany, [Libre Retail CBDC Technology Forum](https://cbdc-forum.tech/en/) * September 16-18, 2022, Paris, France, [Ten Years of GNU Guix](https://10years.guix.gnu.org/) * September 26-30, 2022, Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C., [GRCon 2022](https://www.gnuradio.org/news/2022-02-14-grcon22-location-announcement/) * October 7, 2022, Barcelona, Spain, [KDE Academy](https://akademy.kde.org/2022/)
### Thank GNUs!
We appreciate everyone who donates to the Free Software Foundation, and we'd like to give special recognition to the folks who have donated $500 or more in the last month.
*
This month, a big Thank GNU to:
* Antoine Mercadal * Catalin Francu * Dane Gutsell * Deborah Jackson * Hideki Igarashi * Mark Harris * Patrick Balsiger * Stefan Kuhnert * Steven Hay
You can add your name to this list by donating at .
### GNU copyright contributions
Assigning your copyright to the Free Software Foundation helps us defend the GNU GPL and keep software free. The following individuals have assigned their copyright to the FSF (and allowed public appreciation) in the past month:
Want to see your name on this list? Contribute to GNU and assign your copyright to the FSF.
*
### Translations of the *Free Software Supporter*
El Free Software Supporter está disponible en español. Para ver la versión en español haz click aqui:
**Para cambiar las preferencias de usuario y recibir los próximos números del Supporter en español, haz click aquí:**
Le Free Software Supporter est disponible en français. Pour voir la version française cliquez ici:
**Pour modifier vos préférences et recevoir les prochaines publications du Supporter en français, cliquez ici:**
### Take action with the FSF!
Contributions from thousands of individual associate members enable the FSF's work. You can contribute by joining at . If you're already a member, you can help refer new members (and earn some rewards) by adding a line with your member number to your email signature like:
I'm an FSF member -- Help us support software freedom!
The FSF is always looking for volunteers (). From rabble-rousing to hacking, from issue coordination to envelope stuffing -- there's something here for everybody to do. Also, head over to our [campaigns section] (https://www.fsf.org/campaigns) and get involved in the fight against [Digital Restrictions Management](https://www.defectivebydesign.org/), the struggle to [end software patents](https://endsoftwarepatents.org/), or our efforts to bring the world to freedom [one step up the ladder](https://libreplanet.org/wiki/Group:Freedom_Ladder) at a time.
**Do you read and write Portuguese and English?** The FSF is looking for translators for *Free Software Supporter*. Please send an email to with your interest and a list of your experience and qualifications.
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit .
-- * Follow us on Mastodon at , GNU social at , PeerTube at , and on Twitter at -at-fsf. * Read about why we use Twitter, but only with caveats at . * Subscribe to our RSS feeds at . * Join us as an associate member at . * Read our Privacy Policy at .
Sent from the Free Software Foundation,
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You can unsubscribe from this mailing list by visiting
Welcome to the Free Software Supporter, the Free Software Foundation's (FSF) monthly news digest and action update -- being read by you and 229,496 other activists. That's 281 more than last month!
Help others find their reason to support free software: Donate by July 8 and help us reach our spring goal
From June 12
True user freedom is relevant for anyone in today's society, because to truly have the right to collaborate, repair, and live more sustainably, we need freedom for computer users. A world with free software would have better privacy, protection from bulk surveillance, and would avoid user lock-in.
Free software is the driving force that can help bring major change to matters of global importance. With your support, we can continue helping people find their reasons and motivation to live more freely. Share the free software message using the hashtag #UserFreedom on social media networks.
Want to read this newsletter translated into another language? Scroll to the end to read the Supporter in French and Spanish.
Help others find free software: Watch and share Escape to Freedom
From June 28
Escape to Freedom is a new animated video from the FSF. It gives an introduction to the concepts behind software freedom: both what we gain by having it and what rights are at stake. Join our lead freedom-seeker, Zara, as she learns the importance of free software and guides herself through the labyrinth of challenges posed to her by contemporary digital society. In search of freedom, she learns how to seize control of her own seemingly predetermined narrative and helps others do the same -- taking the ladder that leads to digital liberation step by step. Watch the video and share with others.
Flock over to Mastodon on July 8 for an interactive session
From June 24
On July 8, from 16:00-17:00 EDT (20:00-21:00 UTC), FSF staff are hosting a "Mastodon Hour." Mastodon Hour is a special window of time that we are setting aside when we, the FSF campaigns team, will respond to your messages in real time. The main topic will be "helping others find their reason to support free software" and the secondary topic will be "decentralization and federation." This blog post gives some background on the event, how FSF posts to microblogs with free software, and where you can go to find a Mastodon server with open registration.
How the Eyüpsultan district of Turkey uses GNU/Linux
From June 21
The FSF is proud to publish a new article to our Working Together for Free Software pages. It tells the story of how the government of Eyüpsultan, district of Turkey, moved to GNU/Linux, gained more software freedom for their municipality, and saved money. Accompanying the article is the addition of Eyüpsultan as a Working Together profile under "Who's using free software," along with Wikipedia, CERN, and others. The article is an inspiring story of passionate activists persuading government officials to make an important switch to free software.
This year's color is in: we have a brand new GNU head t-shirt in "storm" color (a muted tone, halfway between tan and purple). This is different than all previous years: not only did we invert the print, but the GNU itself is sporting sassy sunglasses. Pre-order yours by Friday, July 8 to receive it in August. We expect to only print this once. All our t-shirts are printed locally on ethically-produced, 100% cotton material. Plus, your purchase helps us reach our summer fundraiser goal and support software freedom advocacy.
Many governments encourage schools to let companies snoop on students
From June 20 by Richard Stallman
A study by Human Rights Watch found that, of 164 software programs and Web sites recommended by various governments for schools and their students, 146 of them gave data to advertising and tracking companies. The researchers were thorough in their methods and checked for various snooping methods, including fingerprinting of devices to identify users. The research examined both programs marketed being specifically "for education" as well as programs, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, which are used for education but not marketed specifically so. Stallman raises the point that "the only approach that makes it possible to end massive surveillance starts with demanding that the software be free. Then users will be able to modify the software to avoid giving real data to companies."
The Central Bank of Austria has published a report in the context of a workshop celebrating twenty years of euro-denominated cash. The report discusses the future of cash, including account- and blockchain-based designs, as well as GNU Taler, which features prominently in their discussion on the future of cash. This is exciting news for both software freedom and privacy. (Also, if this interests you, be sure to check out their upcoming "Libre Retail CBDC Technology Forum." Details are under "Libre Retail CBDC Technology Forum" below.)
Following GitHub's announcement of Copilot as a for-profit product, Software Freedom Conservancy calls on all free software developers to leave and "Give up GitHub!" The campaign page lists major reasons to give up on GitHub. Conservancy says, "developers have been, for too long, the proverbial frog in slowly boiling water. GitHub's behavior has gotten progressively worse, and we've excused, ignored, or otherwise acquiesced to cognitive dissonance." Read about the initiative, join the public mailing list, and learn how you can support the campaign yourself.
Remembering and honoring Marina Zhurakhinskaya, founder of Outreachy
From June 14 by Software Freedom Conservancy
The FSF shares the great sadness about the death of Marina Zhurakhinskaya with the many free software organizations and people whose lives she touched. We express our condolences to her family, and to her friends and colleagues.
Marina Zhurakhinskaya was architect of GNOME's Outreach Program for Women (precursor to Outreachy), Ada Initiative board member, and "Pants Award" recipient. She was a force for change and leaves a profound legacy of diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice. Read about Marina's life, legacy, and contributions to free software.
Celebrating ten years of GNU Guix in Paris, September 16-18
From June 13 by Ludovic Courtès, Tanguy Le Carrour, and Simon Tournier
GNU Guix is turning ten, and they will be hosting an event in Paris, France this September. If you’re interested in presenting a topic, in facilitating a session, or in organizing a hackathon, get in touch with the organizers at guix-birthday-event@gnu.org. They are also looking for people to help with logistics, in particular during the event; please let them know if you can lend a hand. But, most importantly, they emphasize, "check out the Web site and consider registering as soon as possible so we can better estimate the size of the birthday cake!"
GNU Health Hospital Management 4.0.4 patchset released
From June 16 by Luis Falcon
GNU Health Hospital Management has released a "patchset" for its stable branch, which allows for applying bug fixes and updates on production systems. The maintainers recommend that you keep your production system up-to-date with the latest patches. Patches and patchsets maximize uptime for production systems and keep your system updated, without the need to do a whole installation. Read about and download the updates directly from Savannah.
Many people (and roughly three million Americans) depend on wheelchairs to help with the basic necessities of life: getting around the house, going to work, shopping, and spending time with friends and family. This is especially true of powered wheelchairs, which integrate sophisticated computers that allow wheelchairs to respond dynamically to their environment. Powered wheelchairs, like other vehicles, break down eventually and need fixing. However, implementation of Digital Restrictions Management (DRM) can thwart people's efforts to fix their own wheelchairs, which consequently threatens their mobility. In this detailed article, light is given to the many unnecessary headaches and injustices DRM causes wheelchair owners.
New study shows free software automated insulin delivery is a safe and effective treatment option for people with Type 1 diabetes
From June 6 by American Diabetes Association
New research into free software automated insulin delivery (AID) systems are considered a safe and effective treatment option for people with Type 1 diabetes, according to findings presented at the 82nd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The free software AID systems were developed to reduce the burden of living with diabetes. It combines an insulin pump, continuous glucose monitor (CGM), and an algorithm that automatically adjusts insulin delivery every five minutes to keep glucose levels in target range. The randomized controlled trial (RCT) is the first of its kind to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the most commonly used free software AID system. This development is promising as it helps diabetes patients maintain their freedom as well as their health.
Join the FSF and friends in updating the Free Software Directory
Tens of thousands of people visit directory.fsf.org each month to discover free software. Each entry in the Directory contains a wealth of useful information, from basic category and descriptions to version control, IRC channels, documentation, and licensing. The Free Software Directory has been a great resource to software users over the past decade, but it needs your help staying up-to-date with new and exciting free software projects.
To help, join our weekly IRC meetings on Fridays. Meetings take place in the #fsf channel on Libera.Chat, and usually include a handful of regulars as well as newcomers. Libera.Chat is accessible from any IRC client -- Everyone's welcome!
The next meeting is Friday, July 8 from 12:00 - 15:00 EDT (16:00 to 19:00 UTC). Details here:
LibrePlanet featured resource: Escape to Freedom translations group
For this month, we are highlighting Escape to Freedom translations group, which provides information about translating the FSF's latest video to promote software freedom, Escape to Freedom. You are invited to adopt, spread, and improve this important resource. Also, if you are interested in translating, we encourage you to join the FSF translators mailing list where we coordinate translations for FSF Web sites, videos, and articles.
We appreciate everyone who donates to the Free Software Foundation, and we'd like to give special recognition to the folks who have donated $500 or more in the last month.
Assigning your copyright to the Free Software Foundation helps us defend the GNU GPL and keep software free. The following individuals have assigned their copyright to the FSF (and allowed public appreciation) in the past month:
Denys Tarasovych Nykula (GNU Emacs)
Ellis Kenyo (GNU Emacs)
Gregory Lee Chamberlain (GNU Emacs)
Jean Abou Samra (GNU Emacs)
Markus Schaney (Gnuastro)
Taiju Higashi (GNU Emacs)
Want to see your name on this list? Contribute to GNU and assign your copyright to the FSF.
Contributions from thousands of individual associate members enable the FSF's work. You can contribute by joining at https://my.fsf.org/join. If you're already a member, you can help refer new members (and earn some rewards) by adding a line with your member number to your email signature like:
The FSF is always looking for volunteers (https://www.fsf.org/volunteer). From rabble-rousing to hacking, from issue coordination to envelope stuffing -- there's something here for everybody to do. Also, head over to our [campaigns section] (https://www.fsf.org/campaigns) and get involved in the fight against Digital Restrictions Management, the struggle to end software patents, or our efforts to bring the world to freedom one step up the ladder at a time.
Do you read and write Portuguese and English? The FSF is looking for translators for Free Software Supporter. Please send an email to campaigns@fsf.org with your interest and a list of your experience and qualifications.
