Trisquel Linux is a 100% free GNU/Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. It is designed for users who want a fully free operating system without proprietary software, firmware, or drivers. Trisquel strictly follows the Guidelines for Free System Distributions defined by the Free Software Foundation (FSF).

What is Trisquel?

Trisquel removes all non-free components from its Ubuntu base and replaces them with free alternatives. It uses the Linux-libre kernel, which excludes proprietary blobs. Because of this strict policy, Trisquel is officially listed among the fully free GNU/Linux distributions endorsed by the FSF.

The latest major release is Trisquel 12.0 “Ecne”, based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. It focuses on improved packaging, updated software, and better long-term stability while maintaining complete software freedom.

Key Features

  • 100% Free Software – No proprietary packages, drivers, or firmware
  • Linux-libre Kernel – Fully free kernel without binary blobs
  • FSF Endorsed – Recognized as a fully free GNU/Linux distribution
  • Ubuntu Base – Stable foundation with long-term support
  • Privacy Focused – No tracking or hidden telemetry

Editions of Trisquel

Trisquel offers multiple editions for different use cases:

  • Trisquel (Standard Edition)
    Designed for home and office users. Ships with the MATE desktop environment, providing a simple and traditional desktop experience.

  • Trisquel Mini
    Lightweight edition for older computers and low-resource systems. It uses a minimal desktop environment based on LXDE for better performance.

  • NetInstall Image
    Intended for advanced users who want a minimal installation and full control over installed packages.

  • Trisquel Sugar TOAST
    Education-focused edition designed for children and classrooms, featuring the Sugar learning environment.

Why Choose Trisquel?

Trisquel is ideal for users who:

  • Prefer complete control over their system
  • Want to avoid proprietary software and drivers
  • Support the free software movement
  • Need a stable and privacy-respecting Linux distribution

While hardware compatibility may be limited compared to standard Ubuntu (due to the absence of proprietary drivers), Trisquel provides one of the purest free software experiences available.

Brief History

Trisquel was first released in 2007 with the goal of providing a completely free GNU/Linux system. Over the years, it has consistently removed proprietary components from its Ubuntu base and adopted the Linux-libre kernel.

Earlier versions of Trisquel experimented with different desktop environments, eventually standardizing on the MATE desktop for a stable and familiar user experience.

Today, Trisquel remains one of the few distributions officially endorsed by the Free Software Foundation, continuing its mission of delivering a fully free operating system.

Trisquel Linux desktop screenshot MATE environment Trisquel Linux desktop screenshot MATE environment
Type Linux
Status Active
Home Page https://trisquel.info/
Page popularity 24(12 hits per month)
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