What is our target platform? We might target anything that can run Linux, or some subset with required capabilities, or even one or more specific devices.
Our main target is plug computers and the ideal target something like Dreamplug: http://www.globalscaletechnologies.com/c-5-dreamplugs.aspx That has more-or-less everything we need. Two ethers so it can be used as a firewall, WiFi so it can be a home router or used in a Wifi coffee shop, external sata so it can have a large fast erasable disk. Clearly we want to support lesser plugs as well. What else? Old PCs? Not everyone, especially in developing countries, has access to or can afford a plug computer. Importing one might lead to complications with currency exchange rules and then with Customs officials. In a really oppressive regime, such import might even be dangerous. Anything a typical plug can do, an older PC with the right peripherals can do too. I'd say this must be part of our target. General-purpose machines? People have computers and may not have budget for an additional computer, or time, skills and inclination to set one up. Can I just install the Freedom Box software on my laptop and use it there? Must it have a separate machine? My guess is that a separate machine is a reasonable requirement; we probably cannot get the required security level on a general purpose machine. However, the questions seem worth asking. Routers? Some of these have many of the capabilities of plugs, and many of them run Linux. Cost may be lower since many people already have one. They would also be less obvious in the sort of environment where the Secret Police might do nasty things to people with a Freedom Box. Virtual Machines? I'm in China. People here use a variety of tactics to bypass the Great Firewall. Free proxies, TOR, or commercial VPN services are the commonest. Some rent a little server on a cloud somewhere and make that their personal proxy. The hope is that this is less likely to be blocked than other methods. If I did that, could that cloud server also be my Freedom Box? _______________________________________________ Freedombox-discuss mailing list [email protected] http://lists.alioth.debian.org/mailman/listinfo/freedombox-discuss
