Debian 7 (Wheezy) is the latest stable release that came out recently and
should be supported for 2 years and then become oldstable like version 6
(Squeeze) is now. It supports many architectures (even BSD and Hurd kernels)
and the kernel by default does not include non-free components from what I
heard.
The big thing that gets many people into a tizzy is that they offer a
"non-free" repository which includes non-free software. If people want to be
wise, they just run normal Debian without that repository and their naturally
free kernel and firmware.
The "contrib" repository is kinda iffy though as some say that it may also
include potentially non-free software. This is where I actually seeing Ubuntu
being more clear with their packages (besides the kernel) by having the
restricted and multiverse repositories. Wording wise, I can understand what
restricted means but multiverse is confusing. On any Ubuntu install I have, I
just stick with main and universe and have never needed to utilize the
non-free repos.
As for RMS still using that laptop, how much longer is he going to be using
that outdated and old hardware?
