I just noticed that ReactOS has entered the GNU Project's Common Distros
page:

https://www.gnu.org/distros/common-distros.html#ReactOS

> ReactOS is meant as a free binary compatible replacement for
> Windows. Allowing people to continue using the proprietary software
> and drivers meant for Windows is one of the stated goals of the
> project.

Naturally GNU/Linux distros (including Trisquel) can do the same job as
Windows - run proprietary software - so I don't think that's the issue.
The issue is that ReactOS doesn't appear to promote software freedom
(from their website:)

> The main goal of the ReactOS® project is to provide an operating 
> system which is binary compatible with Windows. This will allow your 
> Windows® applications and drivers to run as they would on your 
> Windows system. Additionally, the look and feel of the Windows 
> operating system is used, such that people accustomed to the
> familiar user interface of Windows® would find using ReactOS
> straightforward. The ultimate goal of ReactOS® is to allow you to use
> it as alternative to Windows® without the need to change software you
> are used to.

On the other hand, I recall seeing at least one free Windows-compatible
program that was apparently developed and tested using only free
software (the website mentioned the program being tested only on
ReactOS), so I think it has potential to be useful for the free software
community. Unfortunately I can't remember which program did this!

Andrew.

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