*Please consider adding <[email protected]> to your address book, which
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*Read and share online:
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Welcome to the *Free Software Supporter*, the Free Software
Foundation's (FSF) monthly news digest and action update -- being read
by you and 232,663 other activists.

## TABLE OF CONTENTS

* June FSF40 challenge: Make the switch to a free software program or help someone else switch
* Use your voice for free software! Tell Qualcomm to release fully-free drivers for modern Wi-Fi chipsets!
* No more imposed licensing - Get back the cost of your Windows License!
* Microsoft wants Windows Update to handle all apps
* Mozilla is shutting down read-it-later app Pocket
* Why console makers can legally brick your game console
* Microsoft pulls MS365 Business Premium from nonprofits
* "End of 10" to Windows 10 users: The environment wants you to use GNU/Linux
* May GNU Emacs news
* Join the FSF and friends in updating the Free Software Directory
* LibrePlanet featured resource: Group: Hardware/Computers/Laptops
* May GNU spotlight with Amin Bandali featuring thirteen new GNU releases: Automake, Gettext, and more!
* 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:
<[link removed]>

Encourage your friends to subscribe and help us build an audience by
adding our subscriber widget to your website.

* Subscribe: <[link removed]>
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Miss an issue? You can catch up on back issues at
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Want to read this newsletter translated into another language? Scroll
to the end to read the *Supporter* in French or Spanish.

***

### June FSF40 challenge: Make the switch to a free software program or help someone else switch

Every month during our fortieth anniversary year, we're inviting free
software supporters everywhere to join us in celebrating #FSF40. For
this month's challenge, [make the switch][1] yourself or help someone
else start using a [free software program][2]. For instance, instead
of Zoom or FaceTime, give Jistsi or another [free videoconferencing
software][3] a try. No matter if you want to make a [big or small
change][4], there's probably a program in the [Free Software
Directory][5] that meets your needs. Already use only free software?
Great job! That's no small feat. Maybe you can [help someone else][6]
get started using a free program. If you can't take part in this
#FSF40Challenge, fear not — we've got six more coming.

[1]: [link removed]
[2]: [link removed]
[3]: [link removed]
[4]: [link removed]
[5]: [link removed]
[6]: [link removed]

Have an idea for a challenge? Send us a message at
<[email protected]>!


### Use your voice for free software! Tell Qualcomm to release fully-free drivers for modern Wi-Fi chipsets!

*By Mission:Libre*

Over a decade ago, Atheros released the ath9k suite of Linux kernel
drivers, which were the first free Wi-Fi drivers for the Linux kernel.
Atheros' work made it possible for GNU/Linux users to connect to Wi-Fi
without having to use proprietary drivers or binary-only firmware.
Unfortunately, as technology marches forward, the chipsets that were
supported by free drivers have been discontinued, rendering the ath9k
suite of Wi-Fi drivers obsolete. Today, there are no free Linux kernel
drivers for contemporary Wi-Fi hardware. Tell Qualcomm, Inc. to
release fully-free drivers for its in-production Wi-Fi chipsets, just
as Atheros (Qualcomm's predecessor) did sixteen years ago.

* <[link removed]>
* <[link removed]>


### No more imposed licensing - Get back the cost of your Windows License!

*From May 29 by Free Software Foundation Europe*

A majority of laptops being sold right now come with a controlling
preinstalled Microsoft Windows operating system, with no easy way for
users to opt-out. Not only is this a violation of user freedom, but it
also financially costs the user who is stuck paying for a Windows
license that they do not want. The new Refund4Freedom initiative aims
to help users recover the cost of a Windows license when buying a new
device and push for the end of this freedom-limiting practice. Read on
to learn what you can do next time you or someone you know buys a new
computer.

* <[link removed]>


### Microsoft wants Windows Update to handle all apps

*From May 28 by Tom Warren*

Microsoft users might be in for more update difficulties (and even
less freedom) in the near future if many apps give way to Microsoft
pressuring them to allow Microsoft to handle their updates. Whereas
many free operating systems have had a unified app updater for years,
Microsoft is once again trying to entice developers to put their
updates in the Microsoft Store. It remains to be seen if developers
will hand over updating responsibilities (and potentially control of
updates) to Microsoft, but we recommend not waiting around to see if
Microsoft will mishandle non-Microsoft app updates, too. If you or
someone you know likes the sound of having all updates in one spot,
consider upgrading to a free operating system.

* <[link removed]>
* <[link removed]>
* <[link removed]>


### Mozilla is shutting down read-it-later app Pocket

*From May 22 by Aisha Malik*

Mozilla announced that its read-it-later app, Pocket (which allows
users to save articles, videos, and web pages for later offline
reading without ads), will become abandonware on July 8, 2025. As with
many such programs, if Pocket was a free software program, users
would have the freedom to use it long after Mozilla decided to shut it
down. Instead, users of Pocket will now be forced to switch to a
similar read-it-later, loading as much as eighteen years of data (if
used since it's original launch as Read-It-Later) to a new app.
Unfortunately, this is an often seen, sad end-point for proprietary
programs. We hope that Mozilla will pick up on its previous attempts
to publish the source code. If you have been a Pocket user until now,
consider switching to a freedom-respecting read-it-later app, such as
Wallabag.

* <[link removed]>
* <[link removed]>


### Why console makers can legally brick your game console

*From May 22 by Kyle Orland*

Nintendo is one of the largest perpetrators of console bricking
(making a console permanently unusable in whole or in part), and they
currently have the legal ability to do so. When a proprietor bricks
your device and/or the software that makes it run, they are attempting
to control you and limit your user rights. Users like you should have
the right to do as you wish with your personal device, including
modifying it to work for you. Tell your state and national
representatives that you should have the legal power to alter your
device without being punished by its manufacturer.

* <[link removed]>


### Microsoft pulls MS365 Business Premium from nonprofits

*From May 16 by Richard Speed*

In less than two months, Microsoft will phase out its Business Premium
grant, which had provided eligible nonprofits with gratis access to
features like desktop Office apps and advanced security tools. Even
when Microsoft provides discounts on what they had previously provided
at zero cost, the programs cost users an immense amount of freedom.
Instead of partnering with greedy and predatory organizations like
Microsoft, organizations should choose to use free (as in freedom)
software, not just because it tends to cost less, but because it
allows users to modify the program to their needs, check how secure it
is (and implement security upgrades as needed), is fully transparent,
and is pro-social, powered by a dedicated community of developers. If
you use Microsoft 365 at work, consider bringing up with colleagues a
freedom-respecting office suite, such as Libre Office.

* <[link removed]>
* <[link removed]>
* <[link removed]>


### "End of 10" to Windows 10 users: The environment wants you to use GNU/Linux
*From May 15 by Christine Hall*

Installing a free operating system (OS) on a nonfree device is a very
important step towards freedom, but it rarely allows the user to
exercise their freedom to the fullest extent. If someone brings a
device that wasn't developed with freedom in mind and attempts to
install a free OS, oftentimes there will be at least a couple of
things that won't work correctly. This is due to most devices
containing components that won't operate unless the installed OS
contains some nonfree drivers or firmware. While there are ways around
these limitations, such as using a USB adapter for the non-operating
component, it is something to plan for when making the switch from a
nonfree OS to a free one. If you plan to participate in an installfest
in your area, do your best to be informed and share your knowledge
with others about the choices and limitations that come with
installing a free OS on a nonfree device.

* <[link removed]>
* <[link removed]>
* <[link removed]>


### May GNU Emacs news

*From May 31 by Sacha Chua*

In these issues: Emacs cat, generating Beamer slides, and more!

* [2025-05-26]([link removed])
* [2025-05-19]([link removed])
* [2025-05-12]([link removed])
* [2025-05-05]([link removed])


### 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, June 6 from 12:00 to 15:00 EDT (16:00 to
19:00 UTC). Details here:
<[link removed]>

* <[link removed]>


### LibrePlanet featured resource: Group: Hardware/Computers/Laptops

Every month on [the LibrePlanet
wiki]([link removed]), we highlight one
resource that is interesting and useful -- often one that could use
your help.

For this month, we are highlighting the Group:
Hardware/Computers/Laptops. This page covers all things laptops,
including laptops that are 100% free, freeable laptops, and laptops
that need to be evaluated on how free they could be. You are invited
to adopt, spread, and improve this important resource.

* <[link removed]>

Do you have a suggestion for next month's featured resource? Let us
know at <[email protected]>.


### May GNU spotlight with Amin Bandali featuring thirteen new GNU releases: Automake, Gettext, and more!

Thirteen new GNU releases in the last month (as of May 31, 2025):

* [automake-1.18]([link removed])
* [bc-1.08.2]([link removed])
* [c-intro-and-ref-0.1]([link removed])
* [gcc-14.3.0]([link removed])
* [gettext-0.25]([link removed])
* [hello-2.12.2]([link removed])
* [linux-libre-6.15-gnu]([link removed])
* [m4-1.4.20]([link removed])
* [parallel-20250522]([link removed])
* [screen-5.0.1]([link removed])
* [shepherd-1.0.5]([link removed])
* [taler-1.0.0]([link removed])
* [unifont-16.0.04]([link removed])

*For a full list with descriptions, please see:
<[link removed]>*

For announcements of most new GNU releases, subscribe to the info-gnu
mailing list: <[link removed]>.

To download: nearly all GNU software is available most reliably from
<[link removed]>. Optionally, you may find faster download
speeds at a mirror located geographically closer to you by choosing
from the list of mirrors published at
<[link removed]>, or you may use
<[link removed]> 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
<[link removed]> if you'd like to
help. The general page on how to help GNU is at
<[link removed]>.

If you have a working or partly working program that you'd like
to offer to the GNU project as a GNU package, see
<[link removed]>.

As always, please feel free to write to me, <[email protected]>,
with any GNUish questions or suggestions for future installments.


### FSF and other free software events

* June 5-8, 2025, Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's Prague, Prague, Czech Republic [FLOCK-2025]([link removed])
* June 11-13, 2025, Deusto University: Bilbao Campus, Bilbao, Spain [SECRYPT]([link removed])
* June 13-15, 2025, Sheraton Charlotte Airport, Charlotte, North Carolina [SouthEast LinuxFest]([link removed])
* June 20-22, 2025, Lloyd Center Mall, Portland, Oregon [Teardown]([link removed])
* June 23-25, 2025, Denver, Colorado [OSSNA]([link removed])
* August 4-September 7, 2025, online FSF Free Software Every Day photo contest (*details to be announced*)
* August 15-17, 2025, Queens, New York [HOPE]([link removed])
* October 3-4, 2025, University of Texas, Austin, Texas [Texus Linux Festival]([link removed])
* October 4, 2025, FSF40 celebration (*details to be announced*)
* October 4, 2025, FSF40 trivia night (*details to be announced*)
* October 4, 2025, Harbin, China [Community meetup]([link removed])
* November 21-23, 2025, [FSF hackathon]([link removed])

### 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.

* <[link removed]>

This month, a big Thank GNU to:

* Adarsh Melethil
* Arthur Gleckler
* Dario Armani
* David Klann
* Podbielniak Giving Fund
* Reynaldo Cordero
* Ron Hume
* Wan Steinbrenner McCutcheon Augustas A.P. Wimberly-Jackson

You can add your name to this list by donating at
<[link removed]>.


### 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:

* Giovanni Turco (GCC)
* Jannik Hartung (GDB)
* Michael James Kalyan (GNU Emacs)
* Yuta Urano (GNU Emacs)
* Rivulet Cedar (GNU Emacs)
* Matthew Tromp (GNU Emacs)

Want to see your name on this list? Contribute to GNU and assign your
copyright to the FSF.

* <[link removed]>


### Translations of the *Free Software Supporter*

El *Free Software Supporter* está disponible en español. Para ver la
versión en español haz click aquí:
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**Para cambiar las preferencias de usuario y recibir los próximos
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Le *Free Software Supporter* est disponible en français. Pour voir la
version française cliquez ici:
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**Pour modifier vos préférences et recevoir les prochaines
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<[link removed]>

If you no longer wish to receive the *Free Software Supporter* in
English (but still receive other communications in English), you can
opt out [here][7].

[7]: [link removed]


### Take action with the FSF!

Contributions from thousands of individual associate members enable
the FSF's work. You can contribute by joining at
<[link removed]>. If you're already a member, you can help
refer new members by adding a line with your member number to your
email signature like:

> I'm an FSF member -- Help us support software freedom!
> <[link removed]>

The FSF is always looking for
[volunteers]([link removed]). 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]([link removed]) and [take action on software
patents]([link removed]), [Digital Restrictions
Management]([link removed]), [free
software adoption]([link removed]),
[OpenDocument]([link removed]),
and more.

**Do you read and write Portuguese and English?** The FSF is looking
for translators for the *Free Software Supporter*. Please send an
email to <[email protected]> with your interest and a list of your
experience and qualifications.
--
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Sent from the Free Software Foundation,

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