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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Would it be possible to dumb down a linux phone? (feddit.it)

submitted 5 days ago by dontblink@feddit.it to c/linux@lemmy.ml

31 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Regardless of the distribution, would it be possible to have a phone that can be simplified to include only the features you want? For example, I would only want a calendar, notes, a calculator, calls and messages. I wouldn’t want a browser, an app store or any other way to easily install them. Is this possible on a Linux mobile distro? Does it require a lot of work, like making a specific distro for it?

Linux feels like a great option for this because it can leave enough freedom to dumb down what you don't need while also keeping a big level of customization, not everyone needs are the same regarding to dumbphones

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[–] Azzu@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (1 children)

I know the reasoning, it does make sense in a way, if you trust Google. But that's kind of the point, you can't truly look into their hardware, who knows what is within the chips, potentially not even accessible by the OS. I wouldn't trust the firmware made by Google if getting away from Google because it is evil is literally the point.

[–] Lemmert@reddthat.com 1 points 3 days ago

I'm currently using a Pixel with GOS on it. But I "went away from Google" (stopped using their services) because I don't trust them to keep the telemetry about me they store safe. (Or use it in a way I'm fine with).

And altering the physical hardware in a way to spy on a phones users, irregardless of the operating system, isn't a reasonable concern (I believe you can think of a fair few reasons).

There are very few phones that actually have open firmware, which is unfortunate, but in most peoples cases (like when you don't trust Google to use your data responsibly) they can accept that risk. They have done it with every other phone they used as well. And those were (probably) a lot less open than Pixels are.

You can also make the more meta-argument that since the police in Catalonia and French law enforcement saw those phones as a threat, you can be sure you have secure phone in your hands.

p.s. This was a lot less concise than I expected. Sorry for the text wall :)