this post was submitted on 06 Feb 2024
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Why hasn't anyone built an entirely free computer yet? (lemmy.world)
submitted 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) by Zeon@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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Hello everyone,

I've been wondering, why has no one built an entirely free (as in freedom) computer yet? For humans to be unable to share each other's knowledge to build one of the most important technologies ever created for society, how is it that we have yet to have full knowledge about how our systems operate?

I get that companies are basically the ones to blame, and I know there are alternatives like the Talos II by Raptor Computing, but still, how do we not have publicly available full schematics for just one modern computer? I'm talking down to firmware-level stuff like proprietary ECs, microcode, hard drive/SSD firmware, network controllers, etc. How do we not have a fully open system yet?

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[–] fuckwit_mcbumcrumble@lemmy.world 6 points 9 months ago (1 children)

I’m just so baffled as to why?

Why haven't you? Same thing applies for everyone else.

If you had the skill to make an actually useful modern computer you probably work somewhere like that as your job, and you sure as shit don't want to do that at home too. Especially since you'd probably never make any of your monetary investment back, let alone paying for your time.

[–] Zeon@lemmy.world 3 points 9 months ago (1 children)

While I understand the challenges you're pointing out, it's crucial to acknowledge that not everyone working on personal projects expects immediate financial gains. Some individuals are motivated by a passion for exploration and a desire to contribute to open and accessible technology. Even if replicating a professional-grade computer at home is challenging, there's value in fostering a community-driven approach to technology, aiming for transparency and independence from corporate interests. The pursuit of knowledge and the potential for positive societal impact can be significant motivators, transcending immediate financial returns.

[–] SheeEttin@programming.dev 2 points 9 months ago

Sure. And the number of people who would do it purely because they want to is a tiny fraction of people who do it for pay. To pay those people you need profits, to get profits you need to be special, to be special you can't share your trade secrets.