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@happyborg Sadly there are no viable AI-free alternatives.
@rtn I think that depends on your use case.
Edit:
Has a pretty strict noAI contributions stance. I am unsure how that is policied. Also you can set flags in portage to use only free software if you like.
That said it can be a pain to get past install but you'll learn a lot.
@970uts1d3 @happyborg Correct answer. I have been running #gentoo for more than 20 years now and with #debian going down the gutter I am seriously considering moving all my systems to gentoo, not just my main driver. The thing you have to be careful about is that you don't fall into the trap of maintaining the system more than using it. But this is more a me problem than it is a gentoo problem 😅
@970uts1d3 @happyborg Addendum: Yes, I am fully aware that the packages on a gentoo system may be using AI code. But apart from the kernel, I still have lots more choice and control than in any other distro. #openrc e.g. has a strict non-AI policy, so there's that. The biggest problem is obviously the kernel and there is no real alternative atm, especially if you are, like me, bound to somewhat recent hardware.
Setting up hopes for the BSDs or GNU Hurd is misguided imo.
@ftranschel can you say more about your views on NetBSD and Hurd?
@970uts1d3
@happyborg you will be surprised, there aren't any. The Linux kernel basically the same on any distribution, so you will always get AI involved because kernel development is accepting and actively using AI.
You can compile the kernel yourself, if you know how, and if you manage to replace all bits containing code made with the help of AI and sign it yourself with your own keys, you'll get an AI free kernel.
But, you will have do that everytime you upgrade your system.
@esreicht I'm more asking about alternatives to Linux. Less bad Linux is still relevant, though less so if there's a a really capable noAI alternative to Linux. That's one thing I'm trying to establish.
I've not investigated yet, first I'm helping collect knowledge and raise awareness of the issues and the options.
@happyborg not sure but, exploring Guix stance on LLMs these days.. (if wifi card was supported, would probably be already using it for pc.)
+ downloaded NetBSD iso for testing.
( or abandon computers all together and start farming or something. who knows...)
@uhuru farming without computers 🤔
I do recommend getting closer to nature, the land, reduced dependency, community, off grid etc.
You don't have to be self sufficient and there are lots of benefits to these moves even before a crisis.
There is no Linux distribution with a strict no-AI policy. Linux kernel itself is now partially AI made. You need to move to Haiku or one of the BSDs or Hurd.
@debacle That's why I said "alternatives to Linux" although people are welcome to mention less bad distros, so long as they understand this.
I think we need to both raise awareness and be realistic about migration. Less bad is always better than, nothing is perfect so I'll stick with terrible.
@debacle I see my wording was not clear and have edited. 🙏
