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Read and share online: https://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/why-buy-when-you-can-learn-and-repair-read-our-giving-guide
Dear Free Software Supporter,
We won't deny that, at least on a surface level, software and hardware
that seeks to control you can look quite attractive, especially
during the winter holidays when it seems like everyone around us is
getting the latest and "most advanced" tech. The sad fact is, though,
that a great majority of tech available for purchase right now
deprives you of your freedom and autonomy, whether it be through
spying on your every move, making you come to the manufacturer
for even minor repairs, or forcing you to hand over private
information. It's unjust that this is our reality, but you as an
individual do have power. You can choose to not contribute to this
dystopian tech landscape, and we're here to help.
When we first launched the Ethical Tech Giving Guide, we did so
recognizing how pervasive proprietary software and hardware
advertising can be for users. Each year, we publish an updated version
detailing the known options for ethical tech gifts, from computers to
e-books. This year, our focus has shifted to giving the gift of
freedom instead of any specific items to purchase, providing you
with concrete ways you can get started using free software on devices
you already own. That bad gift you received a few years back can be
given a new life: one that supports your freedom.
We have plenty of other suggestions for ethical tech gifts in our
Ethical Tech Giving Guide as well as some tips and tricks for
seasoned free software supporters -- not just for the holiday season!
-- so consider getting your friends and family gifts that promote
user freedom and maybe even introduce them to the free software
movement.
Non-monetary ways to promote user freedom
Our Giving Guide includes a lot of ideas for gifts that are
freedom-respecting, but it also includes suggestions for non-monetary
ways to show people you care. A great gift for someone you know who
hasn't switched over to free software can be installing a program (or
many) for them and showing them how to use it. For a lot of people
using proprietary programs, it can be quite intimidating to install a
free software program. Not only are you giving them a
freedom-respecting program, you're also giving them the confidence to
seek out more free software, and getting to spend time with someone
and create priceless new memories.
Every dollar we receive funds our work, including the Defective by
Design campaign, but also for example the free software Licensing and
Compliance Lab, and the GNU Project, among many other initiatives. We
know not everyone is in a position to, but if you can, will you
support the FSF and our important work? One-time donations,
associate memberships, and sponsored memberships all help
us reach our fundraising goal of $400,000 USD by January
1, 2026.
Regardless of whether you plan to purchase tech this winter, please
share this Guide with those around you. Take the time to use a
new-to-you free software program or learn more about one you
already use, and show your loved ones what software freedom is
capable of. In the face of so many new and seemingly futuristic
devices, the winter holiday season is one of the best times to
introduce friends, family, and even coworkers to free software.
Wishing you a happy gifting season from the FSF!
Eko K. A. Owen
Outreach & Communications Coordinator
Illustration Copyright © 2025, Free Software Foundation, Inc.
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
license.
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