Contributing to the Free Software Directory: A Weekly Update (July 28, 2025)
Are you passionate about free and open-source software? Every week, a dedicated community of volunteers collaborates to enhance the Free Software Directory (FSD), a vital catalog of free software compatible with GNU-like operating systems. This article details the progress made during our most recent meeting on Friday, July 25th, 2025, and how you can get involved.
Why the Free Software Directory Matters
The FSD, a project of the Free Software Foundation (FSF), isn’t just a list. It’s a curated resource ensuring users like you can discover and utilize software that respects your freedom. It goes beyond simply listing programs; it champions the principles of software freedom. This commitment aligns with the growing demand for ethical and clear technology.Recent statistics from the Open Source Initiative (OSI) show a 35% increase in enterprise adoption of open-source software in the last year, highlighting its growing importance. https://opensource.org/
A Thank You to our Dedicated Volunteers
Each week, the FSD thrives thanks to the invaluable contributions of volunteers. Their dedication ensures the directory remains accurate, up-to-date, and a reliable resource for the community. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in the July 25th meeting.
New Software Added to the Directory
During this week’s meeting, two new programs successfully completed the licensing check and were added to the FSD. Let’s take a closer look:
ALTCHA: this self-hosted CAPTCHA alternative prioritizes user privacy with GDPR, WCAG 2.2 AA, and EAA compliance. It utilizes a Proof-of-Work (PoW) mechanism and advanced anti-spam filtering, offering a robust solution for website security. https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/ALTCHA
Favicons: A Node.js-based favicons generator, this tool simplifies the creation of website favicons. Favicons enhance user experience and brand recognition across various platforms. https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Favicons
Existing Software Updates
Beyond new additions, volunteers also diligently maintain existing entries. This ensures the information remains current and accurate for you. Here’s what was updated this week:
Etcher: Updates were made to reflect the latest version of this popular cross-platform GUI for burning OS images to SD cards and USB drives. https://directory.fsf.org/wiki?title=Etcher
TOIlet: This ASCII art banner generator received minor edits to ensure compatibility and optimal functionality. https://directory.fsf.org/wiki?title=TOIlet
How You Can Contribute to the FSD
Want to make a difference in the free software world? you can! Join us every Friday in #fsf on Libera.Chat from 12:00 to 15:00 EDT (16:00 to 19:00 UTC). Your skills and enthusiasm are valuable, irrespective of your technical expertise.
Here’s how you can help:
Review software submissions: ensure licensing compliance and accuracy.
Update existing entries: Keep information current with the latest versions and features.
Add new software: Expand the directory’s reach and discoverability.
Suggest improvements: Help us refine the FSD and make it even more user-friendly.
Stay informed about upcoming FSD IRC meetings by subscribing to our events RSS feed: https://www.fsf.org/static/fsforg/rss/events.xml
Evergreen: The Enduring Importance of Software Freedom
The core principles behind the F
