Difference between revisions of "Remote Communication"

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(Note about MongoDB)
(74 Make new Broadcasting Video section with Open Streaming Platform and Owncast. Make more titles links.)
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[[File:Remote.png|x300px|right|link=https://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/fsf-gives-freedom-respecting-videoconferencing-to-all-associate-members|class=img-responsive]]
 
[[File:Remote.png|x300px|right|link=https://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/fsf-gives-freedom-respecting-videoconferencing-to-all-associate-members|class=img-responsive]]
  
As of 20220228, Remote Communication lists 72 projects.
+
As of 20220612, Remote Communication lists 74 projects.
  
 
''This list is work in progress. We have not audited the software listed on this page for security or privacy concerns beyond what developers of the software, and potentially other sites tell us about it. We have done some initial research into software licenses. Entries with Free Software Directory links have been thoroughly reviewed from a licensing perspective.
 
''This list is work in progress. We have not audited the software listed on this page for security or privacy concerns beyond what developers of the software, and potentially other sites tell us about it. We have done some initial research into software licenses. Entries with Free Software Directory links have been thoroughly reviewed from a licensing perspective.
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Real-time voice and video chat is an item on the FSF's High Priority Projects list.
 
Real-time voice and video chat is an item on the FSF's High Priority Projects list.
  
* BigBlueButton (BBB)
+
* [https://bigbluebutton.org/ BigBlueButton (BBB)]
 
** Video streaming, and audio connections tend to be quite stable. Integrates with Canvas, Moodle, and other Learning Management Solutions (LMS) systems (see below). LGPL-3.0
 
** Video streaming, and audio connections tend to be quite stable. Integrates with Canvas, Moodle, and other Learning Management Solutions (LMS) systems (see below). LGPL-3.0
** https://bigbluebutton.org/
 
 
** https://github.com/bigbluebutton/bigbluebutton
 
** https://github.com/bigbluebutton/bigbluebutton
 
** https://devel.trisquel.info/ruben/communication-install-scripts/blob/master/BigBlueButton.sh
 
** https://devel.trisquel.info/ruben/communication-install-scripts/blob/master/BigBlueButton.sh
** BBB currently depends upon MongoDB for part of the stack which uses a nonfree license.  We hope that an workaround is found.
+
** BBB currently depends upon MongoDB for part of the stack which uses a nonfree license.  We hope that an workaround is found soon.
 
** Greenlight
 
** Greenlight
 
*** Frontend for BigBlueButton that adds more administration functions such as users, permissions, etc.
 
*** Frontend for BigBlueButton that adds more administration functions such as users, permissions, etc.
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*** https://github.com/aau-zid/BigBlueButton-liveStreaming GPL-3.0-or-later
 
*** https://github.com/aau-zid/BigBlueButton-liveStreaming GPL-3.0-or-later
  
* Jitsi Meet
+
* [https://jitsi.org/jitsi-meet/ Jitsi Meet]
 
** Easy to use, and good for a couple of people to video or audio chat with each other. Not always reliable with more than two people. Sometimes it's necessary to reload the page to get audio working in both directions. Apache-2.0
 
** Easy to use, and good for a couple of people to video or audio chat with each other. Not always reliable with more than two people. Sometimes it's necessary to reload the page to get audio working in both directions. Apache-2.0
** https://jitsi.org/jitsi-meet/
 
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Jitsi
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Jitsi
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Jitsi-Meet
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Jitsi-Meet
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** https://jitsi.member.fsf.org/ for FSF associate members
 
** https://jitsi.member.fsf.org/ for FSF associate members
  
* GNU Jami
+
* [https://jami.net/ GNU Jami]
 
** Audio, video, group, and text chat program that works across all major Operating Systems.
 
** Audio, video, group, and text chat program that works across all major Operating Systems.
** https://jami.net/
 
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Jami
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Jami
 
** https://git.jami.net/savoirfairelinux/ GPL-3.0
 
** https://git.jami.net/savoirfairelinux/ GPL-3.0
 
** Note: Tends to be stable if all parties use the same (ideally the latest) version of the client.
 
** Note: Tends to be stable if all parties use the same (ideally the latest) version of the client.
 
* GStreamer/Icecast
 
** Broadcast streaming video.  It is possible to share your camera or desktop screen with many people in a one-way relationship using [[LibrePlanet:Conference/2020/Streaming|command line scripts]]. This method combined with Mumble allows for a school teacher to give a presentation, and to be available for questions via audio.
 
** https://icecast.org/
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Icecast
 
** https://gitlab.xiph.org/xiph/icecast-server GPL
 
** https://gstreamer.freedesktop.org/
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Gstreamer
 
** https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/gstreamer/gstreamer/ LGPL-2.0
 
** Note: The video feed would likely be about 5-10 seconds behind due to buffering of the video stream. See more options below.
 
 
* OBS/nginx
 
** OBS Studio can be used in conjunction with the nginx web server to screencast or stream via RTMP. Viewers can tune into the RTMP stream on your web server using VLC, mpv, or any other compatible player.
 
** https://obsproject.com/
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Obs-studio
 
** https://github.com/obsproject/obs-studio GPL-2.0
 
** https://nginx.org/
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Nginx
 
** https://trac.nginx.org/nginx/browser Cryptix General License/BSD 2-clause
 
  
 
* NextCloud
 
* NextCloud
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** Now a part of nexmo / Vonage video API. At least parts of the original TokBox code are free software, but it's not clear whether it's possible to use without any non-free software. As an anti-feature, Vonage offers enterprise editions that may run on your own server, or may require running non-free JavaScript.
 
** Now a part of nexmo / Vonage video API. At least parts of the original TokBox code are free software, but it's not clear whether it's possible to use without any non-free software. As an anti-feature, Vonage offers enterprise editions that may run on your own server, or may require running non-free JavaScript.
  
* Apache OpenMeetings
+
* [https://openmeetings.apache.org/ Apache OpenMeetings]
** https://openmeetings.apache.org/
 
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Apache_OpenMeetings
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Apache_OpenMeetings
  
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** https://ag-projects.com/msp-platform/
 
** https://ag-projects.com/msp-platform/
  
* Tox
+
* [https://tox.chat/ Tox]
** https://tox.chat/
 
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Tox
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Tox
 
** https://github.com/TokTok/c-toxcore GPL-3.0
 
** https://github.com/TokTok/c-toxcore GPL-3.0
 +
 +
=== Broadcasting Video ===
 +
 +
Broadcast streaming video.  It is possible to share your camera or desktop screen with many people in a one-way relationship to reach more people with limited resources.
 +
 +
* [https://gstreamer.freedesktop.org/ GStreamer] or [https://obsproject.com/ OBS] to [https://icecast.org/ Icecast]
 +
** The FSF uses this method for LibrePlanet as seen in our [[LibrePlanet:Conference/2020/Streaming|command line scripts]]. This method combined with Mumble allows for a school teacher to give a presentation, and to be available for questions via audio.
 +
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Icecast
 +
** https://gitlab.xiph.org/xiph/icecast-server GPL
 +
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Gstreamer
 +
** https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/gstreamer/gstreamer/ LGPL-2.0
 +
** Note: The video feed would likely be about 5-10 seconds behind due to buffering of the video stream. See more options below.
 +
** Additional icecast instances can be added to load balance.
 +
 +
* [https://openstreamingplatform.com/ Open Streaming Platform]
 +
** [https://gitlab.com/osp-group/flask-nginx-rtmp-manager GitLab] MIT
 +
 +
* [https://owncast.online/ Owncast]
 +
** [https://github.com/owncast/owncast Owncast GitHub] MIT
 +
** [https://github.com/owncast/owncast-admin Owncast-admin GitHub] MIT
 +
 +
* [https://obsproject.com/ OBS] to nginx
 +
** OBS Studio can be used in conjunction with the nginx web server to screencast or stream via RTMP. Viewers can tune into the RTMP stream on your web server using VLC, mpv, or any other compatible player.
 +
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Obs-studio
 +
** https://github.com/obsproject/obs-studio GPL-2.0
 +
** https://nginx.org/
 +
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Nginx
 +
** https://trac.nginx.org/nginx/browser Cryptix General License/BSD 2-clause
  
 
== Audio ==
 
== Audio ==
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Real-time voice and video chat is an item on the FSF's High Priority Projects list.
 
Real-time voice and video chat is an item on the FSF's High Priority Projects list.
  
* Mumble
+
* [https://www.mumble.info/ Mumble]
 
** Audio chat room server with clients for all major operating systems.
 
** Audio chat room server with clients for all major operating systems.
** https://www.mumble.info/
 
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Mumble
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Mumble
 
** French guide: https://www.chapril.org/Mumble.html
 
** French guide: https://www.chapril.org/Mumble.html
 
** Note: Mumble is pretty easy for end users, and there are free native clients for major platforms. On the server, it has a low memory footprint, but can use a lot of server bandwidth if many people are talking at once in a channel that has many people listening in. Clients would see an increase in downlink bandwidth at these times, which is okay, since most asymmetrical residential connections allow for a larger downlink. Event in direct face to face communication, it is generally only possible to understand what is being said when no more than a few people are speaking at once. BSD-like
 
** Note: Mumble is pretty easy for end users, and there are free native clients for major platforms. On the server, it has a low memory footprint, but can use a lot of server bandwidth if many people are talking at once in a channel that has many people listening in. Clients would see an increase in downlink bandwidth at these times, which is okay, since most asymmetrical residential connections allow for a larger downlink. Event in direct face to face communication, it is generally only possible to understand what is being said when no more than a few people are speaking at once. BSD-like
  
* wahay
+
* [https://wahay.org/ wahay]
 
** A decentralized conference call application.
 
** A decentralized conference call application.
** https://wahay.org/
 
 
** https://github.com/digitalautonomy/wahay GPL-3.0
 
** https://github.com/digitalautonomy/wahay GPL-3.0
  
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== Social Networking ==
 
== Social Networking ==
  
* Mastodon
+
* [https://joinmastodon.org/ Mastodon]
 
** A microblogging that uses ActivityPub. AGPLv3orlater
 
** A microblogging that uses ActivityPub. AGPLv3orlater
** https://joinmastodon.org/
 
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Mastodon
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Mastodon
 
** https://github.com/tootsuite/mastodon AGPL-3.0
 
** https://github.com/tootsuite/mastodon AGPL-3.0
  
* GNU Social
+
* [https://www.gnu.org/software/social/ GNU Social]
 
** A microblogging network.
 
** A microblogging network.
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Social
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Social
** https://www.gnu.org/software/social/
 
 
** https://git.gnu.io/gnu/gnu-social AGPLv3orlater
 
** https://git.gnu.io/gnu/gnu-social AGPLv3orlater
  
* Pleroma
+
* [https://pleroma.social/ Pleroma]
 
** Social server federated with ActivityPub.
 
** Social server federated with ActivityPub.
** https://pleroma.social/
 
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Pleroma
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Pleroma
 
** https://git.pleroma.social/pleroma/ AGPL-3.0
 
** https://git.pleroma.social/pleroma/ AGPL-3.0
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** https://github.com/LemmyNet/lemmy AGPL-3.0
 
** https://github.com/LemmyNet/lemmy AGPL-3.0
  
* diaspora*
+
* [https://diasporafoundation.org diaspora*]
 
** Distributed social networking server.
 
** Distributed social networking server.
** https://diasporafoundation.org
 
 
** https://github.com/diaspora/diaspora AGPL-3.0-or-later
 
** https://github.com/diaspora/diaspora AGPL-3.0-or-later
  
* Anahita
+
* [https://www.getanahita.com Anahita]
 
** Platform and framework for developing knowledge sharing applications on a social networking foundation.
 
** Platform and framework for developing knowledge sharing applications on a social networking foundation.
** https://www.getanahita.com
 
 
** https://github.com/anahitasocial/anahita GPL-3.0
 
** https://github.com/anahitasocial/anahita GPL-3.0
  
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*** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Gnupg
 
*** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Gnupg
 
*** https://gnupg.org/download/git.html
 
*** https://gnupg.org/download/git.html
** Mailman
+
** [https://www.gnu.org/software/mailman/ Mailman]
 
*** Manage discussion mailing lists.
 
*** Manage discussion mailing lists.
*** https://www.gnu.org/software/mailman/
 
 
*** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Mailman
 
*** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Mailman
 
*** https://gitlab.com/mailman GPL-3.0
 
*** https://gitlab.com/mailman GPL-3.0
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*** https://otr.im/ LGPL-2.1
 
*** https://otr.im/ LGPL-2.1
 
*** https://otr.im/clients.html
 
*** https://otr.im/clients.html
** KiwiIRC
+
** [https://kiwiirc.com/ KiwiIRC]
 
*** KiwiIRC is a self-hosted web interface for IRC with a simple design that can make its usage easy for newcomers to IRC.
 
*** KiwiIRC is a self-hosted web interface for IRC with a simple design that can make its usage easy for newcomers to IRC.
*** https://kiwiirc.com/
 
 
*** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/KiwiIRC
 
*** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/KiwiIRC
 
*** https://github.com/kiwiirc/kiwiirc Apache-2.0
 
*** https://github.com/kiwiirc/kiwiirc Apache-2.0
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** Note: The desktop Riot client uses Electron which is controversial in the free software community.
 
** Note: The desktop Riot client uses Electron which is controversial in the free software community.
  
* Discourse
+
* [https://www.discourse.org/ Discourse]
 
** Forum based discussion.
 
** Forum based discussion.
** https://www.discourse.org/
 
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Discourse
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Discourse
 
** https://github.com/discourse/discourse GPL-2.0-or-later
 
** https://github.com/discourse/discourse GPL-2.0-or-later
  
* Forem
+
* [https://www.forem.com/ Forem]
 
** Forum based discussion.
 
** Forum based discussion.
** https://www.forem.com/
 
 
** https://github.com/forem/forem AGPL-3.0-or-later
 
** https://github.com/forem/forem AGPL-3.0-or-later
  
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** [https://github.com/flarum/flarum GitHub] MIT
 
** [https://github.com/flarum/flarum GitHub] MIT
  
* MyBB
+
* [https://mybb.com MyBB]
 
** Forum based discussion.
 
** Forum based discussion.
** https://mybb.com
 
 
** https://github.com/mybb/mybb LGPL-3.0
 
** https://github.com/mybb/mybb LGPL-3.0
  
* bbPress
+
* [https://bbpress.org bbPress]
 
** Forum based discussion (for WordPress sites).
 
** Forum based discussion (for WordPress sites).
** https://bbpress.org
 
 
** https://bbpress.trac.wordpress.org/browser GPL-2.0-or-later
 
** https://bbpress.trac.wordpress.org/browser GPL-2.0-or-later
  
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** Anti-feature: the freedom respecting version of Mattermost has less features than the enterprise editions, which are likely non-free. Multiple licenses for different components (MIT, AGPLv3, Apache 2.0)
 
** Anti-feature: the freedom respecting version of Mattermost has less features than the enterprise editions, which are likely non-free. Multiple licenses for different components (MIT, AGPLv3, Apache 2.0)
  
* Rocket.Chat
+
* [https://rocket.chat/ Rocket.Chat]
** https://rocket.chat/
 
 
** Anti-feature: the freedom respecting version of Rocket.Chat has less features than the enterprise editions, which are likely non-free. MIT
 
** Anti-feature: the freedom respecting version of Rocket.Chat has less features than the enterprise editions, which are likely non-free. MIT
  
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** Note: On their [https://github.com/wireapp/wire client source code repo], they say "a. You agree not to change the way the Open Source App connects and interacts with our servers;...". It's not clear whether this is acceptable for software under a free license.
 
** Note: On their [https://github.com/wireapp/wire client source code repo], they say "a. You agree not to change the way the Open Source App connects and interacts with our servers;...". It's not clear whether this is acceptable for software under a free license.
  
* XMPP / Jabber
+
* [https://xmpp.org/ XMPP] / Jabber
 
** XMPP has been around for a long time. There are free clients for major platforms, and a variety of free server codebases to choose from if you want to run your own server.
 
** XMPP has been around for a long time. There are free clients for major platforms, and a variety of free server codebases to choose from if you want to run your own server.
** https://xmpp.org/
+
** [https://movim.eu/ Movim]
** Movim
 
 
*** Web-based XMPP client with many features.
 
*** Web-based XMPP client with many features.
*** https://movim.eu/
 
 
*** https://github.com/movim/movim AGPL-3.0-or-later
 
*** https://github.com/movim/movim AGPL-3.0-or-later
  
* Zulip
+
* [https://zulipchat.com/ Zulip]
 
** It looks like Zulip's enterprise edition is a support contract for the free software, which is great. Apache 2.0
 
** It looks like Zulip's enterprise edition is a support contract for the free software, which is great. Apache 2.0
** https://zulipchat.com/
 
  
* Sandstorm
+
* [https://sandstorm.io/ Sandstorm]
 
** Sandstorm makes it easy to install and use free software applications on your Web server.
 
** Sandstorm makes it easy to install and use free software applications on your Web server.
 
** Includes document writing and document sharing.
 
** Includes document writing and document sharing.
** https://sandstorm.io/
 
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Sandstorm
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Sandstorm
 
** https://github.com/sandstorm-io/sandstorm Apache-2.0
 
** https://github.com/sandstorm-io/sandstorm Apache-2.0
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= Document Writing and document sharing =
 
= Document Writing and document sharing =
  
* Etherpad
+
* [https://etherpad.org/ Etherpad]
 
** This is a very useful tool for collaborative text editing. It is great for meetings, brainstorming, and interleaved writing and editing flows.
 
** This is a very useful tool for collaborative text editing. It is great for meetings, brainstorming, and interleaved writing and editing flows.
*** https://etherpad.org/
 
 
*** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Etherpad
 
*** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Etherpad
 
*** https://github.com/ether/etherpad-lite Apache-2.0
 
*** https://github.com/ether/etherpad-lite Apache-2.0
  
* Ethercalc
+
* [https://ethercalc.net/ Ethercalc]
 
** Edit a spreadsheet at the same time as your peers.
 
** Edit a spreadsheet at the same time as your peers.
*** https://ethercalc.net/
 
 
*** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/EtherCalc
 
*** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/EtherCalc
 
*** https://github.com/audreyt/ethercalc/ CPAL
 
*** https://github.com/audreyt/ethercalc/ CPAL
  
* Drawpile  
+
* [https://drawpile.net/ Drawpile]
 
** Simultaneously sketch on the same canvas as your peers.
 
** Simultaneously sketch on the same canvas as your peers.
*** https://drawpile.net/
 
 
*** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Drawpile
 
*** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Drawpile
 
*** https://github.com/drawpile/Drawpile GPL-3.0-or-later
 
*** https://github.com/drawpile/Drawpile GPL-3.0-or-later
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*** https://demo.codimd.org/
 
*** https://demo.codimd.org/
  
* LibreOffice Online
+
* [https://www.libreoffice.org/download/libreoffice-online/ LibreOffice Online]
 
** Collaborative document editing. MPL
 
** Collaborative document editing. MPL
*** https://www.libreoffice.org/download/libreoffice-online/
 
  
* NextCloud
+
* [https://nextcloud.com/ NextCloud]
 
** NextCloud is a featureful Web service for document editing, file storage, audio/video chat, and more.
 
** NextCloud is a featureful Web service for document editing, file storage, audio/video chat, and more.
*** https://nextcloud.com/
 
 
*** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Nextcloud
 
*** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Nextcloud
 
*** https://github.com/nextcloud/server AGPL-3.0
 
*** https://github.com/nextcloud/server AGPL-3.0
  
* CryptPad
+
* [https://cryptpad.fr/ CryptPad]
 
** CryptPad is an encrypted realtime collaborative editor. AGPL-3.0
 
** CryptPad is an encrypted realtime collaborative editor. AGPL-3.0
*** https://cryptpad.fr/
 
  
 
* Sandstorm
 
* Sandstorm
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* Wiki Software
 
* Wiki Software
** ikiwiki
+
** [http://ikiwiki.info/ ikiwiki]
 
*** Write wiki pages in Markdown, via a Git repo, or via the Web (which commits to Git). Great for internal wikis, ie for documenting procedures, policies, article drafts, etc. Extensible with plugins.
 
*** Write wiki pages in Markdown, via a Git repo, or via the Web (which commits to Git). Great for internal wikis, ie for documenting procedures, policies, article drafts, etc. Extensible with plugins.
*** http://ikiwiki.info/
 
 
*** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Ikiwiki
 
*** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Ikiwiki
 
*** http://ikiwiki.info/git/ GPL-2.0-or-later
 
*** http://ikiwiki.info/git/ GPL-2.0-or-later
  
** MediaWiki
+
** [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/MediaWiki MediaWiki]
 
*** Used in quite a lot of places. It supports many different extensions. It's a good choice for public wikis that anyone can edit, or for internal wikis.
 
*** Used in quite a lot of places. It supports many different extensions. It's a good choice for public wikis that anyone can edit, or for internal wikis.
*** https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/MediaWiki
 
 
*** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/MediaWiki
 
*** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/MediaWiki
 
*** https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/source/mediawiki/ GPL-2.0-or-later
 
*** https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/source/mediawiki/ GPL-2.0-or-later
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== Publication ==
 
== Publication ==
  
* MediaGoblin
+
* [https://mediagoblin.org/ MediaGoblin]
 
** Publish images, audio, video, pdf, and 3D cad.
 
** Publish images, audio, video, pdf, and 3D cad.
** https://mediagoblin.org/ AGPL-3.0-or-later
 
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Mediagoblin
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Mediagoblin
 
** Doc: https://mediagoblin.readthedocs.io/en/stable/
 
** Doc: https://mediagoblin.readthedocs.io/en/stable/
 
** Issue tracker: https://issues.mediagoblin.org/
 
** Issue tracker: https://issues.mediagoblin.org/
 +
** AGPL-3.0-or-later
  
* PeerTube
+
* [http://joinpeertube.org/ PeerTube]
 
** Video sharing.  Federated with ActivityPub.
 
** Video sharing.  Federated with ActivityPub.
** http://joinpeertube.org/
 
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/PeerTube
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/PeerTube
 
** https://framagit.org/framasoft/peertube/PeerTube AGPL-3.0-or-later
 
** https://framagit.org/framasoft/peertube/PeerTube AGPL-3.0-or-later
  
* PixelFed
+
* [https://pixelfed.org/ PixelFed]
 
** A way to share photos with others.  Federated with ActivityPub.
 
** A way to share photos with others.  Federated with ActivityPub.
** https://pixelfed.org/
 
 
** https://github.com/pixelfed/pixelfed AGPL-3.0
 
** https://github.com/pixelfed/pixelfed AGPL-3.0
  
* ObsuraCam
+
* [https://guardianproject.info/apps/obscuracam/ ObsuraCam]
 
** Mobile app to pixelize faces and remove metadata from photos before publishing.
 
** Mobile app to pixelize faces and remove metadata from photos before publishing.
** https://guardianproject.info/apps/obscuracam/
 
 
** https://github.com/guardianproject/ObscuraCam GPL-3.0
 
** https://github.com/guardianproject/ObscuraCam GPL-3.0
  
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** https://github.com/instructure/canvas-lms
 
** https://github.com/instructure/canvas-lms
  
* Moodle
+
* [https://moodle.org/ Moodle]
 
** Integrates with Big Blue Button (see above). GPLv3+
 
** Integrates with Big Blue Button (see above). GPLv3+
** https://moodle.org/
 
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Moodle
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Moodle
 
** https://github.com/moodle/moodle
 
** https://github.com/moodle/moodle
Line 391: Line 365:
 
* Note: Does not scale to country wide project.
 
* Note: Does not scale to country wide project.
  
* Helios Apache-2.0
+
* [https://heliosvoting.org/ Helios]
** https://heliosvoting.org/
+
** [https://github.com/benadida/helios-server GitHub] Apache-2.0
** https://github.com/benadida/helios-server
 
  
* Star.vote
+
* [https://star.vote/ Star.vote]
 
** Ranked choice voting system.
 
** Ranked choice voting system.
** https://star.vote/
 
 
** Top balloting approach according to Voter Satisfaction Efficiency research
 
** Top balloting approach according to Voter Satisfaction Efficiency research
 
** AGPL https://github.com/msmunter/star.vote/ just needs to make more clear on homepage
 
** AGPL https://github.com/msmunter/star.vote/ just needs to make more clear on homepage
  
* GNU FREE (deprecated in 2002)
+
* [https://www.gnu.org/software/free/ GNU FREE] (deprecated in 2002)
** https://www.gnu.org/software/free/
 
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Free
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Free
 
** https://sourceforge.net/projects/free/files/FREE/
 
** https://sourceforge.net/projects/free/files/FREE/
  
* Free & Fair
+
* [http://www.freeandfair.us/ Free & Fair]
** http://www.freeandfair.us/
 
 
** https://github.com/FreeAndFair (BSD & GPL)
 
** https://github.com/FreeAndFair (BSD & GPL)
 
** Talk: https://www.invidio.us/watch?v=FvOWNbVPpGk
 
** Talk: https://www.invidio.us/watch?v=FvOWNbVPpGk
Line 413: Line 383:
 
= Music =
 
= Music =
  
* NINJAM
+
* [https://www.cockos.com/ninjam/ NINJAM]
** https://www.cockos.com/ninjam/
 
 
** https://www-dev.cockos.com/ninjam/ninjam.git GPL-2.0
 
** https://www-dev.cockos.com/ninjam/ninjam.git GPL-2.0
* Jamulus
+
* [http://llcon.sourceforge.net/ Jamulus]
** http://llcon.sourceforge.net/
 
 
** https://sourceforge.net/projects/llcon/
 
** https://sourceforge.net/projects/llcon/
 
** https://github.com/corrados/jamulus GPL-2.0
 
** https://github.com/corrados/jamulus GPL-2.0
Line 425: Line 393:
 
* Software Defined Radio (SDR)
 
* Software Defined Radio (SDR)
 
** GNU Radio
 
** GNU Radio
*** gqrx
+
*** [https://gqrx.dk/ gqrx]
**** https://gqrx.dk/
 
 
**** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Gqrx-sdr
 
**** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Gqrx-sdr
 
**** https://github.com/csete/gqrx GPL-3.0
 
**** https://github.com/csete/gqrx GPL-3.0
 
**** https://sourceforge.net/projects/gqrx/
 
**** https://sourceforge.net/projects/gqrx/
  
* Kiwix - Offline webpages such as Wikipedia
+
* [https://www.kiwix.org/en/ Kiwix] - Offline webpages such as Wikipedia
** https://www.kiwix.org/en/
 
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Kiwix
 
** https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Kiwix
 
** https://github.com/kiwix/ GPLv3
 
** https://github.com/kiwix/ GPLv3

Revision as of 10:05, 12 June 2022

Remote.png

As of 20220612, Remote Communication lists 74 projects.

This list is work in progress. We have not audited the software listed on this page for security or privacy concerns beyond what developers of the software, and potentially other sites tell us about it. We have done some initial research into software licenses. Entries with Free Software Directory links have been thoroughly reviewed from a licensing perspective.

This page is a shared resource, and we encourage others to add to it, so some of the entries here may be added by members of the community. We check this resource periodically, and know that others check it too, but it's a wiki, so errors may be added before they're fixed. We encourage you to review licenses and information about the software you're interested in before using it, and to update this page with your findings.

As more people are going remote, there is an outbreak of proprietary software happening around the Internet. Many are suggesting to use proprietary, SaaSS, and/or privacy invading video conferencing software as an alternative to meeting in person. Proprietary vendors are hopping to the task by offering services that are temporarily free as in cost, and that would lock organizations into continuing to use those vendors. Let's work together to promote free software instead.

Join the RemoteCommunication mailing list https://lists.libreplanet.org/mailman/listinfo/remotecommunication to coordinate!

Posts about this topic:

The FSF is hosting its own freedom-respecting videoconferencing service. FSF associate members can create a channel by logging into the server using your member credentials. Any person or group can then participate in the conversation. Nonmembers can be invited, but cannot start a channel. Read more.

Chat

Video

Real-time voice and video chat is an item on the FSF's High Priority Projects list.

  • NextCloud
    • NextCloud supports audio/video conferencing, with further features listed below. AGPLv3
  • OpenTokRTC
    • https://tokbox.com/developer/
    • https://github.com/opentok/opentok-rtc
    • Now a part of nexmo / Vonage video API. At least parts of the original TokBox code are free software, but it's not clear whether it's possible to use without any non-free software. As an anti-feature, Vonage offers enterprise editions that may run on your own server, or may require running non-free JavaScript.

Broadcasting Video

Broadcast streaming video. It is possible to share your camera or desktop screen with many people in a one-way relationship to reach more people with limited resources.

Audio

Real-time voice and video chat is an item on the FSF's High Priority Projects list.

  • Mumble
    • Audio chat room server with clients for all major operating systems.
    • https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Mumble
    • French guide: https://www.chapril.org/Mumble.html
    • Note: Mumble is pretty easy for end users, and there are free native clients for major platforms. On the server, it has a low memory footprint, but can use a lot of server bandwidth if many people are talking at once in a channel that has many people listening in. Clients would see an increase in downlink bandwidth at these times, which is okay, since most asymmetrical residential connections allow for a larger downlink. Event in direct face to face communication, it is generally only possible to understand what is being said when no more than a few people are speaking at once. BSD-like
  • Icecast
    • Mentioned above already, but Icecast is commonly used to broadcast audio for live podcast recordings and radio stations.

Social Networking

Text and possibly document sharing

  • Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
    • IRC is a text based chat protocol that works well for groups regardless of connection speed. There are free software IRC clients for all major platforms.
    • Libera.Chat IRC
      • Libera.Chat is the most popular IRCd server. If you want to create a channel on Libera.Chat and your channel is not about free software or broadly licensed creative works, you can still create topical channels that begin with '##'. Note that in this case if you need help from Libera.Chat staff from #libera, your request will not be as high priority as requests for help with a free software project's channel.
    • Self-host an Internet Relay Chat daemon (IRCd) server
    • Off-the-record (OTR)
    • KiwiIRC
    • The Lounge
      • The Lounge is a self-hosted web interface for IRC with an elegant design that can make its usage easy for newcomers to IRC.
      • GitHub MIT
      • Note: On public instances of The Lounge, connections to IRC servers are dropped after closing your browser tabs or losing your connection to application's Web page. If you use a private instance, you will need an account created by an administrator to log in, and connections to the IRC server are kept active even after closing your browser tabs or losing your connection.
    • qwebirc
    • Convos.chat
      • Discord replacement, based on IRC server and channels + Audio/Video by Jitsi.
      • GitHub Artistic License 2.0 :(
  • Jami
    • Mentioned above, but it works great an an encrypted text application as well.
  • Session
    • Decentralized encrypted messaging system.
    • GitHub GPL-3.0
  • Briar
    • P2P chat that would even work without Internet by creating a meshnet through available WiFi and Bluetooth connections.
    • Self-hosted GitLab GPL-3.0-or-later AGPL-3.0-or-later
  • Matrix
    • It seems like Matrix does quite a lot, including federation, bridging between networks, and VoIP. Apache-2.0
    • Note: The desktop Riot client uses Electron which is controversial in the free software community.
  • Rocket.Chat
    • Anti-feature: the freedom respecting version of Rocket.Chat has less features than the enterprise editions, which are likely non-free. MIT
  • XMPP / Jabber
    • XMPP has been around for a long time. There are free clients for major platforms, and a variety of free server codebases to choose from if you want to run your own server.
    • Movim
  • Zulip
    • It looks like Zulip's enterprise edition is a support contract for the free software, which is great. Apache 2.0

Document Writing and document sharing

  • CryptPad
    • CryptPad is an encrypted realtime collaborative editor. AGPL-3.0
  • Sandstorm
    • Can be used for installing Etherpad. See more details about Sandstorm above.

Publication

  • [ExifTool](https://exiftool.org/)
    • Command line tool to remove EXIF data from pictures.
    • Example command: exiftool -all= -tagsfromfile @ -Orientation PICTURE.jpg
    • Source GPL or Artistic

Learning Management Solutions (LMS)

Voting / Communal Decision Making

  • Note: Does not scale to country wide project.

Music

Misc

This page was a featured resource in May 2020.