How to use free linux distributions anywhere

What do you mean? Linux is already free

Not exactly. Your Linux system actually consists GNU and Linux. GNU is the system itself, including all of the apps you use every day. Linux is the kernel, a component that manages your hardware. Unfortunately, the main version of Linux contains a few non-free parts (also knows as not open source), such as wifi drivers. In fact, most wifi cards will not run without these proprietary drivers.

Okay, but how is this a problem? 99% Free and Open Source is good enough.

Sure, and you shouldn't feel bad for using the mainline kernel. But why not go 100% when it will not cost you anything extra.

The tutorial

  1. Download one of the FSF approved distributions. With all of these you can be sure that you are using only free software. You can also use Debian, which I decided to go with. The only reason the FSF doesn't recommend it is because they are hosting non-free repositories.
  2. Grab your phone and a data usb cable, and plug it into your computer.
  3. Find an option for USB tethering in your settings, and enable it. (Every single android has it in a different place, so I can't help you) If it's grayed out, don't worry. It will appear once you boot up the system. (PS: this has nothing to do with mobile data. Your phone will just relay the wifi signal to your computer)
  4. Flash the distro you have chosen onto a USB, and install it.

That's it. You are now able to use the system as if you were connected via an ethernet cable. It's so simple yet it hasn't occured to me until a while ago.

Few tips