Software has become fundamental infrastructure for academic life. It shapes how we develop systems, conduct experiments, analyse data, teach students, collaborate, and communicate research. Yet much of this work increasingly depends on closed platforms that academics cannot fully inspect, modify, verify, or control. Drawing on my experience of using Linux and open-source software in research, teaching, embedded-system development, high-performance computing, and everyday academic work, this seminar explores why software freedom should be regarded as an important foundation of academic freedom.

The talk will illustrate how Linux enables researchers and students to work directly with operating systems, device drivers, networks, sensors, scientific software, and physical hardware rather than treating computing platforms as inaccessible black boxes. It will also consider why software freedom is becoming even more important in the age of artificial intelligence, when models, training data, research workflows, and essential academic services may be opaque, externally controlled, or available only through subscription platforms.

The seminar concludes with practical proposals: adopting Linux for everyday academic work where feasible, prioritising reproducible research with accessible software and models, using open-source systems in teaching, and establishing a dedicated Linux laboratory where students can manage real computers and gain authentic, hands-on systems experience.