How to use the command 'vrms' (with examples)

The command vrms, short for “Virtual Richard M. Stallman,” is a utility designed for Debian-based operating systems. It generates a report of all installed packages that do not conform to the Debian Free Software Guidelines (DFSG). This tool is particularly useful for individuals and organizations committed to using only free software, as defined by the Debian project. vrms helps identify non-free and contrib packages in your system, enabling you to review and decide whether to keep them installed.

Use case 1: Listing non-free and contrib packages and their descriptions

Code:

vrms

Motivation:
Using vrms without any flags provides a comprehensive view of all non-free and contrib packages currently installed on your Debian system, including their descriptions. When aiming to align with free software principles, it is crucial to be fully aware of all software that does not meet these guidelines. This command allows users to obtain detailed information about potentially non-compliant packages, facilitating informed decisions about whether to remove or replace them with free alternatives.

Explanation:
The command vrms is invoked without any additional options or arguments. By default, it compiles a list of packages deemed non-free according to the Debian Free Software Guidelines. Each package is accompanied by a succinct description, offering insight into its functionality and purpose. No extra arguments are necessary, making it a straightforward way to access critical information regarding software freedom on your machine.

Example Output:

Non-free packages installed on john-desktop

firmware-iwlwifi          Binary firmware for Intel Wireless cards
unrar                    Unarchiver for .rar files (non-free version)
  
2 non-free packages, 0.1% of 2290 installed packages.
  
Contrib packages installed on john-desktop

flashplugin-nonfree       Adobe Flash Player - browser plugin
  Reason: Sticky issue: flashplugin-nonfree never goes into main
 
1 contrib packages, 0.0% of 2290 installed packages.

Use case 2: Outputting only the package names

Code:

vrms --sparse

Motivation:
The --sparse option streamlines the output of the vrms command to show only the names of the non-free and contrib packages. If a user or system administrator needs a quick overview or a list to document or further process non-free packages without additional descriptive text, this is an ideal use case. It allows for easy scripting or integration with other tools, where only the package names are relevant, ensuring a cleaner and more focused output.

Explanation:
The addition of the --sparse flag alters the vrms command’s behavior to exclude descriptions and provide solely the package names. This can be particularly useful in scripting contexts, where these concise outputs can be easily piped into other command-line tools for further automation or reporting tasks. The --sparse argument modifies the output, making it lean and focused on just the necessary information — the package names.

Example Output:

firmware-iwlwifi
unrar
flashplugin-nonfree

Conclusion:

The vrms command is an invaluable tool for Debian-based system users dedicated to maintaining a free software environment. By offering both detailed reports and succinct lists of non-free and contrib packages, it caters to varying needs—whether one’s goal is thorough analysis or simple data extraction for further use. Utilizing vrms, users can easily track compliance with free software standards and take decisive action to align their software stack with open-source philosophies.