System76 launched in 2005 when founders Carl Richell and Erik Fetzer turned an old domain idea into reality, building computers preloaded with Linux to give users real freedom from big tech lock-ins. The name's "76" nods to 1776 and the American Revolution, framing their mission as a tech uprising against proprietary empires. Based in Denver, Colorado, they design, engineer, and handcraft premium laptops, desktops, servers, and even mechanical keyboards right in their own factory, shipping them with their user-focused Pop!_OS (a slick Ubuntu-based distro) or straight Ubuntu. It's all about powerful, repairable hardware for creators, developers, gamers, and tinkerers who want control over their machines.
This crew stays anti-woke by doubling down on hardcore open-source freedom, right-to-repair grit, and old-school independence vibes without any rainbow logos, DEI mandates, or social justice sermons cluttering their site or story. Their sustainability push keeps it practical, responsible sourcing and eco-friendly practices, minus the preachy equity lectures that turn green efforts into virtue contests. Interestingly, naming models after African animals and building everything in-house (even custom cases) shows they thrive on nerdy innovation and self-reliance.
