check-dfsg-status
Report non-free packages on Debian systems
TLDR
SYNOPSIS
check-dfsg-status [options]
DESCRIPTION
check-dfsg-status reports installed packages from the non-free and contrib sections on Debian-based systems. DFSG stands for Debian Free Software Guidelines, which define what software qualifies as free in the Debian project.The tool was formerly known as vrms (Virtual Richard M. Stallman) and helps users identify proprietary or non-free software on their system.
PARAMETERS
-s, --sparse
Output only package names without descriptions-e, --explain
Explain why packages are classified as non-free
CAVEATS
Only checks packages from official Debian repositories. Manually installed software, Flatpaks, Snaps, or third-party repository packages are not analyzed. Classification depends on Debian's section metadata in package control files.
HISTORY
The original vrms was created as a playful tool named after Richard Stallman, founder of the Free Software Foundation. It was renamed to check-dfsg-status for a more neutral and descriptive name.
