Derek D. Martin writes:
> Why? You have a driver that works well, so why not use it? Why
> should this be considered not Linux compatible? I would agree that
> having a free driver would be better, but I don't understand the
> sentiment of throwing out good software (or at least usable software)
> just because it isn't free...
glossary: Free = Libre; transparent, open to inspection
"free" = free as in beer
I recommend maintaining a capability for distinctions... software
which helps get winmodems to work on Linux, while not Free, can
be considered as an extension to firmware. (Firmware is REALLY
closed and proprietary, right? Consider the "software" in your
SCSI adapter - non Free, for sure, but you don't throw it out.)
On the other hand, something like a word processor, even if it is
"free", but not Free, may deserve to be trashed - if you're
concerned about being able to read your documents a few years
from now. Or if you're concerned about the software embedding
your initials or Social Security number in your documents (or
sending off such information to Passport Central).
So, true: not everything which is non-Free needs to be rejected.
But anything non-transparent, even if "free/no-cost" should be
accepted only if you feel it's acceptable to undertake the
accompanying risks. Being "firmware-like" probably helps,
especially since in the case such as LTmodem Free software
controls the interface and the data fed to the nonFree components
- there's still an important measure of transparency. (Being
"firmware-like" is no guarantee, however - consider Microsoft's
"Palladium" initiative.)
Bill
Who cannot figure a way to get out from under Improv -
which is not costing any money, but whose file format is
understood by no product from any source today, including
the orginal vendor; who will try very hard to enter into
no further dependencies of this sort; and who has, finally,
concluded that these lines of thinking demonstrate that
Stallman has been right all along...
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