> In the interests of documentary completeness.. > > Timothy Musson wrote: >> Rik Tindall wrote: >>> Timothy Musson wrote: >>>> Ubuntu intentionally includes non-free software (proprietary kernel >>>> blobs and device drivers), and they've stated that they intend to >>>> continue doing so. >> >>> Along with the source files, should you want them. > > Meaning, too glibly, the binary distro install off an Ubuntu CD is > backed up by source files being available through Synaptic & > repositories.. much like any other distro having a similar mechanism.
For GPL software the law requires the source to be available (see the terms of the GPL for details of exactly what has to be available), so there is no difference between ubuntu and other distros on this point, unless the point you are making is that a _default_ ubuntu does not contain any non free software? (Whereas other distros may include non-free even on a default install?) > Except that.. > >> Unfortunately, that's not the case... >> >> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binary_blob >> http://www.markshuttleworth.com/archives/84 > > ..For drivers for particular and nuisance proprietary devices - like > Nvidia & ATI video, etc - whatever agreement exists between freenix > developers and those producers requires that the control source code not > be released, so a "binary blob" is provided for running it.. the same as > for any other distro (?) > > So the argument is, we should: > a) not buy gear with these components, & 'consumer strike' for freedom > b) don't support distros not encouraging a) by them providing blobs That would be saying that we should not use the ubuntu that you have been promoting for some time now? > c) use computers with only fully open components in them, and distros > just supporting that range. > > Q1: What is Debian's position on blob provision please? > > Q2: How many distros other that gnewsense.org do not? > > > Yes, it shows the place for another forum, where those that can afford > to let the struggle for full code freedom interrupt their daily work can > take the matter up together. I can't think of a better place to discuss the inclusion of binary blobs in distros than a linux users' group mailing list such as this!
