[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote re:
In the interests of documentary completeness..
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,
Agreed.
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?)
That's true, and thanks for making that point (vs non-free Mepis, for
e.g.). Ubuntu is a lesson in freedom, if only a lesson, in supplying
all-free by default.
But my point was only that identifying Ubuntu as a blob provider was to
test the consistency of its philosophy rather than to say it was acting
differently to most other distros - in respect to blobs.
Nvidia & ATI video, etc..
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?
'Yep'. But this is paraphrasing Tim's input. I was explaining it
further, rather than entering into such debate, just now.
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!
Me neither. But if people want to turn discussion into a campaign for
change, and others don't want that in their face, then the local outlet
exists:
http://lists.ourshack.com/mailman/listinfo/gnuz
Cheers
--
Rik
