Re: [Trisquel-users] Handbrake 0.9.9 on Toutatis
I never said that the GPL was non-free. Please don't put words in my mouth. I compared HandBrake with Linux-Libre, which are licensed under GPLv2. Therefore calling HandBrake non-free can be applied to Linux-Libre too. The problem with HandBrake is in providing a static executable, rather than just linking to the non-free library externally (like Zandronum). Therefore the application should be adapted to use this library optionally, when available, thus satisfying both parties. (the rest) I already know about this (look at the top of this page), and althrough you're technically right, in other words, every free software project, that contains a part that does not meet the DFSG requirement, even when it's a small part that can be easily removed (even without modifying the source code), is considered non-free (aka proprietary). The problem was that calling a project that's developing a free code only (FAAC is not a part of the project, even not the source code), is simply inadeqate, and the possible users/customers may get a false belief, that the whole program is non-free. Therefore, using terms like not completely freedom respecting, or partially free software is more appropriate here.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Handbrake 0.9.9 on Toutatis
Therefore, using terms like not completely freedom respecting, or partially free software is more appropriate here. Yep, and I no longer use terms like calling a program semifree: https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/categories.html#ProprietarySoftware
Re: [Trisquel-users] Handbrake 0.9.9 on Toutatis
One important thing I forgot to add is that, from my experience, there are two main categories of partially free software: one that can be liberated, and one that cannot be The first category make use of parts, that can be cut out without seriously affecting the program functionality (e.g. HandBrake, PlayOnLinux). The other one is built around a non-free binary, or code, which is essential for proper operation (e.g. f.lux indicator applet, XaraLX). This is the main reason why calling the second category simply non-free software isn't a good idea.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Handbrake 0.9.9 on Toutatis
The key factor here is the dfsg in the package name. That represents changes being made, by the debian packager to remove the non-free elements, to make it Debian Free Software Guidlines acceptable. Reading the changelog we can see the non-free stuff is being removed. NO comment on the ubuntu package(s). So, I'd say that debian's handbrake-dfsg package IS free, but I also agree with jxself's argument that this boarders on suggesting non-free software...
Re: [Trisquel-users] Handbrake 0.9.9 on Toutatis
Calling a GPLv2 licensed software non-free means, that you does not know how to differentiate free software from non-free. You can read the full GPLv2 license to better understand, how it protects the software/user. Also, take a look at the list of FSF approved free software licenses. If you have some questions regarding the license, feel free to ask here. The problem with FAAC is, that it is based on the original ISO MPEG reference code which is non-free. Enhancements to this reference code is licensed under the LGPL license, but FAAC cannot be used without the reference code, therefore the whole package is non-free. The license can be downloaded at AudioCoding.com.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Handbrake 0.9.9 on Toutatis
Le 2014-01-02 23:05, ja...@bluehome.net a écrit : It's probably not a good idea to provide builds of non-free software, let alone advertising it here. (HandBrake uses the faac encoder, which is not free.) It would be good to determine and clarify if the Ubuntu and Debian builds being re-introduced / packaged are, in fact, 100% free software: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=handbrakesearchon=namessuite=allsection=all http://packages.debian.org/search?keywords=handbrakesearchon=namessuite=allsection=all Because it's in main in Debian, it would look like requirements to meet DFSG have been met, so apparently upstream's version should be completely free in fact. F. -- Fabián Rodríguez - XMPP/Jabber+OTR: magic...@member.fsf.org http://debian.magicfab.ca
Re: [Trisquel-users] Handbrake 0.9.9 on Toutatis
Calling a GPLv2 licensed software non-free means, that you does not know how to differentiate free software from non-free. You can read the full GPLv2 license to better understand, how it protects the software/user. Also, take a look at the list of FSF approved free software licenses. If you have some questions regarding the license, feel free to ask here. Oh, come on mYself - I know all of this already. I am the GNU Chief Webmaster after all: http://www.gnu.org/people/webmeisters.html My objection to HandBrake was the use of faac which, as you point out, is non-free. An otherwise freedom-respecting program with non-free stuff can't be used in freedom but if it's modified to no longer use that non-free stuff (which lembas seems to have indicated has happened) then it can be. I wasn't aware that faac had been removed. The package should probably be called HandBrake-libre or something though so that people don't think HandBrake itself is free of problems.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Handbrake 0.9.9 on Toutatis
Frankly, I wasn't aware about any of your work outside Linux-libre, which is licensed under GPLv2 too, therefore calling such software non-free was quite unexpected from you. I thought that the reason to rebuild HandBrake from source, while there is an official Launchpad PPA for it that does support Ubuntu LTS, and releasing it on the issue tracker that specifically mentions the problem of including a non-free third-party library, will be enough for people here to understand, that the software was liberated. I thought exactly about calling the application HandBrake-libre, but since the upstream calls it simply HandBrake, I think that changing its name is not a good idea. Furthermore, only minor changes are applied, so again, renaming the program is really not something necessary, but should be easily done if required.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Handbrake 0.9.9 on Toutatis
Frankly, I wasn't aware about any of your work outside Linux-libre, which is licensed under GPLv2 too, therefore calling such software non-free was quite unexpected from you. I never said that the GPL was non-free. Please don't put words in my mouth. In the case of Linux-libre there are no non-free components being used, while HandBrake does (at least the one that comes from handbrake.fr.). Hopefully you can appreciate that those are not exactly the same situation. It's not enough to just be able to point to a license and say Ta Da - Issue solved. If the license is the only thing to evaluate, then those GPL-licensed blobs in the kernel could be left in, because they're under the GPL. So, it is more nuanced that simply looking at a license - and those nuances and subtleties alsoo need to be taken into consideration when making a determination about freedom with a particular program for a particular person at particular point in time. Hopefully you can appreciate that.
[Trisquel-users] Handbrake 0.9.9 on Toutatis
For those missing Handbrake (a free software video transcoding tool) from repo, I am now providing stable builds for both 32, and 64-bit edition of Trisquel. I thought I would rather share this here, since the bug tracker does not bring up closed issues by default. https://trisquel.info/issues/4237 To download it, follow the link in the last comment.
Re: [Trisquel-users] Handbrake 0.9.9 on Toutatis
This is wonderful! Many thanks indeed :)
Re: [Trisquel-users] Handbrake 0.9.9 on Toutatis
It's probably not a good idea to provide builds of non-free software, let alone advertising it here. (HandBrake uses the faac encoder, which is not free.)
Re: [Trisquel-users] Handbrake 0.9.9 on Toutatis
This was my initial concern as well but if I'm reading the trisquel bug and this changelog right, the upstream removed faac. http://changelogs.ubuntu.com/changelogs/pool/universe/h/handbrake/handbrake_0.9.9+dfsg-2~2.gbpa4c3e9/changelog
