Re: New summary: Binary peripheral software

[Goswin von Brederlow <brederlo@informatik.uni-tuebingen.de>]

"J.D. Hood" <jdthood@yahoo.co.uk> writes:

> 6. Binary peripheral software is DFSG-non-free and, if GPLed,
>    not even distributable in non-free because the preferred
>    form for making modifications is not provided.
>    We don't distribute it at all.

It's either GPL or not. If it falsely claims to be GPL without being so
its a breach of license and legal steps should be taken (e.b. by the
FSF).

> 7. Binary peripheral software is neither DFSG-free nor -non-free
>    because the Debian Free Software Guidelines don't apply to
>    software running on peripherals.
>    We distribute it in main.

The question is more if the GPL applies to it. Because if it does and
the binary is not the prefered means of modifying (which it certainly
isn't, come on, claiming that is insane in the normal case) then the
GPLed code it's linked into violates the GPL.

Of cause it's different if its shipped seperatly.

MfG
        Goswin