Re: Proposal: The DFSG do not require source code for data, including firmware
On Wed, 23 Aug 2006 06:08:08 -0600, Matthew Wilcox <matthew@wil.cx> said:
> Manoj wrote:
>> Actually, I disagree, and, even worse, so does the common
>> definition of the phrase computer program: asking google about
>> define: computer program gives: ,---- | * A computer program is a
>> set of statements or instructions to be | used directly or
>> indirectly in a computer in order to bring | about a certain
>> result.
>> |
>> www.tms.org/pubs/journals/JOM/matters/matters-9710.html
> But Debian has a tradition of ignoring the common definition of
> phrases. Have you tried asking google to define software, for
> example?
Yes. There the answer is not so clear cut: I get
# Programs, procedures, rules, and any associated documentation
# pertaining to the operation of a system. Contrast with hardware
# (page ***).
publib16.boulder.ibm.com/doc_link/en_US/a_doc_lib/aixins/insgdrf/glossary.htm
# Generally, programs loaded into a computer from external mass
# storage but also extended to include operating systems and
# documentation.
www.flw.com/define_s.htm
as well as:
# Coded instructions (programs) that make a computer do useful work.
www.krollontrack.com/legalresources/glossary.asp
# The programs that tell the computer what to do.
www.esls.lib.wi.us/glossary.html
So, there is clearly a lack of uniform consensus there; and
when it was brought to our notice, we used an editorial change to the
foundation documents to disambiguate; why are we not doing the same
now?
manoj
--
I don't wanna argue, and I don't wanna fight, But there will
definitely be a party tonight...
Manoj Srivastava <srivasta@debian.org> <http://www.debian.org/%7Esrivasta/>
1024D/BF24424C print 4966 F272 D093 B493 410B 924B 21BA DABB BF24 424C
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