ReactOS, the open source implementation of a Windows XP/2003 compatible operating system, just published a new interview in their series of interviews with ReactOS developers. Today's interview features the most active kernel developer Alex Ionescu.
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Member since:2006-01-27
Its not FUD. The legality of using the DDK drivers in a non-windows project has always been in question. The DDK EULA seems to make the usage quite clear which did not allow for development for non-windows systems.
Maybe it's been in question for you, but not for me. We are not violating the EULA. (We would be violating the WDK 6000 EULA however, which is why we don't use it). TinyKRNL drivers, unlike ReactOS drivers, are actually pure NT drivers that work under Windows 2003. This exempts them from "non-windows systems" clauses. What you state applies to ReactOS, which is why ReactOS does not use DDK code. Therefore, you simply have no point to make, sorry. Additionally, we heavily re-write and re-use DDK samples, so it's not just simply re-releasing code.
If I were you, I'd be more careful about the various Win32 API patents that Wine is violating, as well as bits of CRT source code that match MSVC's implementation line for line, before complaining about EULAs which are not been violated.
Best regards,
Alex Ionescu
Member since:2006-04-24
"If I were you, I'd be more careful about the various Win32 API patents that Wine is violating, as well as bits of CRT source code that match MSVC's implementation line for line, before complaining about EULAs which are not been violated."
If you have an allegation about any line of code in Wine that may be viewed as tainted the Wine developers would have no problem asking for independent legal review, removal if needed and having someone independently re-implement it.
Member since:
2006-04-24
> Thank you for spreading FUD!
Its not FUD. The legality of using the DDK drivers in a non-windows project has always been in question. The DDK EULA seems to make the usage quite clear which did not allow for development for non-windows systems.
In any case, the reason why the former ReactOS developers and Wine project members are not happy with the ReactOS project it because the project demographics have changed. The old ReactOS crew wanted a truely clean room, independent implementation. The current group of developers have no objection to not operating in a clean-room. These are different standards which has lead to animosity. It makes the older developers in the Wine camp feel like all of their work could be for nothing as at some point in the future under US copyright law it could be regarded a derived work.
The question about rather the clean-room standard Wine, Samba and other projects apply is really ethically necessary is a debate worth having, however your not going to change what has been an accepted standard in FreeSoftware development.
Steven Edwards
Former ReactOS Project Leader and Wine Developer