Star Kernel Devs: Closed Source Modules 'Harmful and Undesirable'
Linked by Thom Holwerda on Tue 24th Jun 2008 12:07 UTC
Linux A constant thorn in the eye of many Linux kernel developers is the existence of closed-source kernel modules, most notably those by Nvidia and Ati, but also some file system drivers and other elements. Most of the Linux developers have been against these modules ever since they were first used, and in fact, bug reports originating from a tainted kernel are often disregarded and ignored. The kernel developers have now rallied together by issuing a statement urging vendors to release open source Linux kernel modules and drivers.
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RE[4]: Linus ?
by Chadit on Wed 25th Jun 2008 00:40 UTC in reply to "RE[3]: Linus ?"
Chadit
Member since:
2007-01-15

If I design a software product and people say I cant make it play with GPL product X because I wont hand over my hard work to others, that's not freedom.


You have the freedom of choice to use or not to use GPL software; nobody is forcing you. Why do you think you have the right to disrespect the freedom and wishes of the GPL software authors who GIVE you their work with very modest conditions?

The designer of gpl product X can refuse to take my closed source product as part of his product, that's his freedom...but he cant tell me I cant make a closed source product to work WITH his GPL product.


All a GPL author can do is demand that you conform to the legalities of the GPL license. He can also hope against hope that you are honourable enough to respect the intent of the GPL and not try to skirt around it with a legal loophole.

Closed source isn't going away...people like to hold their hard work in their own hands way too much...so best thing for GPL people is to play nice with the closed source.


GPL software isn't going away... its authors like to put their hard work in the hands of people all over the world...so the best thing for non-GPL people is to respect the modest constraints of the GPL code if they wish to use it.

The harder GPL people try to fight closed source, the more they are shooting themselves to the foot.


No, you're just plain wrong. The folks dedicated to creating a healthy and vibrant open source eco-system with GPL licensed software are not served at all by looking-the-other-way when closed-source providers violate the spirit if not the legality of the GPL.

The fact there IS Nvidia and Ati drivers for Linux is a victory for linux by itself...telling Nvidia and AMD to hand over their work or be gone is pure selfishness and inflicts THEIR freedom.


You have this exactly backwards. It's companies like Nvidia who are circumventing the freedom of the GPL software authors to have the license of THEIR choice respected.

Edited 2008-06-25 00:51 UTC

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