15 results

Why I won't use GPLv3 software

I've discussed in the past some of the problems I have with the GPLv3. I still don't understand why the FSF insists that hardware vendors allow the software on their systems to be modified.

June 1, 2007 by John Carroll

Torvalds' battle with GPLv3

By all accounts, Torvalds is very annoyed with the GPLv3 process. The reasons aren't hard to understand, however, particularly given that he probably doesn't have much choice as to whether to use the new license.

August 10, 2006 by John Carroll

Debates over GPLv3, Novell and Microsoft

A post on OSNews regarding Novell's official response to the recent draft of the GPLv3 led to a discussion on the merits (or lack thereof) of the Novell-Microsoft deal. Not surprisingly, most respondents have a negative view of the agreement.

April 3, 2007 by John Carroll

Torvalds dodges GPLv3's 18-wheeler?

Some Talkback regulars noted that Torvalds may dodge the GPLv3 bullet because so little of the Linux kernel is dependent on third-party libraries. Unfortunately, that doesn't change the fact that, in the real world, every Linux distribution will be bound by the GPLv3 copyright rules.

August 11, 2006 by John Carroll

The crux of the GPL problem

Last Friday, I wrote a piece describing why I wouldn't use GPLv3 software. As some pointed out, most of my complaints centered around the fact that I would never use a GPLv3 product as part of a development project, as I mostly opposed two things: a) that I can't control the software that runs on custom hardware when using GPLv3 code, and b) that I can't static or dynamic link to pure GPL code (version 2 or 3, a restriction that doesn't apply to LGPL code of either license version).

June 4, 2007 by John Carroll

Blocking the Microsoft / Novell deal

That, apparently, is the reason the release of GPLv3 has been delayed. The Free Software Foundation wants to ensure that verbiage in GPLv3 explicitly prevents arrangements wherein Microsoft signs a patent waiver with customers of a particular company (in this case, Novell).

March 21, 2007 by John Carroll

Ideal DRM

Bill Gates recently commented that copy protections for digital media are too complex for most consumers. In the end of the day incentive systems (for artists) make a difference...

December 21, 2006 by John Carroll

A thank you from a Microsoft employee

Apparently, as of January 2008, non-GPL Linux kernel modules will no longer be allowed. Technically speaking, however, a computer would have a hard time enforcing a licence.

December 14, 2006 by John Carroll

Stop bashing the Novell / Microsoft agreement

Fans of the GPL are still acting like Microsoft ran over the family pet in its recent agreement with Novell. This example from Groklaw, to which Miguel de Icaza responded, is a good example.

December 11, 2006 by John Carroll

The pragmatist / idealist dichotomy

Novell is of the opinion that their agreement with Microsoft conforms to the restrictions of GPLv2. Eben Moglen, who as legal representative for the FSF is not happy about the agreement, doesn't state explicitly that it isn't valid.

November 17, 2006 by John Carroll