On Wed, 15 Mar 2000, Dave Airlie wrote:
>> WTF, what about OSS non-free etc.. they are bionary modules , they release
> any changes they need to make to stock kernel to Linus under GPL but the
> modules are close source... no different here...
>
they are. there's quite a few binary modules out there. And Linus
tolerates them.
The biggest difference fmpov is that these binary modules are for
widespread use, and the feeling is that the kernel changes so often that
choosing to distribute binary only modules will incur so much
hassle/pain in support as to discourage bianry modules.
however software for a custom set top box, users aren't going be
recompiling their kernel, so changes in stock linux aren't going to a
problem... therefore Linus et al might have a different opinion about
closed mods in such a case. (or they might be not be too bothered)
also, checked out netgem. Their site makes a lot of noise about linux
and how open it is, but no specifics about mods/source immediately to
hand. Still'd be interesting to see what'd happen if any Unison/Netgem
box owners asked for source.
> Dave.
-paul.
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