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DateSat, 19 Sep 1998 03:36:43 +0100
FromCarlos Morgado <>
SubjectRe: Linux, UDI and SCO.
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On Fri, Sep 18, 1998 at 11:13:37AM -0600, Erik Andersen wrote:
> On Fri, 18 Sep 1998, Pavel Machek wrote:
> 
> 
> Two issues though:
> 1) Why can't BSD, NPL, Artistic, and other free code be linked
>    with the kernel?  As I read the GPL, this isn't a problem, and
>    unless I am mistaken, there are a number of linux drivers that have
>    made use of *BSD code, which is not GPL.  I think you are mistaken
>    in your statement.
>
My reading of the GPL is that it permits linking with "free" licences. but i
can be wrong :)

> 2) It is reasonable to consider a device driver running under a UDI layer
>    as an "independent and separate works in themselves", and in that context,
>    there is no problem using it under a non-free OS.  It is just a program

But the driver will be linked against the kernel. That does violate GPL.

>    that runs on the OS (in kernel space), and as such it is no different
>    then running gcc under SCO or solaris, etc.  Not a problem, as long as
>    they also distribute (or point to) the source.

Not quite. gcc runs in user space and 1 libc away from the kernel :)

>    Remember, "mere aggregation of another work not based on the Program 
>    with the Program (or with a work based on the Program) on a volume of 
>    a storage or distribution medium does not bring the other work under 
>    the scope of this License."  If we write it, they can ship it -- but it
>    will be free, and can be fixed.  
>
Storage is not running. That means you can release a cdrom with the linux
kernel and Motif. Not that you can link motifinto the linux kernel. 

> I say we have everything to gain by supporting this, and little to lose.  
> We get binary only drivers for unsupported devices, and then when we get a
> free driver that is better written, everyone will use it because of the
> inherent advantages of a free driver.
> 
How do we get a driver ? 

- -- 
Carlos Morgado - l39801@alfa.ist.utl.pt - http://alfa.ist.utl.pt/~c39801
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