Mailinglist Archive: opensuse-testing (87 mails)

[Larry Finger <Larry.Finger@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Alberto Passalacqua wrote:
> > The Broadcom wl driver contains a binary blob that is not under GPL
> > license. As a result, it cannot be included in openSUSE. In addition,
> > it taints the kernel, which precludes its usage by many of us who
> > routinely test kernels.
>
> This is the reply I got from Novell developers long ago. I cannot
> explain, in the light of this how can people like DELL and HP can sell
> systems with it included. In addition Novell uses the same driver
> packaged for SLE and hosted by Broadcom itself.

SuSE could have, but openSUSE cannot. That is a decision that was made
by Novell - only open-licensed software will be distributed. As long
as Dell and HP are willing to support their products, they can include
any software that they can license.

> > Yes, the wl driver can be redistributed as long as you are willing to
> > accept their conditions, and the consequences.
>
> Consequences? Some kernel developer with a lot of time to waste
> threating of sueing who distribute the drivers, community people
> included, as it happened on one openSUSE ML not long ago?

I have no idea what developer and issue that you refer to. The
consequence that I was thinking about is the tainting of the kernel,
which in turn will eliminate the chance of any serious kernel
developer from looking at any kernel oops that pops up.

> > The open-source driver for BCM43xx devices will always be trying to
> > catch up. 
>
> Exactly. And that's unfixable without involving the manufacturer, with
> doubt results, since who opened the driver is not exactly keeping them
> in good shape (Intel as a first example, both for video and wireless
> cards).

Broadcom has made their decision. Involving them is not an option.

> > otherwise the Broadcom wl driver should be
> > installed. Beginners have enough trouble configuring their wireless
> > devices without having to fight to get a working driver loaded.
>
> If it can be done, I'm all for it. After all this discussion happened
> already at least twice in other places in the past, and openSUSE still
> has to find a solution.

I need to look at the installation scripts to see what I can do. At
least I know which devices b43 supports.

Larry
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