Mailinglist Archive: opensuse (2773 mails)

[daleg@xxxxxxxxxx (Dale Grindstaff)]

Hi Folks,

I have debated for a couple of days whether or not to post this; but, I  feel
this info is important to all Linux users, so here I go.

About two days ago I received the Jan. 2000 issue of SysAdmin magazine. It
contained a nice 2000 Linux calendar and a CD of Turbolinux Turbocluster
Server.  Hot dog, I thought! This is some pretty high level stuff! I looked
forward to installing it on a machine and take a look. I only have a small LAN
and I certainly don't need the type a server clustering and ATM that it
supports. But, it was a chance to learn hands-on about some new technology and I
appreciated the opportunity.  I popped the CD in a system to take a quick look
at what it contained -- README's and stuff. I noticed an unusual
statement about a license agreement on the CD cover but, didn't pay much
attention. I'm used to Linux, free and open source, right? Well, to my shagrin,
I discover that this CD cannot be copied! Their "License Agreement" stated that
although Linux was free and open source, the CD contained proprietary software
that was not open souce and therefore precluded the copying of the CD. NOW,
WAIT JUST A #$%$$ MINUTE! WHAT THE #$%$!!! IMHO, this is BULL!!  They have
succeeded in  melding together the free with the proprietary, and the result is
not free or open source.  Another wound. The penguin is bleeding!

I would never disagree that they have a right to develop, sell, and protect
their own software; but, what they are doing is wholely against the spirit of
open source, and particuarly Linux. They also make some references about having
optimized the kernel to work better for their purpose. Linux fans, they have
produced a kind of Linux distro that cannot be freely distributed. This is an
ominous sign for Linux and the whole open source movement. What distro does not
contain "proprietary" software? As example, SuSE, YaST; RedHat, their
installation routines; Caldera, Lizard and LISA, etc. But yet, are these distros
not freely distributable? Please, correct me if I'm wrong.  This kind of thing
can spread like hemmhoragic fevor! I think I'll write a little C prog that
prints  "Hello, Welcome to Dale's Linux!  You can't copy me because I contain
proprietary software -- THIS PROGRAM, IDIOT!," and distribute it.  And then I'll
put in some hidden code that reports back to my system if anyone does copy it
so I can sick the dogs of law on 'em!  Billy Wanna-be's Unite! 

Seriously, Linux represents countless hours of work by hundreds of good
dedicated people.  I'm not a developer. I'm just a user. But I do truly
appreciate all the work that went into making Linux  what it is today. I could
download many distros, but I buy them because I appreciate all the work they
represent. I have never regretted one cent I have paid for Linux. However, it
would be the gravest of mistakes if we who love Linux stand by and let the
corporate world steal what was never theirs; what they rejected for so long.
They didn't concieve it, give birth to it or nurture it. Linux is the beloved
child of a new generation of people born in a world without choice. A world
where their talents and skills went unrewarded while a few grew rich and drunk
with power. This child, Linux, was born, and nurtured, of love and pride, free
and open to share it's hope for a new future, and empower the technology that
will break down the walls of isolation, and the political boundaries that
unscrupulous leaders have used to foster hate, and war.  Linux is more than
just an alternative OS,  its a way of life; it is freedom. Yeah, I'm a
believer. End of rant. 

If this posting is off topic, or if I have offended anyone, please accept my
apology.

Dale


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