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 -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse-testing+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse-testing+help@opensuse.org