Re: [GNU-linux-libre] Freedom issues with non-free firmware in external files

[Rubén Rodríguez Pérez]

El sáb, 15-08-2009 a las 10:55 +0930, Karl Goetz escribió:
> In order of preference, I'd go with:
> 
>  - Modify driver to print a warning.
>  - Modify driver to print a warning (disable loading files)
>  - Disable driver at compile time.
>  - Remove driver (source) completely.

>From that list, only two look "free enough" to me:

-Remove driver (source) completely.
-Modify driver to print a warning (disable loading files)

I prefer the first, I don't see the point of distributing a useless
program that still depends on a non-free part that now cannot be loaded.
Linux-libre chooses this solution, stating that the modified error
message can be used to teach the user about freedom. That way the
program is not useless, but I still prefer to remove it.

> 
> > > > -Should they be kept, but disabling the file load call?
> > > 
> > > what if someone develops a free file replacement?
> > 
> > Then the maintainer of the freed version of the kernel can stop
> > removing that module.
> 
> This would be easier if it was compiled out then if it was rm'd out.

Difficulty can only be used to choose between valid solutions. Same goes
for any other practical concern. If you choose not to compile the driver
to fix an ethical issue, then you shouldn't distribute the code either.