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

[Karl Goetz]

On Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:09:26 +0200
Rubén Rodríguez Pérez <address@hidden> wrote:

> 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

Unless it doesnt depend on non-free parts, because there is free
firmware.

> 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

We agree on this part then.

> 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.

The only disagreement seems to be when a bit of code is no longer
allowed to be shipped.
kk

-- 
Karl Goetz, (Kamping_Kaiser / VK5FOSS)
Debian contributor / gNewSense Maintainer
http://www.kgoetz.id.au
No, I won't join your social networking group

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