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Misunderstanding of embedded system designers
Misunderstanding of embedded system designers
Posted Jan 16, 2006 22:31 UTC (Mon) by cyd (subscriber, #4153)In reply to: Misunderstanding of embedded system designers by karim
Parent article: GPLv3: a first look
Interestingly, there is a rather permissive new clause that seems relevant for embedded systems. Under "basic permissions":
Propagation of covered works is permitted without limitation provided it does not enable parties other than you to make or receive copies. Propagation which does enable them to do so is permitted, as "distribution", under the conditions of sections 4-6 below.
I believe the GPLv2 didn't have such a clause. It seems to be saying that there is no need for the source to accompany the executable if the software is distributed in a system where the user can't copy it out, like a non-flashable chip in a toaster. I wonder if this is really the intention.
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Misunderstanding of embedded system designers
Posted Jan 16, 2006 23:11 UTC (Mon) by alriddoch (guest, #2249) [Link]
The clause you quote includes the wording "... to make or receive copies". I think it is clear that when you distribute software on a non-flashable chip in a toaster, the user is receiving a copy, even though they are unable to make copies from it.
I believe this clause is intended to make it clear that copying the software between multiple systems, or from a CD onto your hard drive does not count as distribution, and thus does not require you to accept the license.