Embedded Linux and the GPL

Embedded Linux and the GPL

Having the source code is all well and good
for embedded devices that have a flash memory.
What about devices that (for reasons of cost)
have mask ROMs? You can have the source code,
but you're not able to modify what's in the
device. Is this in the spirit and/or letter
of the GPL?

http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html

The FSF says that "free software is a matter of the users'
freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and
improve the software". Does this "change" mean you
also must have the right to change the software in the
device?

The FSF says "you should also have the freedom to make
modifications and use them". Does this mean modifications
to the software (for example, the source), or the instance
of the software that comes with the device?

The FSF says "the freedom [...] to use it on any kind of
computer system". Does that include the system used to
distribute the software?

Mitch.