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FSFLA: Linux kernel is "open core"

FSFLA: Linux kernel is "open core"

Posted Nov 12, 2010 5:10 UTC (Fri) by lxoliva (subscriber, #40702)
In reply to: FSFLA: Linux kernel is "open core" by mjg59
Parent article: FSFLA: Linux kernel is "open core"

I don't know. Please help me understand what you're suggesting. How is it that drivers/acpi/ec.c encourages users to install non-Free Software?


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FSFLA: Linux kernel is "open core"

Posted Nov 12, 2010 13:40 UTC (Fri) by mjg59 (subscriber, #23239) [Link]

Because every piece of hardware it manages contains non-free software.

FSFLA: Linux kernel is "open core"

Posted Nov 12, 2010 18:38 UTC (Fri) by lxoliva (subscriber, #40702) [Link]

Yeah, but that software is installed by the manufacturer, not by the user, so that doesn't come even close to answering the question.

FSFLA: Linux kernel is "open core"

Posted Nov 12, 2010 21:54 UTC (Fri) by mjg59 (subscriber, #23239) [Link]

How does Linux supporting hardware that can only (at present) function with non-free firmware not encourage the user to purchase that hardware and run non-free firmware? If the kernel didn't do it, they'd be forced to find a free alternative.

FSFLA: Linux kernel is "open core"

Posted Nov 13, 2010 7:37 UTC (Sat) by lxoliva (subscriber, #40702) [Link]

Aah, thanks, I see what you mean now. I think the “forcing” part is not a good one, though. Nudging towards Free Software, I think is fine, but forcing is a bit too much unfreedom to me.

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