Why Torvalds is sitting out the GPLv3 process (Linux.com) [LWN.net]

Why Torvalds is sitting out the GPLv3 process (Linux.com)

Posted Sep 28, 2006 22:07 UTC (Thu) by vonbrand (guest, #4458)
In reply to: Why Torvalds is sitting out the GPLv3 process (Linux.com) by b3timmons
Parent article: Why Torvalds is sitting out the GPLv3 process (Linux.com)

It is too a fact, because you know very well that the freedoms under discussion are the four freedoms. Tivo has freedom one--the freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to their needs--and you don't, since it is impossible to run any possible modified version of yours.

How is it impossible? Modified it won't run on your TiVo, but it runs here on my PC just fine.

And what about the same TiVo, just with the software in ROM? That is OK under GPLv3, but is the same situation from the user's point.

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Why Torvalds is sitting out the GPLv3 process (Linux.com)

Posted Sep 29, 2006 0:34 UTC (Fri) by b3timmons (guest, #40286) [Link]

How is it impossible? Modified it won't run on your TiVo, but it runs here on my PC just fine.

Modified it must be possible to run it on my Tivo because that is what this whole thing is about: my ability to implement the same functionality in the same range of circumstances as what Tivo does by exploiting GPLed code for the device that I bought from them and now own. Fortunately, the GPLv3 restores my ability lost from Tivo exploiting a loophole.

And what about the same TiVo, just with the software in ROM? That is OK under GPLv3, but is the same situation from the user's point.

No--not the same situation, because now Tivo and I are now on an equal footing--Freedom One applying to neither of us, unlike the Tivoization case above.