Jacob Maynard wrote: > Right, but we're talking about 8 months since Novell turned coat. In 8 > months, can all of the free developers (I refrain from saying open-source > because of the separate ideals, though open-source could join in) get > together and enhance the capabilities of a truly free system to the point > that there is no need for proprietary anything and is not uncomfortable to > switch to from Windows systems?
That's very subjective. Most Windows users would be satisfied with a GNU/Linux distribution /now/. On the other hand, some require niche applications that might never be released under a free license (perhaps not even ported to GNU/Linux). > Given time and a clear objective, > plus a worldwide collaboration, a system could be made to fit these > guidelines. This system is being made as we speak. Artificial deadlines aren't necessary. > So, if another company does this in another 8 months, we're in even bigger > trouble. No, /they're/ in trouble. These distributors all rely on GNU software, and will slowly fall behind when GPLv3 comes out. Their only options will be to fork, rescind the deal, or face off the FSF in court. Only cancelling the patent deal is feasible. Novell is exempt, but their current deal will expire in 2012 and they will then be on the same footing as everyone else. Matthew Flaschen _______________________________________________ Advocate mailing list [email protected] http://badvista.fsf.org/mailman/listinfo/advocate
