On Fri, Aug 25, 2006 at 11:42:19AM +0200, Marco d'Itri wrote: > >> > I think we should learn from OpenBSD on this front. > >> I agree. Indeed, the OpenBSD project not only distributes > >> sourceless firmwares, but also sourceless firmwares with a > >> license which forbids modifications and reverse engineering. > >Care to back up that statement? It runs 180 degrees counter > >to my understanding of OpenBSD. > Feel free to dig in the OpenBSD mailing lists archives if you care.
OpenBSD does ship sourceless firmware, but: 1. They do not ship firmware forbidding redistribution or modification. See the *-license files in the subdirectories of http://www.openbsd.org/cgi-bin/cvsweb/src/sys/dev/microcode/. On the other hand, for example, they do *not* ship the IPW firmware because Intel refuses to permit redistribution rights (take a look at their ipw(4), iwi(4), or wpi(4) man pages: http://www.openbsd.org/cgi-bin/man.cgi?query=ipw#FILES). 2. They don't pretend it's a non-issue by hiding their heads in the ``firmware-isn't-actually-software'' sandbox. They make it clear this is a necessary compromise... kinda like how Debian defends its non-free section. If Debian wants to do similarly, go ahead. Just don't lie about what you're doing. -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]