Le Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 09:12:25PM +0100, Peter Palfrader a écrit : > > I'm hereby proposing the following general resolution: > > | Firmware is data such as microcode or lookup tables that is loaded into > | hardware components in order to make the component function properly. > | It is not code that is run on the host CPU. > | > | Unfortunately such firmware often is distributed as so-called blobs, > | with no source or further documentation that lets us learn how it works > | or interacts with the hardware in question. By excluding such firmware > | from Debian we exclude users that require such devices from installing > | our operating system, or make it unnecessarily hard for them. > | > | Therefore the Debian project resolves that > | a) firmware in Debian does not have to come with source. While we do > | prefer firmware that comes with source and documentation we will not > | require it, > | b) we however do require all other freedoms that the DFSG mandate from > | components of our operating system, and > | c) such firmware can and should be part of our official installation media.
Hi all, can the secretaries state whether it is a supermajority option or not? If yes, how will we deal with it after it is voted? The GR will not be a foundation document but will rule over one. It will be hidden between many other GRs, which is in my opinion messy, especially if it happens multiple times: it will raise the entry barrier for people who want to understand Debian's principles. If the goal is to make a permanent decision, I would recommend a clear permanent change of our foundation documents. Another concern is that while I feel that there is a strong majority who is keen on "releasing Lenny with the firmwares", I am not sure if we all agree on the other consequences of this GR. My understanding of it is that it allows source-less firmwares in main, but Peter mentioned an interpretation in which the consequence of the GR is the creation of a new section (whith a transitory period where the firmwares stay in main). ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). In terms of workload for some developpers, it makes a big difference. I would really prefer hearing their opinion before voting for a supermajority resolution that may not be applied if nobody wants to deal with the work overhead of having a new section outside main. Have a nice day, -- Charles Plessy Tsurumi, Kanagawa, Japan -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
