Re: gpl backlash?

[bruce]

From: John Cowan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Then in your view, only GPL-compatible programs can be run under Linux?

No, because of this exception that Linus makes to the GPL:

        NOTE! This copyright does *not* cover user programs that use kernel
        services by normal system calls - this is merely considered normal use
        of the kernel, and does *not* fall under the heading of "derived work".
        Also note that the GPL below is copyrighted by the Free Software
        Foundation, but the instance of code that it refers to (the Linux
        kernel) is copyrighted by me and others who actually wrote it.

                        Linus Torvalds



Linus explicitly stated that use of his exported interface would not be
considered derivation. Thus, there's no problem where Linux is concerned.

        Thanks

        Bruce