[Sussex] Logitech

[Angelo Servini]

<snip: SD Wrote; Re- demanding drivers from manufacturers>
> 
> But unless they release the software under the GPL you are no better
> off.  And I do mean the GPL - you need a license that allows you, the
> user, access to the source.  The BSD license just will not do - it
> empowers only the developers, not the users too.
> 
> Think of it this way:  If they don't release the software under the
> GPL how are you going to upgrade to a new version of the kernel (to
> patch a security bug) if they don't support that version of 
> the kernel?
> You an either stop using their software or remain open to an 
> attack - not
> a nice position to be in.
> 
> Demand the GPL!!!!!!
> 
> Steve - Getting off his soap box :-)
> 
> P.S.  To avoid the flame fest, in this e-mail I use the term GPL to
> include any GPL-like license that REQUIRES that the user has access
> to the source.
> 
</snip>

You know.  It makes my blood boil.  As others have mentioned in the past, these manufacturers go for what they see as the majority OS because they don't see the profit in producing drivers (GPL or not) for just a few desktops.  Everytime we get a piece of kit that doesnt have a Linux driver or a device that we would like to use, we need to badger them with mail (its worth a try).  If we just shut up and write drivers ourselves (not to say that is a bad thing), the situation will continue.  Mind you, these guys wont even give out details of their hardware, because of what they see as protection of their IP.  That could also be a reason for them plugging M$ because it is a closed system.


I know the disposition of women: when you will, they won't; when
you won't, they set their hearts upon you of their own inclination.
                -- Publius Terentius Afer (Terence)


--
Angelo Servini
Programmer/Analyst
Claybrook Computing Ltd
Sutherland House
Russell Way
Crawley
West Sussex.  RH10 1UH
* 01293 604955
* 01293 604099 (Fax)
* angelo.servini at claybrook.co.uk






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