Bruce Perens On Combining GPL and Proprietary Software 218
jammag writes "Combining GPL and proprietary software is ever more common, especially in the world of embedded devices like cell phones. But the question is: how to combine them legally. As sticky as the issue is, there is an answer, as self titled "open source strategic consultant" Bruce Perens explains. The proper procedure entails fully understanding what type of open source software you're using, and knowing why you need to combine these disparate licenses. The problem, he notes, is that many companies don't know or care about doing this legally. 'They're used to just "clicking yes" with no regard to what they're committing themselves and their company to.' Hopefully Perens' guide can be read by more company execs — resulting in fewer lawsuits going forward (but we're not holding our breath)." update 21:31 GMT by SM: Bruce wrote in to make sure we knew he was not a lawyer, even though he is weighing in on a legal issue; updated to reflect.
Comment removed (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Hi (Score:3, Funny)
Are you saying that this linux can run on a computer without windows underneath it, at all ? As in, without a boot disk, without any drivers, and without any services ?
That sounds preposterous to me.
If it were true (and I doubt it), then companies would be selling computers without a windows. This clearly is not happening, so there must be some error in your calculations. I hope you realise that windows is more than just Office ? Its a whole system that runs the computer from start to finish, and that is a very difficult thing to acheive. A lot of people dont realise this.
Microsoft just spent $9 billion and many years to create Vista, so it does not sound reasonable that some new alternative could just snap into existence overnight like that. It would take billions of dollars and a massive effort to achieve. IBM tried, and spent a huge amount of money developing OS/2 but could never keep up with Windows. Apple tried to create their own system for years, but finally gave up recently and moved to Intel and Microsoft.
Its just not possible that a freeware like the Linux could be extended to the point where it runs the entire computer fron start to finish, without using some of the more critical parts of windows. Not possible.
I think you need to re-examine your assumptions.
Re:Bruce Perens? Why Would Anyone Care About Him? (Score:3, Funny)
"An "Ask Slashdot" with the goatse guy would be more enlightening to read."
LOL, he certainly has had a tremendous and lasting impact on Slashdot. I would love a interview with the guy. Does he use Linux or Windows? BSD or GPL for his open source projects? We've all gotten insight into one side of him. It's long over do to learn about the other.
Re:Bruce Perens? Why Would Anyone Care About Him? (Score:3, Funny)
If even he says that Linux is a pain in the ass to use, my advocacy days are over.
Re:Hi (Score:-1, Funny)
Thank you for your support. In answer to your question, though it was undoubtedly facetious, let's just say that I have a special working relationship with several of the moderators. You could, too, if you meet certain criteria. Please email me some code samples and a few pictures of yourself, preferably pictures of you at your computer. Don't be embarrassed if the only pictures you have of yourself are without any clothing, that's fine by me. I'll consider your potential and email you or IM you back. No creeps or minorities, please.
Re:when nuns attack (Score:3, Funny)