[GNUz] How does GLU/GNUz differ from CLUG?

[Rik Tindall]

Nick Rout wrote:
> On Mon, March 12, 2007 5:56 pm, Rik Tindall wrote:
>   
>> Nick Rout wrote:
>>     
>>> Timothy Musson wrote:
>>>       
>>>> [1] Rik, there's no doubt that Ubuntu includes non-Free software, and
>>>>     intends to include more in future. To "opt out", you need to pick a
>>>>     GNU/Linux distro that does gymnastics to compile a truly free Linux
>>>>     kernel. Ubuntu doesn't do that.
>>>>         
Looking forward to a demo of what's better, in terms of Freedom :)

>>> I asked on the CLUG list earlier this week if Rik's support of ubuntu
>>> arose out of whether it refused to install non-free software by
>>> default (at that time I thought it didn't install anything non-free by
>>> default and that you had to go out and install it if you wanted it.
>>> However on watching a newly installed ubuntu box boot last night it
>>> clearly says "loading restricted drivers" - so now I am not so sure.
>>>       
>>  From the horse's mouth, http://www.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/licensing :
>>
>> "All of the application software installed by default is Free Software.
>> In addition, we install some hardware drivers that are available only in
>> binary format, but such packages are clearly marked in the restricted
>> component."
>>     

That wording allowed for a shift from 'restricted' being out by default, 
to 'restricted' in by default - requiring the choice of 'restricted' 
out. Hmmm. Watchers of the Ubuntu website will know how much the PR 
changes over time..

Truly, a business model.

>> So you, like me, probably chose to use the package like
>> linux-restricted-modules-2.6.15-26-k7 :
>>     
>
> No I don't believe I was given any choice at all. I installed ubuntu and I
> had that package installed. There was no choice, it was just there. Not
> that I personally object.
>   
Which version? This could be the new status.
> Also afaik the ubuntu kernel has the "non-free" elements that are removed
> by, eg gNewSense. Therefore ubuntu is no more free than any other distro.
> So from the FSF perspective ubuntu is out on two counts.
>   
Mostly I just like the way it prominently promotes Software Freedom etc, 
(despite its description as "Linux").

"Ubuntu is Free Software, and available to you free of charge. It's also 
Free in the sense of giving you rights of Software Freedom.." 
http://www.ubuntu.com/ubuntu

So you rightly say 'misleading advertising' to that now? But this looked ok:

"Absolutely Free of Charge - Ubuntu is a free, open source Linux-based 
operating system that starts with the breadth of Debian 
<http://www.debian.org/> and adds regular releases (every six months), a 
clear focus on the user and usability (it should "Just Work", TM) and a 
commitment to security updates with 18 months of support.."

The truth I most liked Ubuntu for bringing out, was that covered above - 
free does indeed mean cost-free within freenix culture, and always has 
done. But at the expense of Free? - Not good at all.

Yet you're going to have to show us what we can do about it, 
practically, as a group.

>> "Non-free Linux 2.6.15 modules on AMD K7
>>
>> - At least I think I remember choosing to use that..
>>     
I definitely chose that, because the '386' install is all you get off a CD.

I'm pretty sure there was no 'restricted' installed by default on 
6.06/Dapper. This has probably changed, for newer releases..

>
> As said above, I have no personal objection to the use of some non-free
> modules. I would prefer they weren't necessary, but I also prefer to have
> my computer working!
>
> One doesn't get a complete choice about hardware when buying, eg, a laptop.
>   

Yes. I feel no great compunction to change my computer use yet at all. 
Rather, I'm most grateful for how trouble-free it has become. - Make a 
case for how we could start working our way back towards more Freedom: 
it's important.

Cheers

-- 
Rik Tindall, InfoHelp Services <http://www.infohelp.co.nz> on virus-free
Ubuntu GNU/Linux 6.06 freeOS, 2.6.15-27-k7 kernel, GNOME 2.14.3 desktop
OpenOffice.org 2.0.2 suite, Mozilla.org Firefox 1.5.0.10 web browser and
Thunderbird 1.5.0.10 email, gEdit 2.14.4 webeditor, gFTP 2.0.18 fileXfer