Re: [Discuss-gnuradio] PS3 versus freedom

[Robert McGwier]

John:

We are not using xlc and are not likely to use xlc.  We are using the 
free parts of the SDK including spu-gcc and ppu-gcc for example.  For 
this project in fact, we cannot distribute any code built with xlc.

However, nothing about the gpl prohibits individuals from using xlc to 
generate binaries for their own use so long as they do not distribute 
the binary.

The PS3 has been available to the end users for only a few months.  Yet, 
it really does speak to the foresight (and good taste) of Sony that 
before you or I could go to a store, even if it meant standing in line 
for hours and hours,  they had published a bootloader and clear 
instructions on how to put Linux on the thing.  Each and everything they 
have done in this area has been with the support of IBM and released 
GPL.  Sony has multiple representatives in daily conversation with the 
lead developer for the kernel.  Eric and I both monitor the group and 
the results will be the clear instructions (if non trivial) on bring up 
a useful kernel on the PS3 that allows us to develop and use gnu tools. 
 IBM has contributed, under the GPL, their optimizations to FFTW.  The 
impact of this on GnuRadio using the PS3 is not to be underestimated.

While I understand your concern,  support your the basis for your stance 
on this and many of your other heartfelt issues turned cause célèbre, it 
is my OPINION that in this case, your concerns are misplaced.

Bob McGwier
(speaking only for myself)


John Gilmore wrote:
> > If you want to run on the PS3, you're most likely going to want the
> > IBM SDK 3.0.  The SDK really, really wants FC 7 on the PS3.
>
> Some people will do anything for crunchons -- or "promised future" crunchons.
> (A crunchon is a unit of number-crunching.)
>
> I was wondering why this SDK wasn't already part of the SuSe or FC7
> releases.  Ten minutes of research later, the answer is:  it's proprietary.
>
> Why would anyone on this mailing list want to install proprietary
> compilers?  The IBM license agreement is extortionate.  Besides the
> usual rape and pillage, it says that:
>
>   
> http://www14.software.ibm.com/cgi-bin/weblap/lap.pl?la_formnum=&li_formnum=L-MCHN-6MVMPV&title=XL%20C/C%2B%2B%20Alpha%20Edition%20for%20Cell%20Processor
>
>   *  You are not authorized to use the Program for productive purposes
>   *  THE PROGRAM MAY CONTAIN A DISABLING DEVICE THAT WILL PREVENT IT FROM BEING USED AFTER THE EVALUATION PERIOD ENDS. YOU MAY NOT TAMPER WITH THIS DISABLING DEVICE OR THE PROGRAM. YOU SHOULD TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID ANY LOSS OF DATA THAT MIGHT RESULT WHEN THE PROGRAM CAN NO LONGER BE USED. 
>   *  You assign to IBM all right, title, and interest (including ownership of copyright) in any data, suggestions, or written materials that 1) are related to the Program and 2) You provide to IBM.
>   *  Your right to run the program "ends after 90 days."
>
> [I hope Eric hasn't provided IBM a copy of the GNU Radio code that compiles
> under this compiler: IBM will end up owning the copyright on GNU Radio.
> This may occur even if Eric just posts the code in a public place where
> IBM can download it.]
>
> If the above wasn't enough, it's also against GNU project policy to
> use the mailing list or project documentation to advertise or advocate
> for proprietary software.
>
> If the GNU compilers for the CELL aren't good enough for us, I suggest
> that we improve them.  If we just can't exploit the CELL processor without
> proprietary software and patented algorithms, then I suggest we go
> back to focusing on hosting GNU Radio on hardware that comes with freedom.
>
>         John
>
>
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TAPR, Packrats, NJQRP, QRP ARCI, QCWA, FRC. ARRL SDR WG Chair
“An optimist may see a light where there is none, but why
must the pessimist always run to blow it out?” Descartes