Re: [GNU-linux-libre] Re: Freedom issues with non-free firmware in external files

[Alexandre Oliva]

On Aug 20, 2009, Karl Goetz <address@hidden> wrote:

> If my reading of [1] is correct, the only compiling required for b43
> chips (broadcoms) is to build the openfwwf firmware.

If the kernel is Linux 2.6.30 or above, yes.

Some code was added to support openfwwf explicitly (some differences in
file format, IIUC, in addition to a different filename), and it's
regarded as a second-class citizen, with the non-Free firmware still
preferred (requested first).

Linux-libre fixes that, of course.

> I'm still not convinced the loading mechanism does the user harm. (As
> opposed to an error telling them to install proprietary software on
> load, where I definitely agree its a problem.)

I don't think it's the loading mechanism per se, it's the request issued
by the kernel.

If there was any way to make it work without the kernel issuing a
request for a piece of software that is known to be non-Free, I think it
would be acceptable to keep it enabled.

But IMHO no program that goes “gimme non-Free Software!” belongs in a
Free System Distribution.

-- 
Alexandre Oliva, freedom fighter    http://FSFLA.org/~lxoliva/
You must be the change you wish to see in the world. -- Gandhi
Be Free! -- http://FSFLA.org/   FSF Latin America board member
Free Software Evangelist      Red Hat Brazil Compiler Engineer