MEPIS may be going Ubuntu

[Randy Gloden]

I wonder if adding easy access to the EasyUbuntu (or something similar 
to Automatix) would also cause legal  problems.  This was discussed a 
few days back and that kind of conversation is definately promising.  
There has to be a solution that satisfies all parties, yet gets those 
that desire this what they want with minimal fuss. 

I was also contemplating trying to get hold of the legal owners (whoever 
they are) and finding out just what is involved in getting the 'legal' 
codecs licensed like they are in multiple Windows world applications.  
How hard can it be?  I'm sure they would insist on binary only 
distribution, but that would at least put it equal to the proprietary 
binary video drivers we (hmm, some of us) use.

My fear is that the cost would be exorbitant.  Nonetheless, it would be 
good to know what the obstacles are.  Same for MP3.

---------Randy Gloden
www.microbabble.com

Sean D. Quinn wrote:

>On Sun, 2006-02-12 at 17:09 -0800, Matt Zimmerman wrote:
>  
>
>>On Sat, Feb 11, 2006 at 12:11:14AM -0600, Randy Gloden wrote:
>>    
>>
>>>However, when I hand out a Ubuntu CD for others to install on their own, 
>>>I will inevitablly hear back that much of the functionality that they 
>>>take for granted from their Redmondsoft installs is missing.  They want 
>>>to play DVDs, mp3, and expect to surf the net and have most multimedia 
>>>element function correctly.  (The Dells of the world are shipping 
>>>WinDVD/PowerDVD like mad)  These people don't want to hear a sermon on 
>>>the higher principles associated with free software.
>>>      
>>>
>>The problems you describe have little to do with the principles of free
>>software, but with patents.  Patent-encumbered software generally can't be
>>copied freely (e.g., the patent holder requires that royalties be paid for
>>each copy).  It is critically important that Ubuntu is able to be copied
>>freely, and that is where the conflict lies.
>>
>>There may be a market for a commercial derivative of Ubuntu which bundles
>>these additional components and is available for a reasonable price, but
>>this can't be Ubuntu itself.
>>
>>-- 
>> - mdz
>>
>>    
>>
>
>Matt's got it completely. It's a hard price to pay at first, but in the
>long run it makes sense. We'd need to maybe work with DocTeam in
>producing a small guide to put with the shipped CDs and DVDs from ShipIt
>in the future? A quick guide or something that would maybe express how
>one can listen to CDs or DVDs...
>
>I mean, right now, I'm listening to the new Death Cab for Cutie CD in
>Rhythmbox, and a new user may want to do something of the same
>magnitude. However, patent issues as you said and potential other legal
>issues prevail.
>
>I just wish there was a simple way we can let new users know how to
>enjoy in the goodness without having to worry about legal boundaries or
>crossing the line of free software vs. proprietary software..
>
>~sdq
>
>  
>
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