Idea for expanded support of some non-free software

[Jerry Haltom]

> Also, on the topic of Flash and Java - I know that it may be illegal to
> redistribute these things.  That's why I support the idea of dummy packages
> in this situation if it is legally unclear.

What would you propose a virtual package do? Tell the user to download
the distributable from the real web site and create a .deb file for
them? Check out 'java-package'.

> At this point, my biggest gripe is that Ubuntu doesn't want to fix bugs
> involving these things, even when it appears that Flash wasn't at fault - as I
> used the same version on Hoary and Warty and it doesn't have sound without
> disabling the sound server on Hoary (neither does CrossOver Office for that
> matter, so it isn't Flash specific).  Thus, it is the sound server breaking
> Flash, and not the other way around. Also, while some may say that Flash and
> Java are unnecessary and just make things prettier, couldn't this be said about
> the ATI/Nvidia drivers also? There are free drivers for these cards which work.

The ATI and Nvidia drivers allow redistribution. Please go read both
their licenses as well as that of Macromedia's and Sun's.

> Also, Ubuntu wants to be a great desktop distribution - and I don't think many
> desktop users would react positively to the fact that they can't hear any sound
> on, say, homestarrunner.com for example.  These desktop users to which Ubuntu is
> targeted will certainly not know about disabling the sound server.
> In short, I appreciate all the feedback, and I see where Ubuntu is coming from
> and what they legally can and can't do.  My only suggestions are 1)Accept bug
> reports relating to non-free software if free software is at fault for the
> breakage 2)Make it a bit easier to install support for non-free formats, and
> include "dummy packages" for these formats if they can't be added to
> restricted.
> 
-- 
Jerry Haltom <wasabi at larvalstage.net>
Feedback Plus, Inc.