ubuntu aims (Re: Idea for expanded support of some non-free software

[Daniel Miller]

<begin rant>
I look at it like this.  If you want to proprietary software with
support, then get a distribution that does.  (i.e. Linspire)  It
doesn't make very much sense to try and change the policy of the
Ubuntu dev's to accommodate third party software.  Hey, even Microsoft
doesn't support third party software.

You should try to see if the software vendors could provide support. 
In the end the responsibilty of supporting 3rd party/proprietary
software shoudn't ever have to be on the shoulders of the Ubuntu devs.

</rant>

Daniel Miller


On Tue, 30 Nov 2004 19:36:06 +1100, Jeff Waugh <jeff.waugh at canonical.com> wrote:
> <quote who="Philippe Landau">
> 
> > >>of these, multimedia is the one lacking most,
> > >>so it would justify the biggest attention.
> > >Sure, and we're working on it, [...]
> > if, as you wrote, there are around 20 canonical
> > employees working on ubuntu, why can not at least
> > one concentrate on the field admittedly lacking the most ?
> 
> Because you're suggesting we dedicate time to supporting proprietary
> software. We are not going to do that, it is not in line with the goals of
> the Ubuntu community, or Canonical's sponsorship of it.
> 
> 
> 
> > >>>We can provide opportunities for people to provide legal and licensed
> > >>>software for using encumbered formats like DVD, everything mpeg, mp3,
> > >>>etc.
> > >>excellent. is this possible ?
> > >Of course.
> > this is confusing me: first you write for months that
> > you are still looking for legal ways to do this,
> > and now you say it is possible just like that ?
> 
> It would require patent and software licensing, which would involve non-Free
> software that you would have to buy. That is the only way to handle some of
> these issues legally. Canonical may pursue this; there are other companies
> who could do it too.
> 
> Sorry Philippe, I'm not going to continue this thread, I've given you all
> the answers I can. We're concentrating on Free Software right now, and will
> do what we can within those limitations. You are welcome to contribute to
> universe and multiverse if you find redistributable software to solve these
> problems, or methods of using the software without redistribution by Ubuntu.
> 
> - Jeff
> 
> --
> linux.conf.au 2005: Canberra, Australia                http://linux.conf.au/
>  
>                         Great minds think different?
> 
> 
> 
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