Dapper installation notes/Stuff that needs fixing

[Santiago Roza]

On 2/22/06, Aigars Mahinovs <aigarius at debian.org> wrote:


> Acually it is not illegal for a user to download those codecs as they
> are infact all freeware codecs.

what does that have to do with *anything*?  the term "freeware"
doesn't mean much more than "you can legally use these binary files
without paying, as long as you use them in the exact same way we tell
you in the eula".

that license agreement not only doesn't authorize redistribution, but
only applies if you "sign" it, ie you install the official package. 
so if you don't "sign" it, you're using those files without a license
= you're using them illegaly.


> It is also not illegal to offer that
> package for download if you insure that content in question is taken
> down if a cease and desist order comes in from a copyright holder.

who says that?  not copyright law, that's for sure.  copyright
infringement is always illegal, wether you're prosecuted or not.


> It
> must be insured that the content is held in a country where software
> patents do not apply

the main problem with w32codecs is copyright, not patents.


> If there is a reliable location from where an automated process can
> download w32codecs pack

that would be a country without copyright law and/or agreement to the
berne convention.  good luck finding one  :)


--
Santiago Roza
Departamento I+D - Thymbra
santiago.roza at thymbra.com