Ubuntu from source

[Rashkae]

Derek Broughton wrote:
>
> Of course they're not.  I also specifically said "for any package they don't 
> modify".  That is, _they didn't package_.  The fact is, Ubuntu _does_ 
> repackage everything, but they don't have to. I have a right to redistribute 
> Ubuntu packages - unmodified.  If I do so, I _don't_ have to provide source 
> - I can point users to Ubuntu, or charge them for shipping.  

Exactly right.  My point being, it doesn't matter if you modify the
source, as far as your obligations go, except that directing them to
Ubuntu repos would not be on the table as an option. You still have to
be ready and able to provide source code for all binary packages you
distribute from your own resources, with or without a
service/distribution fee, at your discretion.  And if you did not
include the source with the binary, you have to make that offer in writing.

This doesn't really apply if all you're doing is copying Ubuntu CD's and
 handing them out, as Ubuntu sorta kinda grants anyone agency for doing
that.  (Ie, you are distributing on behalf Canonical, and Canonical
assumes responsibility for it.)  However, if you were to use Ubuntu to
create your very own specialized Linux Variant.. (like, say, for real
life example, Mepis Linux), you would under the GPL be required to make
available all the source for GPL components yourself, whether or not you
made any changes.