ONWARD TO GPL 2.5
ONWARD TO GPL 2.5
Dear Linux Magazine Reader,
We’ve had another lively month in the debate between the Linux kernel developers, led by Linus Torvalds, and the Free Software Foundation (FSF), led by Richard Stallman,
on the proposed changes to the Gnu Public License (GPL). Some prominent kernel developers put out a position paper asking the FSF to “…abandon the current GPLv3 process before it becomes too late.” Linus did not sign the paper, although his objections to GPLv3 are well known. The FSF then posted their own paper, which they said would clarify “recent misleading information.” The discussion boils down to provisions regarding patents and digital rights management (DRM). But every time I hear about this debate, I am taken back to a presentation by FSF attorney Eben Moglen at the 2005 San Fransisco LinuxWorld. The talk was just prior to the start of the approval process. The purpose of his talk was to define the approval process and the timetable; the details of the first GPLv3 draft were not known publicly at the time.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.