New summary: Binary peripheral software
(If we are distributing it then it isn't firmware. I'll call
it 'peripheral software' until someone suggests a better term.)
There are differing views on two different questions:
Q1: Is binary peripheral software DFSG-free or not?
Q2: What do we do about it?
1. Binary peripheral software is DFSG-free.
We distribute it in main.
2. Binary peripheral software is DFSG non-free.
We distribute it in non-free.
3. Binary peripheral software is DFSG-non-free.
We distribute it in main because users can't do without it.
4. Some binary peripheral software is DFSG-free, some isn't,
depending on whether or not the binary is really the
preferred form for modification.
We distribute it in main or non-free as appropriate.
5. Some binary peripheral software is DFSG-free, some isn't,
depending on whether or not the licensor designates the
binary as the preferred form for modification.
We distribute it in main or non-free as appropriate.
6. Binary peripheral software is DFSG-non-free and, if GPLed,
not even distributable in non-free because the preferred
form for making modifications is not provided.
We don't distribute it at all.
7. Binary peripheral software is neither DFSG-free nor -non-free
because the Debian Free Software Guidelines don't apply to
software running on peripherals.
We distribute it in main.
Keep those opinions coming!
--
Thomas Hood
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