Re: call for seconds: on firmware
On Fri, Nov 14 2008, Charles Plessy wrote:
> Le Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 09:12:25PM +0100, Peter Palfrader a écrit :
>>
>> I'm hereby proposing the following general resolution:
>>
>> | Firmware is data such as microcode or lookup tables that is loaded into
>> | hardware components in order to make the component function properly.
>> | It is not code that is run on the host CPU.
>> |
>> | Unfortunately such firmware often is distributed as so-called blobs,
>> | with no source or further documentation that lets us learn how it works
>> | or interacts with the hardware in question. By excluding such firmware
>> | from Debian we exclude users that require such devices from installing
>> | our operating system, or make it unnecessarily hard for them.
>> |
>> | Therefore the Debian project resolves that
>> | a) firmware in Debian does not have to come with source. While we do
>> | prefer firmware that comes with source and documentation we will not
>> | require it,
>> | b) we however do require all other freedoms that the DFSG mandate from
>> | components of our operating system, and
>> | c) such firmware can and should be part of our official installation media.
>
> Hi all,
>
> can the secretaries state whether it is a supermajority option or not?
Yes, it is.
> If yes, how will we deal with it after it is voted? The GR will not be a
> foundation document but will rule over one. It will be hidden between many
> other GRs, which is in my opinion messy, especially if it happens multiple
> times: it will raise the entry barrier for people who want to understand
> Debian's principles.
If this GR passes, we will amend the social contract with the
language in the GR. The exact wording can be discussed, either now, or
when this passes.
> If the goal is to make a permanent decision, I would recommend a clear
> permanent change of our foundation documents.
Correct.
manoj
--
A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small package.
Manoj Srivastava <srivasta@debian.org> <http://www.debian.org/~srivasta/>
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