Re: [PATCH] USB: mark USB drivers as being GPL only

David Newall
2008-02-05T11:18:20Z

Bernd Petrovitsch writes:

> On Mon, 2008-02-04 at 01:37 +1030, David Newall wrote:
> [...]
>> disadvantage Linux with respect to many classes of devices, for example
>> GSM transceivers when used in those parts of the world^ where regulatory
>> requirements prohibit modification of power or frequency settings, which
>> effectively prohibits open-source driver.
>
> Are you sure that that is not only (the results of) propaganda of
> (certain) proprietary companies?

well, yes.

> Usually the *user* (at home, wherever) sets "illegal" values. So it's
> the users responsibility and the manufacturer, importer or sellers don't
> care (if only that can't prevent other "illegal" actions like "beating
> some to death with $WLAN_ROUTER").

Or, as is the case perhaps almost everywhere, governments prohibit devices
that can operate outside of local requirements.

> Or do you get a gun manufacturer before court just because someone
> committed a crime with a its gun?

Let's not confuse the issue.