Wireshark-bugs: [Wireshark-bugs] [Bug 1115] New: Users shouldn't have to accept GNU GPL
http://bugs.wireshark.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=1115
Summary: Users shouldn't have to accept GNU GPL
Product: Wireshark
Version: 0.99.3
Platform: PC
OS/Version: Windows 2000
Status: NEW
Severity: Normal
Priority: Medium
Component: Wireshark
AssignedTo: wireshark-bugs@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
ReportedBy: shawn-wireshark@xxxxxxxxxxx
The GPL doesn't cover usage, just modification and distribution. Users
shouldn't be required to agree to anything prior to using the software, but the
current installer prompts them to accept the GPL prior to installation.
This may seem like a minor point, but I think it's significant, because it
perpetuates the idea that you have to virtually sign some agreement before you
can use some software. Much of the point of the GPL is to show that there is
another way (and, we think, a *better* way), so it's unfortunate to have GPL
software reinforcing the wrong idea.
My suggestion is to retain the display of the GPL upon installation, but put a
heading on top that is something like:
"This is Free Software, and you are free to use it all you like, with no
restrictions or conditions. If you want to give copies of it to other people,
or to change it, you can do that, too, but there are some limitations designed
to make sure that whoever you give it to has the same freedoms you do. The
details are described below:"
Also, the "Accept" button (or is it "Agree"? I'd have to go look again) should
say "Okay" or perhaps even better "Dismiss".
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