Wireshark-users: Re: [Wireshark-users] Windows installer bug: Users shouldn't have to accept GNU
Hi,
I'll copy my reply here as well in order to completely inform the
community.
--------------------8<---------------------------------------------------
Well, users of the program don't have to accept the GPL. I can walk up to
any machine which has Wireshark installed and use the program without
being asked to accept the GNU GPL.
On the other hand, handlers of a copy of the software, which they want to
install, do have to accept the GNU GPL since it concerns distribution.
If not satisfied this better be continued on the Wireshark Users mailing
list i.s.o. this bug database.
--------------------8<----------------------------------------------------
Thanx,
Jaap
On Thu, 21 Sep 2006, Shawn Willden wrote:
> [ Note, this was submitted as bug 1115 ]
>
> 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".
>
> Comments?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Shawn.
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