From: bryan@uhura1.uucp (A. Bryan Curnutt) Subject: Re: Linux users: PLEASE read the GPL and GLPL Date: Wed, 24 Feb 1993 13:29:50 GMT
In article <1993Feb23.184723.23224@sfu.ca> rchen@fraser.sfu.ca (Robert Chen) writes:
>
>>[...] As i understand it the GNU library license requires that
>>any commercial programs using it be provided with a link
>>kit.
>
>Both of these are completely false.
> [...]
>2) AT&T, Apple, and Lotus can get together in a big evil troup and use
>GCC and the libraries to their heart's content to make proprietary
>software - even patented software - without breaking the GLPL. They
>don't have to give a link kit. They don't have to give you shit.
Sounds like you need to read the GLPL again. The GNU Library General
Public License version 2, distributed with glibc-1.03, clearly states
in the plain-text section (i.e. before the legal definition of terms
and conditions that starts in section 0) that
GLPL> If you link a program with the library, you must provide
GLPL> complete object files to the recipients so that they can relink them
GLPL> with the library, after making changes to the library and recompiling
GLPL> it. And you must show them these terms so they know their rights.
It then spends considerable text explaining these requirements in more
legalistic detail in further sections. In particular, read section 6.
It is this set of object files that some people are referring to as a
"link kit."
-- Bryan Curnutt Stoner Associates, Inc. bryan%uhura1@uunet.uu.net (713)626-9568 voice (713)622-7832 fax