Linux on older laptops

[Hal Duston]

On Tue, Jan 03, 2006 at 04:39:08PM +0000, Luke-Jr wrote:
> On Tuesday 03 January 2006 07:55, Tom Bruno wrote:
> > If I write something, and make a piece of hardware, am I not entitled to
> > keep the details to myself?
> 
> You can keep the details to yourself provided you do not distribute the 
> hardware.

So you are in favor of compelled speech then.  E.g. if I manufacture a product,
I should be compelled to publish certain information about it.  I am aware
that other type of products are already subject to various forms of compelled
speech, e.g. nutritional information on food products, but compelled speech for
hardware seems a bit much.

> > How would it be immoral for me to not give away all the details of my
> > creation?
> 
> While not giving away all the details may be acceptable in itself provided a 
> moral reason, purposely hiding such details certainly would not be since it 
> is inhibiting others' rights to make modifications and such.

Others have the right to make modifications.  They do _not_ have the right to
compel my assistance in said modifications.

> > Providers of binary only software, or those whom will not co-op with the
> > opensource community have just as much right to act that way, as those who
> > do co-op with the community.
> 
> They have no right to limit the rights of others.

I am not limiting the rights of the others, by not giving them with my time.

> > It is their creation and they own all the rights.. which is why they can
> > keep it closed..  
> 
> It is only theirs until they give or sell it to somebody else. Once someone 
> else has obtained it legit, it is their rights to make modifications or 
> duplications.
>
> > Freedom of speech, upholds the right to not speak.
> 
> However, once you speak, freedom of speech also upholds the right of those who 
> heard you to tell others and expand on what you said.

This is correct, but it is not required for me to be guilty to have the
right to remain silent.

--
Hal Duston
hald at kc.rr.com