Binary blobs in GNU/Linux distros. How come? Please explain
by xlucas from LinuxQuestions.org on (#5BF1G)
Hi! This post is not about complaining on the existence of binary blobs. What I want is to understand what these pieces of software do, how they are attached to the free software bundle and how come they exist considering the limits imposed by free software licenses.
I've read many times that the most popular distributions, such as the Ubuntus, Linux Minut, Arch, etc., are not endorsed by the FSF because the Linux kernel in them contains binary blobs and because the distributions themselves include non-free software outside the kernel. It's clear that this is true. Ubuntu doesn't try to hide this and the sole existence of the linux-libre kernel makes it obvious. One particular case I know of is that of USB-based WiFi dongle drivers, which are typically non-free.
Now, what I don't understand is how the distro makers and the Linux kernel maintainers manage to include these things considering that the Linux kernel is GPLv2 and a great part of the tools included in most GNU/Linux distros (including Ubuntu, Mint and Arch) are also GPLv2 or GPLv3. How come there's no legal problem with this? Again, it really is a question, not a complaint, although I personally dislike these blobs, but that's not the matter of this topic.
Does it have anything to do with the way in which they are being distributed? Or do those blobs and pieces of software have a special license that, while not being a free software one, in a way, remains compatible with them? Please explain. Thanks!
I've read many times that the most popular distributions, such as the Ubuntus, Linux Minut, Arch, etc., are not endorsed by the FSF because the Linux kernel in them contains binary blobs and because the distributions themselves include non-free software outside the kernel. It's clear that this is true. Ubuntu doesn't try to hide this and the sole existence of the linux-libre kernel makes it obvious. One particular case I know of is that of USB-based WiFi dongle drivers, which are typically non-free.
Now, what I don't understand is how the distro makers and the Linux kernel maintainers manage to include these things considering that the Linux kernel is GPLv2 and a great part of the tools included in most GNU/Linux distros (including Ubuntu, Mint and Arch) are also GPLv2 or GPLv3. How come there's no legal problem with this? Again, it really is a question, not a complaint, although I personally dislike these blobs, but that's not the matter of this topic.
Does it have anything to do with the way in which they are being distributed? Or do those blobs and pieces of software have a special license that, while not being a free software one, in a way, remains compatible with them? Please explain. Thanks!