Re: gens License Check - Non-free (original) (raw)

Patrick Herzig writes:

The question is if the Linux kernel itself can be interpreted as being a "storage or distribution medium". Storage or distribution of binary blobs is at least not the primary purpose of the Linux kernel as it would be much easier to just store or distribute them on tape.

What does the primary purpose have anything to do with it? When I buy a new computer, I do it because I want the functionality it offers -- not because it is a distribution medium for software.

Also, the Linux kernel is, unlike a tape or a CD, not really suitable for storing or distributing binary blobs as it is (in that sense) intangible and needs to be attached to a medium to be stored or distributed.

I don't follow. Does this line of argument mean that a Debian mirror server or archive violates the GPL, since Debian too is intangible?

Michael

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