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[fsf-community-team] What is up with (Sun) Java?


From: James Phillips
Subject: [fsf-community-team] What is up with (Sun) Java?
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:48:07 -0700
User-agent: Mutt/1.5.13 (2006-08-11)

Hello,

In a recent reply I suggested that the Windows JRE was free software. I 
am mistaken: it is proprietary software in the worst sense:
   Linkname: Java Technology Licensing
   URL: http://www.java.com/en/download/license.jsp
"                      Sun Microsystems, Inc
                  Binary Code License Agreement
  for the JAVA SE RUNTIME ENVIRONMENT (JRE) VERSION 6 and JAVAFX
                        RUNTIME VERSION 1"

I guess I was under the impression that Java was free because I heard 
about the "Free and Open Source Java" (OpenJDK) that should not be 
confused with Sun's own implementation.
   Linkname: Free and Open Source Java - Overview
   URL: http://www.sun.com/software/opensource/java/

I don't know if I should be publicly mentioning this, but I have been 
invited to talk with some Sun representatives via telephone about their 
"Java Warehouse"/"Java Store" they are working on. I had clicked on an 
advertisement for it an read the FAQ. I commented that I am not 
comfortable recommending that people install programs like Open Office 
if the JRE installs a root-kit to facilitate the Java "App" store. I may 
have [del]said[/del] implied something about vi/emacs being better 
anyway (well vi, because I metioned bloat).

I also pointed out that any Apple-style app store breaks the "compile 
once, run anywhere" promise. (Only available for Windows or MacOSX, US 
residents (due to presence of DMCA?))

One thing I am unsure of I how much I should push the concept of free 
software if I choose to participate. Sun appears to do many things that 
show support for openess (such as opening the design of thier old 
server chips), but then then do things like this as well. I 
don't know what to think.

Regards,

James Phillips






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