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

[Edward Cherlin]

Sun says that it is trying to GPL Java, but is having trouble with
other owners of code that Sun licensed for inclusion in Java. I had
this discussion with several representatives about a year ago at a
conference.

I have had dealings with other such issues, such as the Marvell
firmware and driver for the wireless chip in the OLPC XO, where RMS
and Theo de Raadt accused OLPC of selling out. RMS and I have
discussed the XO case in various e-mails and in person.

On Thu, Dec 17, 2009 at 12:48, James Phillips <address@hidden> wrote:
> 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
>
>
>
>
>



-- 
Edward Mokurai (默雷/धर्ममेघशब्दगर्ज/دھرممیگھشبدگر ج) Cherlin
Silent Thunder is my name, and Children are my nation.
The Cosmos is my dwelling place, the Truth my destination.
http://www.earthtreasury.org/