Re: [gNewSense-users] Mono & gNewSense

[Kevin Dean]

The concept of "functions" in software is "covered" by a patent. The
idea of "exit codes" is covered as is the concept of "variables".

ALL computer code, then, is subject to patents. This makes Mono as
"threatened" by patents as, say, the keyboard driver in Xorg, or
Amarok or any software which is unquestionably "free". That said,
there would be NO distro that could exist (not even MS Windows or Mac
OS X) if the existance of patents negated the use of a given software.

gNewSense recognizes that and includes uncontested code. Since there's
never actually been a contested piece of code in gNewSense it's a
rather moot point, however.

I personally stand against overly broad software patents on general
principal but don't think it's that big of an issue really, since
everybody in the world knows pulling the trigger would be MAD.
(Mutually assured destruction).

On Dec 5, 2007 11:46 AM, Don Parris <address@hidden> wrote:
> A comment on LinuxToday, in response to my article on the importance of
> completely Free distros, mentioned that gNewSense contains Mono.  First, I
> really haven't looked to see whether Mono is really in gNS.  Have the devs
> here discussed Mono with the FSF, and what is gNS' position on Mono?  I know
> for a fact several people are checking the licenses, but Mono has the
> problem of potential patent issues.  I don't view Mono as "non-Free" - it's
> licensed as Free.  But what is the prevailing view around here regarding
> Mono?
>
> Not intending a flame ware, but a good debate might be kind of fun. ;-)
>
> Thanks!
> Don
> --
> D.C. Parris
> Minister, Journalist, Free Software Advocate
>  https://www.xing.com/profile/Don_Parris
> http://www.linkedin.com/in/dcparris
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