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Open Source Licenses

 
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Open Source Licenses, What can I use for what?
NickDMax
post 8 Apr, 2008 - 11:51 AM
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Although I should go though and read all the various licenses that I use I really don't have the time nor the energy. Those documents are really not very interesting.

Does anyone know where I can get the cliff-notes version and a general comparison chart?

I ask because I tend to use a lot of Open Source libraries in my Java programming. But I really have never taken the time to actually find out what I can do with the software I develop. So far it has all just been for my own use, but I would like to see what my options are.
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Nova Dragoon
post 8 Apr, 2008 - 12:23 PM
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It has an faq on gpl.

http://www.gnu.org/licenses/


I remember seeing another article that explained licenses for programmers, I'm trying to find it.
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yanom
post 8 Apr, 2008 - 02:46 PM
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GPL is undoubtedly the best, because it requires people who make modified versions of yous software to make the modified version open source. With "complete freedom" licenses, like the BSD license, people can sell modified versions of the software for profit and not release the source, making money off you hard work.
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NickDMax
post 8 Apr, 2008 - 03:29 PM
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See, I am not looking for what license I should use (although that is a good topic) but what I need to look for when looking at open source libraries to add to my project.

From what I can tell of GPL it sounds like it actually sucks to me. I like open source as much as the next guy, but sometimes someone has to eat. So if I am creating software that I plan on using to feed me, then I need to know that I may have trouble using libraries that use the GPL license.
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Tom9729
post 8 Apr, 2008 - 05:34 PM
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Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, and I have no schooling in law, but...

GPL libraries -> Your program has to be GPL
LGPL libraries -> Your program does not have to be GPL

Most libraries you'll find are protected under the LGPL. Even when they aren't, you can still sell your program, you just have to provide the source code to your customers (ie. the people who buy it) IIRC.

If your program being GPL is an issue, write your own library or find one with a more compatible license. smile.gif

This post has been edited by Tom9729: 8 Apr, 2008 - 05:35 PM
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NickDMax
post 8 Apr, 2008 - 07:26 PM
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QUOTE
If your program being GPL is an issue, write your own library or find one with a more compatible license.


yea thats kind of the idea... determining which licenses are acceptable for what I would like to do. Basically I work for a nice big Corp. and I am working on a piece of IP and I wanted to make sure that the libraries I choose are not going to cause problems. In the end I suppose it is a question for legal but while I am working I wanted to have a rough idea...

it would be nice if GPL and LGPL were the only two licenses smile.gif
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yanom
post 11 Apr, 2008 - 03:17 PM
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QUOTE

From what I can tell of GPL it sounds like it actually sucks to me. I like open source as much as the next guy, but sometimes someone has to eat. So if I am creating software that I plan on using to feed me, then I need to know that I may have trouble using libraries that use the GPL license


Source code itself is not a commodity that can be bought and sold. You can still make money, however, even if you make your source freely available under the GPL. I'm not well versed in how you do this exactly, but I do belive the owner of Red Hat (An open source company) drives a Ferrari....... or mabe it's a Porsce. I'm no sure.
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KYA
post 13 Apr, 2008 - 02:37 AM
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QUOTE(yanom @ 11 Apr, 2008 - 04:17 PM) *

Source code itself is not a commodity that can be bought and sold.


I'd argue that it is intellectual property. The people who demand MS to reveal their source code are just plain dumb. The EU fine was outrageous!
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Tom9729
post 13 Apr, 2008 - 11:01 AM
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QUOTE(KYA @ 13 Apr, 2008 - 02:37 AM) *

QUOTE(yanom @ 11 Apr, 2008 - 04:17 PM) *

Source code itself is not a commodity that can be bought and sold.


I'd argue that it is intellectual property. The people who demand MS to reveal their source code are just plain dumb. The EU fine was outrageous!

The EU fine isn't for Microsoft not releasing their source code. It's for Microsoft continuously ignoring the EU's anti-trust laws. You may not like them, but if Microsoft wants to operate in other countries then they have to obey their laws, just like everyone else.

Microsoft released specs for a lot of communication protocols as a result of those fines. icon_up.gif
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yanom
post 13 Apr, 2008 - 04:52 PM
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QUOTE
I'd argue that it is intellectual property


yes, it is intelectuall "property". The term is a bit misguiding, as knowlege is not a comodity, and humans have no right to keep knowlege to themselves.
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