Mandrake Blocked By XFree86 4.4 License

Linzer writes "A mailing-list message posted by Mandrake Linux's main developer on the Cooker mailing-list states that the development version of the distro is about to revert from XFree86 4.4 to the 4.3 version because of XFree86's recent license change. Mandrake contributors have started asking for justifications from MdkSoft. Many point out features of XF86 4.4 [an 'an open source X11-based desktop infrastructure'] they can't live without, including support for some not so uncommon hardware. A later Cooker mailing-list post extends a bit on the reasons."

Comments

Re:So in other words....

[Namaseit]

Either your a troll or your retarded.

Re:Perhaps I'm Missing Something...

[Chris_Jefferson]

Note: This doesn't stop you making GPLed applications which use X.

Also, note that if XFree86 were GPL-compatable then placing any piece of GPLed code into it would force the whole program to be GPLed.. I'm not clear on why the XFree people should relicence their app to be GPL compatable, just so someone can make a derivate that is GPLed. Remember. GPL =\= free software.

*yawn*

[t0ny]

Oh wow, another linux holy war. how exciting. wake me when its over.

Re:While we're at it, is Fresco dead?

[soulhuntre]

In other words, Open Souce software can only really make progress in most cases when corporations sponsor it.

What happened to the idea that millions of highly talented programmers woudl "mad skillz" would flock in and make it all happen out of the goodness of their heart?

A, wait... it's reality causing the problem.

(p.s. yeah, yeah... mod me down cause it pisses you off I am right)

Re:And what would be the Problem?

[Rogerborg]

>Anyone have an explanation?

The long explanation is, well, long and boring. The simple explanation is that GPL advocates are sexually frustrated social retards who carry around a knife at all times just in case they get the chance to cut off their nose to spite their face.

In this case, they refuse to add "This product includes software developed by The XFree86 Project, Inc (http://www.xfree86.org/) and its contributors" to the end user documentation. That's it. That's the whole story. Make your own judgement about whether my "simple explanation" is hyperbole.