Slashdot Mirror


Update On OpenBSD Firmware Activism

putko writes "Here's an update on the OpenBSD firmware activism. Basically, Intel says no. Plenty of contact info, in case you want to write someone an email or a phone call. As Theo writes, 'Without these firmware files included in OpenBSD, users must go do some click-through license at some web site to get at the files. Without those files, these devices are just bits of metal, plastic, and sand.'" While I applaud the notion behind Freer distribution (as in beer) it's also highly probable that Intel doesn't have much ground make them freer - we've seen this before on machines like the HP nw8000; basically, the wireless stuff is owned by someone else, licensed by Intel. That's not to say that the fight isn't worth fighting for freer distribution - it is. But if you want to make your voice heard, remember to be effective advocate.

3 of 134 comments (clear)

  1. Re:As a consequence of purchasing intel by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Dengai ra pooka. Burra leda bhadcow.

  2. Freer distribution by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Who is this Freer you speak of?

  3. Re:Effective advocacy by GreyWolf3000 · · Score: -1, Offtopic
    I really wonder how many people here lack the critical thinking skills to determine that this post isn't anti-FOSS.

    I see you got modded as insightful--but I bet with a higher UID and the right moderator this post could easily go south.

    --
    Slashdot: Where people pretend to be twice as smart as they really are by behaving like children.