Linus Denounces NDISWrapper, Denies It GPL Status

eldavojohn writes "On message boards, Linus Torvalds was explaining why NDISWrapper is not eligible to be released under the GPL even though the project claims to be. Linus remarked, "Ndiswrapper itself is *not* compatible with the GPL. Trying to claim that ndiswrapper somehow itself is GPL'd even though it then loads modules that aren't is stupid and pointless. Clearly it just re-exports those GPLONLY functions to code that is *not* GPL'd." This all sprung up with someone restricted NDISWrapper's access to GPL-only symbols thereby breaking the utility. Linus merely replied that "If it loads non-GPL modules, it shouldn't be able to use GPLONLY symbols." As you may know, NDISWrapper implements Windows kernel API and then loads Windows binaries for a number of devices and runs them natively to avoid the cost and complication of emulation."

Comments

Meanwhile in an underground compound in Washington

[dread]

Yeah, this sort of thing really makes Linux look like a true contender.
I have got to say that with this type of thing going on inside the open source crowd, the closed source people have absolutely nothing to fear. Because nobody wants to deal with a crazy zealot. They want a "sure thing, we can fix that" attitude, and if they can't have that then at least not a lecture.

Re:Linus has already changed his mind

[IAmTheDave]

Linus' horse is getting pretty high these days. It's tiresome. It's like he's trying to rule a class that's no longer looking for a leader.

Re:Linus has already changed his mind

[mOdQuArK!]

Feel free to fork the kernel and make something better. If not, unless you have something useful to say, then STFU.