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A GNU/Linux Distro Needing Windows To Install?

Posted by kdawson on from the for-some-values-of-instant dept.

dgun writes "I recently put together a new PC. When I purchased the motherboard, I noticed that it came with an instant-on OS, a small GNU/Linux distro called Splashtop. I assumed that the OS was on a ROM chip on the motherboard. To my great annoyance, when I tried to boot to this OS, a message said that it was not installed. It turns out that motherboard comes with an install disk for this GNU/Linux OS — that you can only run from Windows, to install Splashtop on the hard drive. First of all, doesn't installing it on the hard drive defeat the point of having an instant-on OS? If I wanted to dual-boot a small GNU/Linux OS, there are plenty that I could choose from. Second, if distributing GPL'ed software by means that completely preclude it from being used without Windows is not a violation of the GPL, should it not be?"

2 of 174 comments (clear)

  1. I don't really think so by Tenebrousedge · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Second, if distributing GPL'ed software by means that completely preclude it from being used without Windows is not a violation of the GPL, should it not be?

    Is that a trick question? The GPL says nothing about Windows, it just says that if they're distributing GPL'd binaries, you should be able to get the source code from them. Just because you don't like something does not mean it should be illegal.

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  2. Re:give me a break by dgun · · Score: 4, Interesting

    So I overreacted. But still, this is a little different than just downloading and installing some FOSS software on Windows. Part of the software is on the BIOS, or rather there must be some instructions in the BIOS to look for Splashtop, which ASUS calls Express Gate. And what of the setup program? Does the source for the setup program have to be provided? True the setup is probably just copying files, but it would be nice to know exactly where and what the BIOS is looking for to determine whether or not Express Gate is installed.

    Anyway, I was just pissed off because the way the thing was distributed, and I find it a little more than ironic that Asus is marketing an instant-on Linux distro as a feature to sell their motherboards, yet requires Windows to run it.

    byw, I have read on Ubuntu forums that Express Gate source is available on ASUS' website, but as yet have been unable to find it.

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