[hackerspaces] Pirating Linux

[Matt Joyce]

The broadcom SOCs tend NOT to be open source.  While linux the kernel
and probably their wrt ripoff os is likely covered by the GPL or some
similar license... the broadcoms require proprietary binaries to
operate.

Thus lack of general support existing in openwrt or dd-wrt.

This likely could have caused them some confusion.

Fonera's 2.0n models for instance are broadcom... and they release a
fully buildable openwrty derivative.   But they cannot release source
for working with the broadcom SOC.

Such is life.

Also this could be a point of confusion for the manufacturer.  And in
defense of your cable company... they probably literally don't know
it's linux under the hood.  They are just white labeling and reselling
another vendors product.

Ignorance may not be an excuse but it's sometimes hard to catch things
like this.

-Matt

On Mon, Apr 2, 2012 at 3:47 PM, Yvan Janssens <ik at yvanj.me> wrote:
> It's this one:
> http://www.adbglobal.com/products/cable/cable-europe/adb-5723cx.html , but
> rebranded.
>
> Apparently they do offer GPL
> code: http://www.adbglobal.com/medias/files/support_files/how%20to%20receive%20the%20code.png
>
> Will mail them now, thanks ;-).
>
> The only thing I still have my doubts on, is the packaging. The package
> should contain a GPL notice, and instructions on how and where to find the
> source code.
>
> Yvan
>
>
> 2012/4/3 Stef <stefvd at gmail.com>
>>
>> The point of having an opensource *license* is that companies have to
>> accept it, if they dont they are indeed pirating open source, even if
>> that sounds a bit silly at first glance.
>>
>> It is most likely not something your ISP has much influence on, even
>> if they want to cooperate with you to resolve this issue. You should
>> contact the set top box manufacturer i guess.
>>
>> regards,
>>
>> Stef
>>
>> On Tue, Apr 3, 2012 at 12:30 AM, Yvan Janssens <ik at yvanj.me> wrote:
>> > Hello,
>> >
>> > Today I discovered that the major ISP over here uses GPL'ed software in
>> > their set top boxes, without even putting a GPL notice in the box (like
>> > most
>> > TV manufacturers do nowadays). I phoned their customer service, and they
>> > "don't know" that the device runs linux (it runs "proprietary polish
>> > software"), and know nothing about GPL notices.
>> >
>> > My questions are now:
>> >
>> > Can GPL software be pirated?
>> > If yes, is this a form of OSS "piracy"?
>> > How do I get them to release the source code?
>> >
>> > Where should I start to find a copy of the source code - the telco, or
>> > further? The device uses a Broadcom SoC with 256MB RAM and 4MB boot ROM
>> > (looks like any other set top box to me).
>> >
>> >
>> > Sincerely,
>> >
>> > Yvan Janssens
>> >
>> > --
>> >
>> > |_|0|_|   Yvan Janssens
>> > |_|_|0|
>> > |0|0|0|
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > Discuss mailing list
>> > Discuss at lists.hackerspaces.org
>> > http://lists.hackerspaces.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
>> >
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> 1984 was not meant as a manual.
>> _______________________________________________
>> Discuss mailing list
>> Discuss at lists.hackerspaces.org
>> http://lists.hackerspaces.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
>
>
>
>
> --
>
> |_|0|_|   Yvan Janssens
> |_|_|0|
> |0|0|0|
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Discuss mailing list
> Discuss at lists.hackerspaces.org
> http://lists.hackerspaces.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
>