Re: [GNU-linux-libre] Developing free non-gnu operating systems

[Jean Louis]

* Denis 'GNUtoo' Carikli <GNUtoo@cyberdimension.org> [2021-09-30 17:11]:
> Guix has some of these programming language package managers too. The
> advantage of Guix over other distributions here is that it is in better
> position to fix things if something goes wrong.

This reminds me of the issue I have filed in Guix and which was
competely ignored since years related to GPL liense compliance, which
was re-filed and mentioned again and then again ignored.

>From GPLv3:
━━━━━━━━━━━

>   6. Conveying Non-Source Forms.

Guix does convey non-source forms of software.

>   You may convey a covered work in object code form under the terms
> of sections 4 and 5, provided that you also convey the
> machine-readable Corresponding Source under the terms of this License,
> in one of these ways:

>     a) Convey the object code in, or embodied in, a physical product
>     (including a physical distribution medium), accompanied by the
>     Corresponding Source fixed on a durable physical medium
>     customarily used for software interchange.

This above is not case with Guix and it would be extremely difficult
to convey Guix software on a physical object as it is dynamic
distribution. Not relevant for the remark.

>     b) Convey the object code in, or embodied in, a physical product
>     (including a physical distribution medium), accompanied by a
>     written offer, valid for at least three years and valid for as
>     long as you offer spare parts or customer support for that product
>     model, to give anyone who possesses the object code either (1) a
>     copy of the Corresponding Source for all the software in the
>     product that is covered by this License, on a durable physical
>     medium customarily used for software interchange, for a price no
>     more than your reasonable cost of physically performing this
>     conveying of source, or (2) access to copy the
>     Corresponding Source from a network server at no charge.

Above is also not the case for Guix, as there is no physical
product. Not relevant.

>     c) Convey individual copies of the object code with a copy of the
>     written offer to provide the Corresponding Source.  This
>     alternative is allowed only occasionally and noncommercially, and
>     only if you received the object code with such an offer, in accord
>     with subsection 6b.

Above is not case with Guix. Not relevant.

>     d) Convey the object code by offering access from a designated
>     place (gratis or for a charge), and offer equivalent access to the
>     Corresponding Source in the same way through the same place at no
>     further charge.  You need not require recipients to copy the
>     Corresponding Source along with the object code.  If the place to
>     copy the object code is a network server, the Corresponding Source
>     may be on a different server (operated by you or a third party)
>     that supports equivalent copying facilities, provided you maintain
>     clear directions next to the object code saying where to find the
>     Corresponding Source.  Regardless of what server hosts the
>     Corresponding Source, you remain obligated to ensure that it is
>     available for as long as needed to satisfy these requirements.

Above (d) is relevant for my remark. Problem is in the method of
distribution and additionally access to binaries and sources beyond
the method of distribution.

1. User gets binary from Guix; normally by using Guix method, Guix
   package manager; the method and GPLv3 are not quite aligned;

2. Mostly, there are no clear directions where to get the
   corresponding source on Guix or third party server; 

   But binaries are in general served over Internet, while Guix
   management let users to get binaries through Guix package manager,
   it is possible to get binaries from a network server. They are
   available and in that case this remark is not at all satisfied.

3. Guix does not maintain responsibility to remain obligated to ensure
   that packages are available for as long as needed. They should host
   source code in my opinion, but I think they don't.

4. Additionally, for every version of the package same is valid
   above. Versions change constantly. One cannot provide source for
   newest version while "forget" to provide source for some older
   version. 

>     e) Convey the object code using peer-to-peer transmission, provided
>     you inform other peers where the object code and Corresponding
>     Source of the work are being offered to the general public at no
>     charge under subsection 6d.

Above is also not the case for Guix.

There are other issues related to modified binaries and GPL version 2
and version 3 compliance.

I strongly suggest verification of these points.


Jean

Take action in Free Software Foundation campaigns:
https://www.fsf.org/campaigns

In support of Richard M. Stallman
https://stallmansupport.org/