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From: Robert Dewar <robert_dewar@my-deja.com>
Subject: Re: Ada test example - Linux Software Installer
Date: 2000/05/07
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In article <hD5dQSoakfDi@eisner.decus.org>,
  Kilgallen@eisner.decus.org.nospam wrote:
> I am trying to avoid a requirement for those using the
> installer to distribute the source of the installer.

Well if it is GPL'ed, then of course you don't have to
distribute these sources, merely pass on the distribution
information that comes with the installer. Note that the
GPL does NOT require sources to be distributed with a
product, just made available, a pointer is fine, even if
there is a charge for getting the sources.

Now if you want an installer that you can modify and then
distribute as your own proprietary work without the sources,
the GPL is indeed unsuitable. Naturally the providers of
proprietary software would prefer licenses that allow them
to appropriate other people's work as their own, since it
saves them trouble. Whether authors are willing to allow
such appropriation is up to them. The GPL is suitable for
use if you want to make sure that your contributed work
remains open. If you don't mind your work being used by
others without attribution in contexts including proprietary
ones, then other licenses such as BSD are appropriate, or
you can just place your work in the public domain, renouncing
your copyright interests.



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