Re: [Freedos-kernel] Packing kernel with aPack saves 1.3 KB

[Alain <ala...@co...>]

Luchezar Georgiev escreveu:

> On Sat, 31 Jan 2004 15:16:05 +0000 (GMT), Bart Oldeman wrote:
>
>>> I've now prepared the precompiled kernel binary (OpenWatcom 1.2, FAT32,
>>> 8086) in ROMDSK this way. (It always contains the latest CVS kernel.)
>>> Last note: aPack-ed programs can be freely distributed for
>>> non-commercial purposes, but otherwise require a license (the fee is 
>>> $29
>>> for individual users and $95 for companies, see
>>> http://www.ibsensoftware.com/products_aPACK.html).
>>
>>
>> i'm a little worried about this -- this may be incompatible with the 
>> GPL!
>
>
> I don't know really. If anyone is competent on licensing issues 
> (albeit not a lawyer) fell free to comment.


I have done a not of  licence reading and discussed with some lawyers, 
and my understanding is:
If YOU as any specific person is a legal owner of aPack, you can 
compress it and distribute it without restrictions, including 
redistribution. But if anyone wants to recompile it he same program he 
will need to buy it, BUT there is nothing in the GPL that says that 
GPLed sw has to use free compilers!

So, it can be done but will be a major nuisance and should therefore be 
avoided ...

Alain

>