Dell and the GPL

Hi everyone,

I'm new to Linux Australia, having just had this organisation pointed 
out to me, so I hope this question is appropriate for this group of people.

At my workplace, we have just purchased a new Dell server.  It includes 
an "iDRAC 6" which is a tiny embedded system running Linux, used for 
accessing the system remotely (e.g. to power cycle it, access the 
console, etc.)

As the device runs Linux - perhaps even GNU/Linux with all the other 
included software - I would like to take advantage of the GPL and modify 
some of the GPLv3-licensed software on the device.

While Dell have released the source code for the device firmware[1], 
unfortunately that's all it is - source.  There is no way to compile a 
firmware image or otherwise get modified code transferred onto the device.

This means having access to the source is effectively useless - what 
good is being able to change the code if I can't then compile and run my 
changed version?  Very clever tactic on Dell's part to appear compliant 
with the license but prevent people from modifying their devices.

It is my understanding that the GPL (particularly v3) covers this 
situation and that Dell should be releasing a full build environment so 
a custom firmware can be built.  I have tried contacting Dell about this 
with limited success, and unofficially I have been told that unless it 
will boost sales figures they're not interested.

Unfortunately I am not sure what to do next.  I have approached the Free 

Re: Dell and the GPL

On Wed, 1 Dec 2010, Adam Nielsen <a.nielsen@...> wrote:
> While Dell have released the source code for the device firmware[1], 
> unfortunately that's all it is - source.  There is no way to compile a 
> firmware image or otherwise get modified code transferred onto the device.

You should be able to build it.  But AFAIK there is no requirement to be able 
to install it.

> This means having access to the source is effectively useless - what 
> good is being able to change the code if I can't then compile and run my 
> changed version?  Very clever tactic on Dell's part to appear compliant 
> with the license but prevent people from modifying their devices.

Probably sloth mostly.

> It is my understanding that the GPL (particularly v3) covers this 
> situation and that Dell should be releasing a full build environment so 
> a custom firmware can be built.  I have tried contacting Dell about this 
> with limited success, and unofficially I have been told that unless it 
> will boost sales figures they're not interested.
> 
> Unfortunately I am not sure what to do next.  I have approached the Free 
> Software Foundation but they are overloaded with cases so they are 
> unable to help.

Make it an issue that will affect sales figures.  Start by getting your blog 
syndicated by Planet Linux Australia and any other popular syndication 
services for which you are eligible.  Then blog about it.

--

-- 

Council meeting notes - 2 December 2010

Thu, 2010-12-02 02:21 - 20:54
Linux Australia teleconference, and #LACTTE IRC channel

These notes are also available at http://linux.org.au/meeting/2010-12-02

Apologies: Alice Boxhall, Elspeth Thorne
Present: Peter Lieverdink, Michael Carden, John Ferlito, Joshua Hesketh

== Agenda ==

Accept minutes of Last Meeting
Proposed: John; Seconded: Michael. The motion was carried unanimously.

Status update on LCA2011
All tracking OK.

Status update on LCA2012
The council has made a decision regarding LCA2012.

Status update on Drupal Down Under
CFP is open, past break-even point now. All good.

Status update on WordCamp Melbourne
The council will set up a bank account for the team.

Status update on Survey
In progress.

Election process and AGM
The council has picked dates and will post an announcement after confirming the AGM date with the LCA team.

Re: Council meeting notes - 2 December 2010

On Thu, 2 Dec 2010 21:31:42 +1100 (EST)
Peter Lieverdink <me@...> wrote:

> Thu, 2010-12-02 02:21 - 20:54
> Linux Australia teleconference, and #LACTTE IRC channel
> 

Wow, and I thought I had long conference calls. 

--

-- 
cyeoh@...

Re: Council meeting notes - 2 December 2010

Hah - oops. We started in a different timezone and then flew around in the LA Concord 

I shall fix the timestamp on the website.

----- Original Message -----
> On Thu, 2 Dec 2010 21:31:42 +1100 (EST)
> Peter Lieverdink <me@...> wrote:
> 
> > Thu, 2010-12-02 02:21 - 20:54
> > Linux Australia teleconference, and #LACTTE IRC channel
> >
> 
> Wow, and I thought I had long conference calls.
> 
> --
> cyeoh@...
> 
> _______________________________________________
> linux-aus mailing list
> linux-aus@...
> http://lists.linux.org.au/listinfo/linux-aus

OLPC Australia documentary on Channel 7, Sunday at 11am

Tune in to Channel 7 this Sunday, 5 December, for a documentary about
One Laptop per Child Australia and our work in far north Queensland.

We have close to 5000 XO laptops deployed already, with an aim to roll
out 400,000 (with a comprehensive educational and support programme)
by 2014. All run Linux (Fedora-based) and Free Software.

Also, you can text the word LAPTOP to 044 SUPPORT (0447 877 678) to
show your support for our mission. For ever 100 received, Telstra will
donate an XO to a child in remote Australia. You can send as many
texts as you want. You can also show your support at
http://www.ideasforgood.com.au/ (one per IP address per day).

Please spread the word!

For more info:
http://www.dhanapalan.com/blog/2010/12/03/olpc-australia-documentary-on-the-teevee/
http://www.laptop.org.au/one-dream
http://www.ideasforgood.com.au/
http://www.yourtv.com.au/guide/event.aspx?program_id=260953&event_id=36449343&region_id=73

--

-- 
Bring choice back to your computer.
http://www.linux.org.au/linux

Re: Dell and the GPL

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Re: OLPC Australia documentary on Channel 7, Sunday at 11am

On Fri, 3 Dec 2010, Sridhar Dhanapalan wrote:

> 
> Tune in to Channel 7 this Sunday, 5 December, for a documentary about
> One Laptop per Child Australia and our work in far north Queensland.
>

And the television programme is named ..... ?

(In case it is not broadcast oustide the eastern seaboard states - so 
we would know for what we would be looking)

--
Bret Busby
Armadale
West Australia
..............

"So once you do know what the question actually is,
  you'll know what the answer means."
- Deep Thought,
   Chapter 28 of Book 1 of
   "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy:
   A Trilogy In Four Parts",
   written by Douglas Adams,
   published by Pan Books, 1992

....................................................

Re: OLPC Australia documentary on Channel 7, Sunday at 11am

Bret Busby said:
> On Fri, 3 Dec 2010, Sridhar Dhanapalan wrote:
>> Tune in to Channel 7 this Sunday, 5 December, for a documentary about
>> One Laptop per Child Australia and our work in far north Queensland.
> 
> And the television programme is named ..... ?

The programme is called “Ideas for Good: One Laptop Per Child
Initiative”, and runs from 11:00-11:30 AM.

<http://www.yourtv.com.au/guide/event.aspx?program_id=260953&event_id=36449343&region_id=73>

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Re: telstra ultimate usb modem not compatable with Linux????

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