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Topic: jre1_5_0 violation of Sun License

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Winter Knight Offline

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Posts: 146
Joined: April 2006

Posted: Aug. 06 2006,04:37

I made an updated uci for java runtime enviroment. But, due to the license, I can't legally redistribute it.

What about the current jre1_5_0.uci? It's been in the repository for awhile, and I guess Sun hasn't said anything, nor has damnsmalllinux been sued. They probably haven't noticed. But still, I wanted to point out that the license does not permit redistribution, execept under very limited circumstances. It must either be within an organization, or with a "program" that you created, program meaning java app/applet.

"Sun grants you a ... limited license ... to reproduce and redistribute the Software, provided that (i) you distribute the software ... only bundled as part of, and for the sole purpose of running, your Programs..."

Also, a lot of info files in the repository claim that the software is GPL. Extension writers, be aware that not every piece software is GPL. I can't believe I had to say that. Even if it is free-ish, or comes from a company that regularly writes GPL software or regularly opens their source, or is public friendly, that does not necessarily mean that their software is GPL. In order for software to be GPL, the included license, either with the downloaded file, or on the website, must specifically say so.

humpty

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Posts: 655
Joined: Sep. 2005

Posted: Aug. 06 2006,16:17

I never did like java. Sun is not exactly an 'open' company, in fact they're not that different to M$. What I can't understand is why there was never an alternative to java or even anything similar.

roberts

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Joined: Oct. 2003

Posted: Aug. 06 2006,16:46

Did they change their license?
It used to be that you could not distribue their development version, i.e., their compiler, javac et al. Which we do not. The runtime used to be OK as you used to be able to call the jre embedded within browsers. Sun did not like that, as that meant incompatibilies, hence the jre from Sun. I never look at or would even consider java anymore. I guess we will have to review this.

Edited by roberts on Aug. 06 2006,16:47

nickelplated Offline

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Posts: 75
Joined: May 2005

Posted: Aug. 07 2006,21:24

So wouldn't you be in the clear simply by bundling it with another program, say, azureus for example? The issue of intent to use jre for any other purpose would rest solely with the user, not the packager, so by bundling it with any random java application you'd probably have enough leeway for it to never really be an issue.

3 replies since Aug. 06 2006,04:37

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Damn Small Linux Board » MyDSL Extensions » Net » jre1_5_0 violation of Sun License