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Re: Does Hebrew U. violate the GPL?




Dear Alan, 

> Subject: Re: [OFFTOPIC] Potential GPL violation of Linux kernel by MOSIX?
> Cc: linux-kernel@vger.rutgers.edu
> 
> I consider it a violation of the GPL. Its not like OSS sound where the module

[...]

> 
> Linus has sent them a polite explanation of his viewpoint. We shall now see
> what happens the friendly way. Hopefully there will be no "after that".
> 
> If you absolutely must make your protest felt then I'd suggest you donate
> money to palestinian aid causes and tell the Hebrew university why you are
> doing it 8). For once a positive way to really annoy them ....

While me and absolutly anyone active on the Israeli LUG agree that abuse
of the GPL is unforgivable, I don't think that little remark at the end
was too funny. MOSIX is a military funded project, that for some
backwards biorocratic military reasons would only be released with hard
limits of 6 nodes for now. I do hope they will change their mind, but it
is probably not the decision of the Hebrew U to make. The Hebrew U has a
few Linux fans working for it, and I'm hapy to say our list is being
hosted by them too. it will be a sad day if I'll need to boycot that
University myself, but I'm giving them another chance round.

With that said, the GPL question has been known to them for a while now.
I discovered about their plans for a Linux port of MO6 and Mosix about
18 months ago, after they announced it on their website and have nagged
them twice in Email about it, not getting any replies about the subject.
It will be a sad day indeed when they realize they need to pack up and
move back to BSDI, but I agree it will be sadder still if they continue
to update it and give it to the IDF on Linux against the license.

I can assure you that me personally (and hopefully a few other people on
this list, possibly people who work on the project?) will compose a
hard-hitting open letter to HUJI if they don't find a legal solution to
this.

Ira Abramov
member of the Israeli LUG.