Lpc2000

Charles Manning wrote:

>>I am myself thinking of using FAT32. I found this driver (GPL)
>>that already provides FAT32 read support:
>>http://www.robs-projects.com/filelib.html
>>I am investigating if it is possible to add write support to it.
>>    
>>
>
>I'd like to remind y'all of the implications of GPL.
>
>In a small embedded environment (ie where you do not have OS-level 
>partitioning) If you use code under GPL, then you will need to make the rest 
>of your code freely available if you distribute any product that contains 
>this code.
>
>
>  
>
This is somewhat correct, not entirely.  We don't need to get into a 
copyright discussion here, there has been enough written about GPL vs 
LGPL licensing on other sites.  What you need to understand is that if 
you create software using GPL'ed tools, that _does not_ automatically 
place your code under the GPL (or LGPL).  If you bind (link) GPL or LGPL 
code into your code, then _yes_, you are bound by the copyright of the 
code you linked in.

The MMC DOS FAT filesystem is _not GPL_, the only license on that is 
from public domain and I only ask that you keep my name in it, as well 
as that of the original author.  This is merely respect, not a license.  
The original code was public domain, I'd like to keep it unrestricted use.

NewLib on the other hand, has various licenses, most of which are BSD 
style.  There is _no LGPL or GPL licensed code_ within NewLib!  You do 
have some requirements, read the COPYING.NEWLIB in the NewLib sources to 
see what your obligations are.  Basically, they wish you to give credit 
to the original authors and to disclaim any Fitness-for-Use (legalese to 
avoid entanglements).

What is your point?  To create confusion over using GNC gcc tools to 
build code?  Create confusion over using MMC FAT DOS over a commercially 
licensed product?  What?

TomW



-- 
Tom Walsh - WN3L - Embedded Systems Consultant
http://openhardware.net, http://cyberiansoftware.com
"Windows? No thanks, I have work to do..."
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