Sveasoft6
join:2003-12-08
Sweden
| Sveasoft defamation An individual is distributing binaries of Sveasoft firmware via a web site that also includes several pages of text designed to defame Sveasoft and our work.
1) This individual has never subscribed or contributed to Sveasoft hence has never had the ability to download firmware from us to the best of our knowledge.
2) To the best of our knowledge no subscriber has knowingly or willingly distributed our firmware to this individual.
3) Due to 1 & 2 it is likely that this firmware is either not from Sveasoft or that it has been taken from someone's machine without their consent.
4) This firmware is distributed without source code in violation of the GPL.
5) The statements and text on the website are designed to defame Sveasoft and are there for no other reason than to dirty our reputation.
6) We have contacted several authorities but have been told in each instance they are powerless to stop this kind of behavior. Should anyone know who this individual is please contact your local authorities and report them. | |
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Drunkula
Premium
join:2000-06-12
Denton, TX | Re: Sveasoft defamation I don't have anything useful to add but that sucks! The world is full of buttheads....
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'I just love scanning for lifeforms!' | |
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Sveasoft6
join:2003-12-08
Sweden | The Linksysinfo site and Linksys corporate web sites were both the target of hacking attempts recently and it is likely the same individual is responsible. | |
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 | cableb4me
join:2002-03-09
Dunlap, IL
| Re: Sveasoft defamation Hacked firmware anthem: 
I was a rebel from the day I left school
Grew my hair long and broke all the rules
I'd sit and listen to my records all day
With big ambitions of where I could play
My parents taught me what life was about
So I grew up the type they warned me about
They said my friends were just a unruly mob
And I should, get a haircut and get a real job
CHORUS
Get a haircut and get a real job
Clean your act up and dont be a slob
Get it together like your big brother Bob
Why dont you, get a haircut and get a real job
I even tried that nine to five scene
I told myself that it was all a bad dream
I found a band with some good songs to play
Now I party all night and sleep all day
I met this chick, she was my number one fan
She took me home to meet her mommy and dad
They took one look at me and said, "Oh my god!
Get a haircut and get a real job!"
CHORUS
(Get a real job, why dont you get a real job,
get a real job, why dont you get a real job)
I hit the bigtime with my rock and roll band
The future's brighter now then I ever planned
I'm ten times richer then my big brother Bob
He's got a haricut and got a real job
CHORUS
(Get a real job, why dont you get a real job,
get a real job, why dont you get a real job) | |
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pandora
Premium
join:2001-06-01
Outland
 ·ooma
·Future Nine Corpor..
 ·Comcast
4 edits | Let me ask the source.
1) The above picture is credited to Sveasoft, and was found where a would be redistributers attempt to offer a version of a Sveasoft GPL binary was made. Could you please indicate, IS this a jpg for which you are responsible or which you in any way have an affiliation with? If so, please explain your affiliation with the jpg. Explain if this is yours, why on investigation of a claim of censorship I should endure baseless slurs and profanity from your company?
2) Has Sveasoft written as it has been accused elsewhere on dslreports to either DSLReports, Yahoo.com or 30mb.com and complained about any persons seeking or distributing Sveasoft GPL source or binaries? If so, could you please explain the nature of the infraction in seeking a Sveasoft GPL source or binary in detail as to why they would not be permitted to redistribute or aquire GPL code from a place other than Sveasoft?
3) If you have ever writen moderators or webhosts to prevent redistribution of Sveasoft GPL code or binary or requests for the same, please explain the basis; do you assert a right to request moderators on this board or webhosts elsewhere to remove user requests or links for alternative redistribution of Sveasoft GPL code or binaries?
4) Is the email listed at a questioned website a legitimate transcript of email you exchanged with the user anne3154juul@yahoo.com. If not, can you please provide either a flat denial of any exchange of email from you or a link to your unedited email to that user?
5) Do you assert any right beyond GPL for source or binaries in development? That is do you make a claim to be able to preclude redistribution of GPL code AND binaries in development which a subscriber has obtained from your site (or a licensee has obtained from a redistribution under GPL), or do you assert any right to preclude redistribution of Alchemy source or binary in any way, provided the distribution retains gpl licensing? If so, please state the nature of the right.
Thanks, hey I'm looking forward to great or at least revealing answers!  | |
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Sveasoft6
join:2003-12-08
Sweden
| Sveasoft is not responsible for the above picture.
The text at the defaming site is ficticious and no such exchanges ever took place.
If a Sveasoft subscriber chooses to redistribute their firmware under the GPL they are free to do so.
Sveasoft is not the "bad guy" here. We produce firmware and give it away for free (no cost).
Why are we on trial here and why do you wish to defame us? | |
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viper54g
join:2004-07-16
1 edit | The above p2p alchemy 5.1 firmware is different from the official one. Almost 150000 bytes different. (4 bytes in the beginning and the other in the end).
The strange thing is that the firmware is not larger, just different.
Looks to me like sveasoft tags their firmware to see which customer leaks it 
The 4 byte difference in the beginning is probably to identify the username and the other bytes are encrypted with this username to prevent people from simpely erasing their username from the firmware.
Or I could be wrong and this firmware contains a big backdoor. | |
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Brano
I hate Vogons
Premium,MVM
join:2002-06-25
Burlington, ON
 ·TekSavvy Solutions..
| Re: Sveasoft defamation I seriously doubt that they're compiling firmware for each client ...
I'm not their subscriber but from what I hear and read to subscribers they're giving for download latest development snapshot. The one which is on P2P may be simple just older date (but maybe not and it's a modified one  ) | |
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| | viper54g
join:2004-07-16 | Re: Sveasoft defamation Firmware version is the same. Custom firmware for each subscriber can be easely made with a PHP script.
I'm just curious if it's a username tag by sveasoft or a backdoor... | |
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| | | linksysOLD
join:2002-03-15
NI
| Re: Sveasoft defamation said by pandora  :
Undoubtedly the safest place to acquire a Sveasoft version is from Sveasoft. However, there seem way too many dead threads requesting Sveasoft firmware on the board here, and the Sveasoft reply seems at least at first glance inconsistent with a discussion I had with a moderator on dslreports yesterday... my questions weren't all directly answered (though the first was). It'll be up to the community now, to post if they've had difficulty redistributing code or binaries, or had anything pulled. Part of the "freedom" of GPL requires the community to act as one... it'd be nice to read of peoples experiences redistributing Sveasoft firmware as we have a claim here that people are free to do so per GPL directly from Sveasoft.
you all seem to miss the point. redistribution IS allowed HOWEVER... you must distribute both binary and source code together. just showing a binary is in violation of GPL licensing and this guy who hides behind a false ID only allowed Binary to be downloaded. HE is in violation not SVEASOFT. so why not target him.
can we now quit this saga to sveasofts blood.
--
Regards, Simon
www.linksysinfo.org
WRT54G v1.0 (Satori-v4.0 v2.07.1.7sv Firmware)
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| | | MrMoke
join:2002-06-06
Austin, TX
1 edit | Get a Life! Really- If anyone wants to complain, then complain to Linksys. They were the ones forced to release the source code for their products due to their violation of the GPL contract in the first place. This, combined with the lack luster performance of the bargain-basement native firmware, led people like Wi-Fi and Sveasoft to build something better.
It's bad enough that users are forced to use third-party firmware just get functionality, and now they complain when the creators no longer wish to enhance & maintain it for free.
This is really terrible. Instead of complaining to the company that caused the problem, you complain to the guys who are trying to fix it.
The next time you get hit by a car, DON'T yell at the EMT who is trying to restart your heart because he cracked a rib. It won't go well for you. | |
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| | | | tdb
join:2002-05-30
Concord, NC
·CT Communications
1 edit | Re: Get a Life! said by MrMoke :
It's bad enough that users are forced to use third-party firmware just get functionality, and now they complain when the creators no longer wish to enhance & maintain it for free.
Actually, my beef, along with several others, has always been with the way Sveasoft overreacts to things. One person puts up a website allegedly fabricating an email conversation and binaries w/o code, and James now banns EVERYONE who hasn't paid money from his boards. In the beginning, James insisted this was just a hobby and that he wasn't making money from it. A few people request source for his releases, one or two start demanding it. His reaction; to go to this whole subscription model and bash those he perceives as "freeloaders" for taking food out of the mouths of his family. This whole thing now becomes a business which he makes money from. I would post links to the threads on his board to back all this up, but I can't do that anymore sonce he deleted some of them and we now can't access the rest. This whole thing could have been avoided with a public CVS server. He, however, refused to do it citing a conflict with his business model. (he tried to claim bandwidth as an issue too, but several people immediately pointed to sourceforge.) Since when does a hobby or project need a business model to protect a revenue stream? If James had said from the beginning that he was in this for the money; then all this would probably have been avoided.
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Linux, it's what's for dinner. | |
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| | | | | MrMoke
join:2002-06-06
Austin, TX
| Re: Get a Life! Keeping in mind that James is the focal point of everyones misplaced anger, and has every right to be angry if he wishes, I can only suggest the following:
1) If you don't like it, don't use it!
2) If you don't pay for it, don't complain unless you want to join the development team.
3) Go back to Linksys and wait for firmware 'til the hot place freezes;) | |
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| | | | | | tdb
join:2002-05-30
Concord, NC
·CT Communications
| Re: Get a Life! said by MrMoke :
Keeping in mind that James is the focal point of everyones misplaced anger,
How is everyones' anger at him misplaced? It's his own actions that have made people angry at him.
quote:
and has every right to be angry if he wishes,
He has every right to do whatever he wants to. Just as I have every right to point out how he is overreacting.
--
Linux, it's what's for dinner. | |
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| | | | | viper54g
join:2004-07-16
| said by tdb :
said by MrMoke :
It's bad enough that users are forced to use third-party firmware just get functionality, and now they complain when the creators no longer wish to enhance & maintain it for free.
Actually, my beef, along with several others, has always been with the way Sveasoft overreacts to things. One person puts up a website allegedly fabricating an email conversation and binaries w/o code, and James now banns EVERYONE who hasn't paid money from his boards. In the beginning, James insisted this was just a hobby and that he wasn't making money from it. A few people request source for his releases, one or two start demanding it. His reaction; to go to this whole subscription model and bash those he perceives as "freeloaders" for taking food out of the mouths of his family. This whole thing now becomes a business which he makes money from. I would post links to the threads on his board to back all this up, but I can't do that anymore sonce he deleted some of them and we now can't access the rest. This whole thing could have been avoided with a public CVS server. He, however, refused to do it citing a conflict with his business model. (he tried to claim bandwidth as an issue too, but several people immediately pointed to sourceforge.) Since when does a hobby or project need a business model to protect a revenue stream? If James had said from the beginning that he was in this for the money; then all this would probably have been avoided.
Sveasoft has 3280 subscribers.
3280 * $20 = $65500 in only a half year...
Good hobby | |
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Titus Pullo
I came, I saw, I slept
join:2004-06-26 | Seems simple to me: given the muddy water, steer clear of either company. | |
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TLS2000
Crazy Canuck
Premium
join:2004-02-24
Mississauga, ON
·Shaw
2 edits | Re: Get a Life! Firmware Alchemy Pre5.1 available right now!
As soon as I get the source, I will release that as well. Given that it is protected under the GPL, I will be sending an e-mail to busybox to request formal permission to redistribute this, since they own the original code, just in case someone tries to get my hosting provider to shut it down.
I signed up earlier than the 17th, but it was this month or last month. I signed up before the Satori firmware was made public.
--
Tom Murdoch | |
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richk_1957
If ..Then..Else
Premium
join:2001-04-11
Minas Tirith
1 edit | I see a lot of talk about Sveasoft & the GPL, could somebody clear up a few points for me
[and since I'm not great on legalese, someone correct me if I'm wrong]. -
If you are operating under the GPL license, all software must be distributed not just as binaries, but with the source code. The software must be freely distributable with the only fee being a charge for the media that the software is distributed on, and if support is offered, a fee may be charged for that also
Now, as far as I know, Sveasoft is operating under the GPL, so where do they get off charging for downloads? Support, I can see [Red Hat does that, you can download the Linux ISO files, but if you want support for the downloaded product, there is a charge - understandable] | |
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jkonrad
Konman
Premium
join:2001-10-04
Mount Airy, MD
1 edit | Re: Somebody's getting to big for their britches GPL allows you to charge for support.
Looking at Sveasofts website the stable firmware downloads are stilla available at »www.linksysinfo.com :
"The Sveaoft forums are only open to subscribers. If you would like to test driver older, public versions of our firmware please see »www.linksysinfo.com ." | |
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richk_1957
If ..Then..Else
Premium
join:2001-04-11
Minas Tirith
| Re: Somebody's getting to big for their britches I realize that the GPL allows you to charge for support of a product, but not for the product itself - I can see & agree with that.
The links you sent »www.liksysinfo.com come up with a 'page not found' [I tried www.linksysinfo.com and it didn't work either]
Thanks | |
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| | | viper54g
join:2004-07-16 | Re: Somebody's getting to big for their britches It's linksysinfo.org | |
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richk_1957
If ..Then..Else
Premium
join:2001-04-11
Minas Tirith | Re: Somebody's getting to big for their britches Again, thank you | |
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| | kkapoor
join:2003-09-07
| (Disclaimer): Before the mod decides to shut down this thread please note that the following is intended to provide clarification and is no way intended to defame any persons or parties:
Is Sveasoft not in violation of GPL since they don't distribute the binaries and the source code together? I don't see the source code with the Satori Firmware distribution.
Also isn't the Sveasoft firmware based on the original Linksys source code available on the Linksys site - or did he develop his own from scratch. If it is based on the Linksys source code then he must release any modified source code to the public since it wasn't his from scratch.
Any clarifications would be helpful since it is not possible to get any info from the Sveasoft site anymore. | |
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| | | viper54g
join:2004-07-16
| Re: Somebody's getting to big for their britches Sveasoft firmware is based on the Linksys GPL code. You *could* find the Satori4 firmware and source code on sveasoft.com
But now you can't (as non subscriber) download anything anymore from sveasoft.com
On linksysinfo.org you can find the binairies, but not the source code. It is also unlikely that many people have the bandwidth to host the Satori4 source code.
And likely I think that there will not be anymore *free* firmwares from sveasoft  | |
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| | | | kkapoor
join:2003-09-07
1 edit | Re: Somebody's getting to big for their britches In that case then Linksysinfo is not allowed to distribute the Satori firmware without also hosting the source code. This is in violation of the GPL.
This is the same thing that Sveasoft was accusing 'that other guy', who had posted the Alchemy firmware, of doing. (i.e. Distributing the Alchemy firmware without the source code)
This seems completely duplicitous to me.
These are the criteria that need to be met for a GPL distribution:
* Does the distribution contain a copy of the License?
* Does it clearly state which software is covered by the License? Does it say anything misleading, perhaps giving the impression that something is covered by the License when in fact it is not?
* Is source code included in the distribution?
* Is a written offer for source code included with a distribution of just binaries?
* Is the available source code complete, or is it designed for linking in other non-free modules? | |
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| | | | | linksysOLD
join:2002-03-15
NI
1 edit | Re: Somebody's getting to big for their britches said by kkapoor :
In that case then Linksysinfo is not allowed to distribute the Satori firmware without also hosting the source code. This is in violation of the GPL.
if you get your facts right linksysinfo doesn't distribute it:) we link firmware downloads to another site:) i'll link the source code if you link but that will only be on the same source as sveasofts:) hahaha
--
Regards, Simon
www.linksysinfo.org
WRT54G v2.0 (Alchemy-pre5.1 v2.07.1.8sv Firmware)
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| | | | | | kkapoor
join:2003-09-07
2 edits | Re: Somebody's getting to big for their britches
if you get your facts right linksysinfo doesn't distribute it we link firmware downloads to another site i'll link the source code if you link but that will only be on the same source as sveasofts hahaha
Part of quote removed. ~sorto'
Hey, there is no need to get nasty. If you read my posts, I was seeking clarifications and trying to provide information based on the actual GPL license. It was not a designed as a criticism of your site. Your site provides an excellent service.
This is exactly the kind of nonconstructive reaction that we don't require in the open source community.
Please keep personal attacks out of the threads.
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jkonrad
Konman
Premium
join:2001-10-04
Mount Airy, MD | imo they need to have the source code on »www.Linksysinfo.com, but what do I know | |
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tdb
join:2002-05-30
Concord, NC
·CT Communications
| It's too bad he cut off access to the free forums. Now people who are just getting involved in this can't put the whole thing in context by reading the original threads that started this mess. All we have to go on is what he chooses to tell us.
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Linux, it's what's for dinner. | |
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kchan4
join:2000-07-14
Fremont, CA | Is "AfterBurner" the same as "Frame Burst"? Should I leave "Frame Burst" on or disabled for better performance? | |
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| tdb
join:2002-05-30
Concord, NC
·CT Communications
| Re: Sveasoft defamation said by morph3ous :
I think James has figured out an ingenious way to comply with the GPL, release code for free, and get paid for development. I paid my $20 for a subscription and am really happy with the firmware.
It is, actually. Too bad that wasn't the plan when he started. The subscription model came entirely out of the blue. Most all of us found out about it one day when we were locked out of the message boards for a day. Prior to that, James was just a really cool guy who added some nice features to the firmware and gave us a place to hang out. Overnight this whole thing became a source of revenue for him. If that isn't the case, then he, at the least, misled all of us in the beginning.
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Linux, it's what's for dinner. | |
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viper54g
join:2004-07-16
1 edit |
Today he closes the forums without warning, maybe tomorrow he will stop completely with the project... | |
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hg1981
join:2003-08-10
Los Angeles, CA | I dont feel safe having this firmware ,can anybody provide proof that there is a backdoor?? | |
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| tdb
join:2002-05-30
Concord, NC
·CT Communications
1 edit | Re: Sveasoft defamation said by hg1981 :
I dont feel safe having this firmware ,can anybody provide proof that there is a backdoor??
My assurance is that the source is available to everyone (at least up until yesterday) and that there are at least hundreds of people out there with substantially more education, training, and experience then me who just *love* pouring over source code. I figure if there is a back door, they'll spread the word soon enough.
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Linux, it's what's for dinner. | |
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See 13 replies to this post |
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ff1324
Everybody Goes Home
Premium
join:2002-08-24
On Four Day
1 edit | Wow, conspiracy theorists unite!!!! Back doors, GPL violations, hurt feelings....whatever happened to the love around here.
I have tried Sveasoft's firmware, I liked it, but I prefer wifi-box's software better. That being said, I completely agree with what Sveasoft is doing. Let me explain,
If I get together with some of my friends, acquaintances, and my dog and we write source code for something covered under GPL and we generate binaries for our own use, I don't have to give everything out. Why distribute beta software that is not complete? Once I'm comfortable with the finished product, release that publicly and include the source as required.
So, we can either view the $20 as a technical support fee or a membership fee to join the club for a peek into the beta world.
FWIW, reading the information I believe was on linksysinfo.org, Sveasoft has already clarified the licensing issues with those that manage the GPL system.
It seems to me that Linksysinfo.org and sveasoft.com are two seperate and different entitites run by completely different people. As both of these organizations have contributed very much to the world of the WRT54G router, I think we owe them gratitude for going where Linksys/Cisco hasn't. Someone with a beef against sveasoft has gone out to smear their name. Let's not help the weasel.
PS...I can understand why Sveasoft has secured their forums for now, but once this blows over, I hope they will open the WRT54G forum back up in the spirit of the internet and open development. Call it....a sign of good faith towards those that aren't the rotten apples.
--
The funny thing about firemen...night and day they're always firemen | |
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See 13 replies to this post |
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viper54g
join:2004-07-16
| You must understand that, James is getting $$$-eyes
If you have earned $65,500 in only a half year for tweaking existing firmware a bit, you don't want the firmware to be given away for free (and losing all that extra $$$).
Money is indeed a dangerous thing... | |
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harwoodr
Pornographic Memory
Premium
join:2002-09-05
Hamilton, ON
·Mountain Cable
| Disclaimer: I am a subscriber to sveasoft.
1. While the GPL doesn't allow for "private beta" releases... it is perfectly reasonable to only release compiled binaries to subscribers as long as the modified code is available to all.
2. If you subscribe, a condition of your subscription is that if you redistribute the pre-release binaries then your subscription is cancelled.
3. Having a subscription service for binaries and support is perfectly legal and reasonable... as long as all current (including pre-release/beta/whatever is being distributed to subscribers) sourcecode is made available to everyone - anything else is a violation of the GPL.
--
Become a Browncoat! | |
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See 64 replies to this post |
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hanoirocks
join:2004-03-04
Vancouver, BC | I have a great idea! Let's ask Oliver Stone what he thinks?
You guys are hilarious | |
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| linksysOLD
join:2002-03-15
NI
| Re: Sveasoft defamation said by hanoirocks :
I have a great idea! Let's ask Oliver Stone what he thinks?
You guys are hilarious
does he make custom firmware for the WRT54G?
--
Regards, Simon
www.linksysinfo.org
WRT54G v2.0 (Alchemy-pre5.1 v2.07.1.8sv Firmware)
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| | 11337845
Live free or die
Premium
join:2002-12-20
Seattle, WA
| Re: Sveasoft defamation said by linksysOLD :
said by hanoirocks :
I have a great idea! Let's ask Oliver Stone what he thinks?
You guys are hilarious
does he make custom firmware for the WRT54G?
No, but he didn't kill a serving president either. He just made a movie about someone who did and the controversy/conspiracy surrounding it. | |
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ElJay
join:2004-03-17
·Great Works Internet
| quote:
»www.sveasoft.com/modules/phpBB2/···p?t=3868
The policy for pre-release firmware is different. You can also choose to redistribute pre-release firmware under the GPL. You must also offer both source code and binaries as with the public releases. Should you choose to redistribute pre-release versions however, your subscription rights terminate and you will not have access to the Sveasoft forums or future firmware pre-releases afterwards.
I guess technically that sounds fine for GPL software, but I think it is pretty weak from an ethical standpoint. ("You can distribute it because I'm forced to allow that under GPL, but if I find out, then I will blacklist you and gyp you out of what you paid for.") | |
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joako
Premium
join:2000-09-07
/dev/null
 ·AT&T U-Verse
| Wouldnt it be possible to do the following (forgive me, because I am not exactly familar with the GPL license):
Create a shrinked down version of the linksys firmware with all the GPL code he wants to use including adding a module loader which will be distributed under GPL, and then creating either a single module or multiple modules which add all the features the current firmware adds, BUT these modules are not distributed under GPL as they are sveasoft's original work. | |
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