[Bug 179139] Re: Intel Wireless Restrictions: ipw2100, ipw2200 are not Free

[Troy James Sobotka]

06/06/08:  Changed to reflect proper package.

** Summary changed:

- ipw2100 and like cards are not "free"
+ Intel Wireless Restrictions:  ipw2100, ipw2200 are not Free

** Description changed:

  The Intel series of wireless adapters requires the usage of a binary
  blob firmware.
  
  Should this not be treated as a 'restricted' driver?  Nvidia's driver
  also requires the binary blob approach and is listed as a 'restricted
  driver.'
+ 
+ In particular, please note that in order to utilize the firmware, the
+ end user is subject to a EULA (no mention in Ubuntu's installation
+ procedure):
+ 
+ EULA for ipw2100:  http://ipw2100.sourceforge.net/firmware.php?fid=4
+ EULA for ipw2200:  http://ipw2200.sourceforge.net/firmware.php?fid=7
+ 
+ The 3945 has a binary microcode blob that has a license as well, but
+ doesn't seem as crippling:
+ 
+ http://bughost.org/ipw3945/LICENSE

** Tags added: intel ipw2100 ipw2200 wireless

** Changed in: linux-ubuntu-modules-2.6.24 (Ubuntu)
Sourcepackagename: linux-meta => linux-ubuntu-modules-2.6.24

** Also affects: linux-ubuntu-modules-2.6.22 (Ubuntu)
   Importance: Undecided
       Status: New

** Description changed:

  The Intel series of wireless adapters requires the usage of a binary
- blob firmware.
+ blob firmware.  In particular, consistent across all of the binary blob
+ firmware files is the following clause:
+ 
+ "Do not use or load this firmware (the "Software") until you have
+ carefully read the following terms and conditions. By loading or using
+ the Software, you agree to the terms of this Agreement. If you do not
+ wish to so agree, do not install or use the Software."
+ 
+ As such, the EULA is not presented to the user.  According to the web
+ page, one must accept the EULA before using the binary blob firmware.
  
  Should this not be treated as a 'restricted' driver?  Nvidia's driver
  also requires the binary blob approach and is listed as a 'restricted
- driver.'
+ driver' as it too requires an accepting of a EULA.
  
- In particular, please note that in order to utilize the firmware, the
- end user is subject to a EULA (no mention in Ubuntu's installation
- procedure):
- 
+ EULA locations for the relevant firmware blobs:
  EULA for ipw2100:  http://ipw2100.sourceforge.net/firmware.php?fid=4
  EULA for ipw2200:  http://ipw2200.sourceforge.net/firmware.php?fid=7
  
  The 3945 has a binary microcode blob that has a license as well, but
  doesn't seem as crippling:
  
  http://bughost.org/ipw3945/LICENSE

-- 
Intel Wireless Restrictions:  ipw2100, ipw2200 are not Free
https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/179139
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