[ros-dev] GPL Microsoft Code in the CRT

[Alex Ionescu]

Ge van Geldorp wrote:

>>From: TwoTailedFox
>>
>>Owning?
>>    
>>
>
>Yes, Microsoft still owns that code, like I own the code I contributed to
>ReactOS. They (and me too :)) have given an irrevokable, perpetual license
>to use it, but they still own it.
>
>  
>
>>If this code is open-source/public domain, what is the problem?
>>    
>>
>
>There is no legal problem, but it can get confusing. "You guys didn't use
>any of the leaked source code, so there is no Microsoft code in your OS?"
>"Well, actually, there are a few bits of Microsoft code". I agree with
>Steven, it's much better to not have to explain this.
>  
>
There is a clear differnce between closed leaked source code and GPL 
code donated to the community. The whole point of the GPL is to benefit 
the entire base of developers and users with your code. If we're going 
to start behaving like immature brats "oh noes! It's MS GPL! ewww it's 
got the cooties!" then all we're doing is undermining the very essence 
of the open source movement. If you want MS to change their practices 
and start embracing this practice, it's not by denying them the right to 
have their code used that you're going to be helping things. By denying 
their code, you're just acting selfishly like a child and will make them 
think twice about what the whole point of Open Sourcing software is, if 
they're still bring treated like shit?

>GvG
>
>  
>
Best regards,
Alex Ionescu