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Windows has the OS exception in place, as would iOS. RMS has expressed the opinion that GPLed PhotoShop plug-ins aren't legal, nor is it legal to use a closed-source plug-in in the Gimp. The whole question of GPLed code in a non-free JVM has never been answered, as the JVM isn't quite an OS to qualify for the OS exception.

Thus, freedoms 2 & 3 are somewhat…flexible in practice.




There is no official "OS exception." But, the GPL does discriminate against "System Libraries"

Can you link to where RMS expressed that opinion? It goes directly against GNU's FAQ on the GPL[1].

It is a copyright violation to distribute closed source plugins for the GIMP. But, that is the reverse of the photoshop situation. The GIMP is GPL and so anything linking with it must also guarantee the same redistribution rights.

But, neither of these examples conflicts against your earlier examples. The GPL places no restrictions on your-- or your neighbor's-- personal use. And, you may distribute a GPL extension to a closed source product.

Of course, GNU would rather you'd implement a free software equivalent. :rolls eyes:

[1] http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#GPLPluginsInNF




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