Messages in this thread | | | From | "Riley Williams" <> | Subject | RE: What exactly does "supports Linux" mean? | Date | Wed, 14 May 2003 08:57:28 +0100 |
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Hi.
> This is really a trademark related labelling issue. The trademark > allows Linus or his assignee to specify in what way Linux (tm) may > be used in labelling and advertising. Linux is just like other > products with third-party parts and supplies. If Linus's assignee > (Linux international?) where to specify explicit guidelines then > people would know what to expect. Something like: > > Linux certified: > The mainline kernel has a driver and it has been certified > as functioning with this hardware by OSDL or some other > officially sanctioned lab. > > Linux supported: > The mainline kernel has a driver.
Fine so far.
> Linux compatible: > Source code driver is available as a patch.
In other words, if a patch is available for the 1.0.0 kernel, they can claim "Linux compatible" ??? That's meaningless...replace with something like...
Linux 2.2.2 compatible: Source code driver is available as a patch for the stated mainline kernel.
...with the specific version to be made explicit. As a minimum, it needs to state the actual kernel series the patch is for.
> Runs on Linux: > A binary only driver is available that can be used with > mainline kernel.
Similar comments apply. Again, require that the kernel that driver works with is made explicit.
> Supports Linux: > A portion of the purchase price will be donated to > Linux International.
So a company provides a product for $5,000.00 and donates $0.01 of the purchase price to the specified organisation, thus entitling themselves to say "Supports Linux" by this rule. Can I suggest this alternative definition:
Supports Linux: At least 1% of the purchase price will be donated to Linux International.
> You will notice this all relates to mainline kernels (Linus and > Marcello). If the product requires a vendor kernel they need to > negotiate with the vendor to say so.
Agreed.
> These are just suggestions. Many other products (including MS > windows) have similar labelling restrictions, often with logos. > Use of the term "Linux" in packaging or advertising or products > inconsistent with the official designations would be trademark > infringement.
Agreed.
> Different rules would apply to products that exist strictly in > user-space.
That's not necessary - just define:
Runs under Linux: This product work on a system based on a mainline Linux kernel without making any modification to the kernel itself or loading any kernel modules.
That is all that is required there.
Best wishes from Riley. --- * Nothing as pretty as a smile, nothing as ugly as a frown.
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