diff --git a/gpl-installation.tex b/gpl-installation.tex new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..6036fad817303182aa6b32bdc4b8697cfbeeb524 --- /dev/null +++ b/gpl-installation.tex @@ -0,0 +1,59 @@ +\documentstyle[twocolumn]{article} +\pagestyle{empty} +\begin{document} + +%don't want date printed +\date{} + +%make title bold and 14 pt font (Latex default is non-bold, 16 pt) + +\title{\Large\bf A Comprehensive Consideration of Installation Requirements of the GPL} + +%for two authors (this is what is printed) + +\author{\begin{tabular}[t]{c@{\extracolsep{8em}}c@{\extracolsep{8em}}c} + Bradley M. Kuhn & Behan Webster \\ + Software Freedom Conservancy, Inc. & Converse In Code +\end{tabular} +} + +\thispagestyle{empty} + +\maketitle + +\subsection*{\centering Abstract} + +The GNU General License (``GPL'') is the most widely used \textit{copyleft} +license for software. Copyleft licenses function as copyright license in +atypical manner: rather than restricting permission to copy, modify and +redistribute the software, copyleft licenses encourage and enable such +activities. However, these license have strict requirements that mandate +further software sharing by enabling downstream users to easily improve, +modify, and upgrade the copylefted software on their own. + +GPL has two versions in common use: version 2 (``GPLv2'') and version 3 +(``GPLv3''). Both versions require those who redistribute the software to +provide information related to the installation of software modified by +downstream. These installation requirements, however, differ somewhat in +their details. While some business practices around license compliance +efforts have reached adequate sophistication to address simpler compliance +problems, firms have generally given inadequate attention to the installation +requirements of both common versions of GPL\@. Misunderstanding of these +clauses is often common, and violations related to installation instructions +remain prevalent. + +Furthermore, perceived differences in the requirements, and lack of rigorous +study of the Installation Information requirements of GPLv3\S6 has allowed +rumor and impression, rather than a textually grounded adherence to the +written rules, to govern industry response in adoption of software licensed +under GPLv3. The resulting scenario often causes redistributors to assume +the GPLv2 has \textbf{no} requirements regarding installation information, +and that GPLv3's requirements in this regard are impossible to meet, +particularly in security-conscious embedded products. + +This paper explores the installation provisions of both common versions of +GPL, discusses historical motivations and context for each, and suggests best +practices regarding installation information for firms that redistribute +software under both licenses. + +\end{document}