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Frequently Asked Questions
Why reinvent the wheel? Hasn't this been done before?
Until recently, The OpenCD was the closest thing available similar to FreedomSampler™. However it was not designed for the express purpose of promoting Free Software as easily as possible. The source code for the OpenCD was difficult to locate, and was not available on the same disc as the binary files. This makes redistribution less than ideal. More importantly, The OpenCD project recently shut down, and was replaced by the OpenDisc.
The OpenDisc is even less ideal for the Free Software movement than The OpenCD -- it contains patent-encumbered multimedia codecs that cannot be legally distributed in the United States without risk of patent infringement lawsuits. It also contains software capable of bypassing DRM, which is a violation of the Digital Millenium Copyright Act, and therefore a criminal offense in the US. While the OpenDisc project has recently posted instructions on how to remove this software from their disc prior to distribution, the fact remains that the main purpose of the OpenDisc isn't promoting legal distribution, especially by business. This isn't necessarily a bad thing for everybody, but it's not what we're attempting to achieve.
The primary purpose of FreedomSampler™ is to promote Free Software -- as such, one must be able to easily (and legally) redistribute copies to others. See the next question for more details.
How does FreedomSampler™ address redistribution?
Let's face it: most people who use Free Software have no idea that they need to provide source code to anyone they distribute the source code to, or at the very least provide them with an offer to do so, in writing. FreedomSampler™ is designed specifically for redistribution, and takes all the worry away from complying with Free Software licenses.
Each FreedomSampler™ disc contains the full corresponding source code for all included applications on the disc itself. This eliminates the need to provide a written offer for source code, and gets rid of the hassle of keeping track of multiple CDs for each release. Simply make a copy of the CD, and distribute. That's it.
Is FreedomSampler™ cross platform?
In some ways, yes. While there currently isn't a version of FreedomSampler™ designed for other operating systems, all content on the FreedomSampler™ CD was selected due to the fact that there are already binary versions available for both Microsoft Windows® and GNU/Linux.
This makes it much easier for those wishing to slowly move from Windows® to Linux easier -- once they've gotten used to the applications provided by FreedomSampler™ they won't have to re-learn a new program when they move to Linux.
Also, utilizing the source code included on the FreedomSampler™ CD, one could compile the applications on a variety of operating systems and architectures.
Under what license is FreedomSampler™ released?
FreedomSampler™ contains a variety of Free Software. Currently, it includes software released under the following licenses:
GNU General Public License v2
GNU Lesser General Public License v2
Mozilla Public License
FreedomSampler™ may also include software released under other licenses. The documentation included on the disc will indicate which licenses are relevant to that particular version. A copy of all relevant license agreements is present on the FreedomSampler™ disc.
I'd like to support the original developers of the software included in FreedomSampler™ -- can you direct me to their websites?
Absolutely. We strongly support the efforts of the companies and project developers who made the software in FreedomSampler™ possible. We maintain a list Project Websites where you can support the hard work of these projects.
