List of software that does not respect the Free System Distribution Guidelines

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These packages all present some kind of issue for distributions that are trying to follow the Free System Distribution Guidelines. Developers working on these distributions should take special care to make sure that these issues are addressed in one way or another. The list below includes package names, details about the problem and citations, and recommended strategies for addressing the issue as appropriate. The initial list comes from Trisquel, and should also match gNewSense filters, so it contains both Ubuntu specific packages and common ones too.

Please do not add a package to this list until it's been discussed on the gnu-linux-libre mailing list and/or with RMS. Some corner cases can be tricky to decide, and it's good to take time and make sure we have the right decision before listing something. Thanks for your help with this.

Checking for packages that don't follow the guidelines is an important part of checking the distribution, but not the only one. The FSDG Checklist Template itemizes the most important criteria for FSDG-compliance. The FSDG Review Guide offers more ways to check a distribution's compliance with the other guidelines. It's a newer resource, so please consider contributing there if you can.

Contents

Packages

Anything to PostScript (Perl version)

Description: Perl implementation of Anything to PostScript.
Homepage:
Problem: Non-commercial license.
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: gNewSense GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #33409, a2ps.pl has a non-commercial clause
Copyright file: a2ps-perl-ja copyright file
(Source) package name(s): a2ps-perl-ja

ACE

Description: An object oriented programming toolkit in C++.
Homepage: http://www1.cse.wustl.edu/~schmidt/ACE.html
Problem: Distribution and modification of the DDS4 specification is restricted.
Recommended Fix: Use version 6.0.1-1 or above
References: gNewSense GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #33560, Non-commerical in ace_5.7.7.orig.tar.gz
Copyright file: ace copyright file
(Source) package name(s): ace

AcetoneISO

Description: Application to mount and manage CD and DVD images.
Homepage: http://www.acetoneteam.org/
Problem: Requires non-free software.
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package or replace PowerISO dependency with free software.
References: gNewSense GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #33543, pkg acetoneiso suggests and requires non-free (software)
Copyright file: acetoneiso copyright file
(Source) package name(s): acetoneiso

aee

Description: An easy to use screen-based editor
Homepage: http://mahon.cwx.net/
Problem: Non-free license: Artistic license 1.0
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: Trisquel GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #1641, ee 1.4.2 - artistic license 1.0
Copyright file: aee copyright file
(Source) package name(s): aee

afio

Description: afio manipulates groups of files, copying them within or between filesystems and an afio archive.
Homepage: http://freshmeat.net/projects/afio/
Problem: Non-free license
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: Debian GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #509287, afio: license is non-free
Copyright file: afio copyright file
(Source) package name(s): afio

app-install-data-commercial

Description: 3rd party proprietary software supplied by Canonical.
Homepage:
Problem: Recommends non-free software.
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References:
Copyright file: app-install-data-commercial copyright file
(Source) package name(s): app-install-data-commercial

apt

Description:
Homepage: http://wiki.debian.org/Apt
Problem: Example sources.list files in the documentation refer to repositories with nonfree software.
Recommended Fix: Change file to refer to repositories that only contain free software (e.g. gNewSense, Trisquel)
References: gNewSense GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #29724, example sources.list suggests non-free repositories.
Copyright file: apt copyright file
(Source) package name(s): apt

Audacious plugins

Description: Plugins for the Audacious audio player.
Homepage: http://audacious-media-player.org/
Problem: Inaccurate copyright information in version 2.3 marks some files as MAME licensed.
Recommended Fix: Use version 3.2.1-1 or above
References: Debian GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #594519, multiple copyright problems make software non-redistributable as currently packaged
Copyright file: audacious-plugins copyright file
(Source) package name(s): audacious-plugins

Axiom

Description: General purpose computer algebra system.
Homepage: http://axiom-developer.org/
Problem: File(s) contains non-free license.
Recommended Fix: Use version 20110301a-1 and above.
References: gNewSense GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #33557, Axiom has a non-commercial component
Copyright file: axiom copyright file
(Source) package name(s): axiom

b43-fwcutter / b43-tools

Description: A tool for extracting the non-free firmware from non-free driver distributions, for use with free drivers.
Homepage: http://wireless.kernel.org/en/users/Drivers/b43 http://bues.ch/cms/hacking/misc.html#linux_b43_driver_firmware_tools
Problem: b43-fwcutter is only useful for obtaining non-free firmwares.
Recommended Fix: Use the free openfwwf firmwares, remove the b43-fwcutter program. The b43-fwcutter program might be included in a "b43-tools" package; the other programs in b43-tools are useful with openfwwf; only b43-fwcutter needs to be removed from that package.
References:
Copyright file: b43-fwcutter copyright file
(Source) package name(s): b43-fwcutter b43-tools

bcm43xx-fwcutter

Description: Management utility for non-free firmware (contrib)
Homepage:
Problem: Only useful to install non-free software
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References:
Copyright file: bcm43xx-fwcutter copyright file
(Source) package name(s): bcm43xx-fwcutter

blobandconquer, blobwars, starfighter, viruskiller

Description: Games by Parallel realities.
Homepage: http://www.parallelrealities.co.uk/
Problem: Includes artwork and music not properly licensed
Recommended Fix: (1) For Debian GNU/Linux derivatives use packages marked dfsg, (2) remove non-free material, or (3) remove program/package
  • (4) For blobwars use version 1.18-1 and above.
References: http://www.happypenguin.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4725&highlight=
Copyright file: blobandconquer copyright file
(Source) package name(s): blobandconquer, blobwars, starfighter, viruskiller

bnetd

Description: Gaming server that emulates Battle.net®
Homepage:
Problem: Only useful with non-free software
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: Debian GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #691082, bnetd: should this package be removed?
Copyright file: bnetd copyright file
(Source) package name(s): bnetd

boinc / boinc-app-seti

Description:
Homepage: https://boinc.berkeley.edu/ and http://setiathome.berkeley.edu/
Problem: (1) boinc downloads nonfree apps
(2) Unclear licensing of texfont.C and texfont.h files (glut)
Recommended Fix: (1) White-list only free distributed computing projects. (2) Use freeglut or glut version 3.7-13 or above
References: Trisquel GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #5658, Package boinc downloads nonfree apps
Copyright file: boinc copyright file
(Source) package name(s): boinc, boinc-app-seti

cacti

Description: Frontend to rrdtool for monitoring systems and services
Homepage: http://www.cacti.net/
Problem: ftiens4.js, ftiens4_export.js and the icons in include/treeview folder have unclear license
Recommended Fix:
References: Debian bug 679980
Copyright file: copyright file
(Source) package name(s): cacti

chromium-browser

Description: Freed version of googles Chrome Web browser
Homepage: http://www.chromium.org/Home
Problem: (1) Copyright or license of some code is unclear
(2) Links to proprietary plugins.
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=28291
Copyright file: http://src.chromium.org/viewvc/chrome/trunk/src/LICENSE?revision=HEAD&view=markup
(Source) package name(s): chromium-browser

chromium-bsu

Description: Fast paced, arcade-style, scrolling space shooter
Homepage: http://chromium-bsu.sourceforge.net
Problem: Artistic License 1.0 for versions 0.9.14-1 and prior.
Recommended Fix: Debian, at least, has permission to distribute it under the Clarified Artistic License since version 0.9.14.1. Distribute that (or something based on it) and you're fine.
References: Version 0.9.14.1-1ubuntu1 copyright file (Trisquel package)
Copyright file: chromium-bsu copyright file
(Source) package name(s): chromium, chromium-bsu

cia-clients

Description: Scripts to talk to the CIA commit service.
Homepage: http://cia.vc/doc/clients/
Problem: Contains a script for bitkeeper, which is only useful with proprietary software
Recommended Fix: Remove bitkeeper script
References: Trisquel GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #5957, package cia-clients contains a script that is useful only with non-free software (bitkeeper)
Copyright file: cia-clients copyright file
(Source) package name(s): cia-clients

command-not-found

Description: command-not-found is the program suggesting what package to install if one tries to execute a non-installed application in a shell.
Homepage: https://launchpad.net/command-not-found/
Problem: Suggests proprietary software
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package or modify to not recommend proprietary software
References: Trisquel GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #5953, Program command-not-found instructs users on how to install non-free programs
Copyright file: command-not-found copyright file
(Source) package name(s): command-not-found

cracklib2

Description: pro-active password checker library
Homepage: sourceforge.net/projects/cracklib
Problem: Versions prior to 2.8.12-1 were licensed under modified Artistic License
Recommended Fix: Use version 2.8.12-1 or above.
References: See copyright file
Copyright file: cracklib2 copyright file
(Source) package name(s): cracklib2

cron

Description: background process that runs particular programs at particular times
Homepage: http://ftp.isc.org/isc/cron/
Problem: contains an example under the Artistic License, /usr/share/doc/cron/examples/crontab2english.pl. The license is mentioned in /usr/share/doc/cron/copyright
Recommended Fix: Remove offending file or ask author for proper license
References: https://trisquel.info/en/issues/10868
Copyright file: copyright file in Trisquel
(Source) package name(s): cron

d4x

Description: Graphical file downloader
Homepage:
Problem: Non-free license: Artistic license 1.0
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: See copyright file
Copyright file: d4x copyright file
(Source) package name(s): d4x

debian-installer

Description: Debian installer
Homepage:
Problem: Installer asks for non-free firmware
Recommended Fix: Modify to not recommend/ask for proprietary software
References: gNewSense GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #29275, Installer asks for non-free firmware
Copyright file: debian-installer copyright file
(Source) package name(s): debian-installer

debian-reference

Description: Documentation for using the Debian system
Homepage: http://www.debian.org/doc/user-manuals#quick-reference
Problem: Suggests/instructs installing proprietary software.
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package or modify to not recommend proprietary software
References: Trisquel GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #5950, Package debian-reference recommends the use of non-free software
Copyright file: debian-reference copyright file
(Source) package name(s): debian-reference

dosbox

Description: DOS compatible virtual machine.
Homepage: http://www.dosbox.com/
Problem: package “dosbox” in archive contains non-free parts
Recommended Fix: Use version 0.73+dfsg1-1 or 0.74-1 and above.
References: Debian GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #559443, dosbox: ymf262{c,h} lack licence statements
Copyright file: dosbox copyright file
(Source) package name(s): dosbox

dosemu

Description: DOS emulator.
Homepage: http://www.dosemu.org
Problem: dosemu is generally used in conjunction with FreeDOS -- FreeDOS binaries are included in the dosemu Debian package. However, it's not possible to build FreeDOS with free software; you have to use one of a few proprietary compilers.
Recommended Fix: Find a way to build FreeDOS with only free software, or other free DOS software.
References: http://lists.nongnu.org/archive/html/gnu-linux-libre/2010-12/msg00049.html

http://www.mail-archive.com/debian-legal@lists.debian.org/msg34680.html http://www.connochaetos.org/forum/topic.php?post=6074#post6074

Copyright file: dosemu copyright file
(Source) package name(s): dosemu

ee

Description: An "easy editor" for novices and compuphobics
Homepage: http://mahon.cwx.net/
Problem: Non-free license: Artistic license 1.0
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: Trisquel Issue #1641 (ee 1.4.2 - artistic license 1.0)
Copyright file: ee copyright file
(Source) package name(s): ee

envyng-core, envyng-gtk, envyng-qt

Description: Install the ATI or the NVIDIA driver
Homepage:
Problem: Program's sole purpose is to download and install non-free software
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: http://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnewsense-users/2009-06/msg00004.html
Copyright file: envying-core copyright file
(Source) package name(s): envyng-core, envyng-gtk, envyng-qt

firefox

Description: Web browser
Homepage: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/
Problem: Recommends non-free addons and plugins; automatically downloads cisco's binary h.264 codecs
Recommended Fix: Use GNU IceCat, or equivalent
References: GNUzilla and IceCat ("While the Firefox source code from the Mozilla project is free software, they distribute and recommend non-free software as plug-ins and addons.")
Copyright file: firefox copyright file
(Source) package name(s): firefox, firefox-3.0, firefox-3.5

fpc

Description: Free Pascal compiler.
Homepage: http://www.freepascal.org/
Problem: Versions prior to 2.2.2 contain non-free software (and a copyright violation)
Recommended Fix: Use version 2.2.2 or above
References: (Gnewsense-dev) Report of non-free software in gNewSense
Copyright file: fpc copyright file
(Source) package name(s): fpc

Free Abuse Extensions

Description: Levels and graphics for Abuse.
Homepage: http://abuse.zoy.org/
Problem: The "Claudio" add-ons don't allow distribution and only non-commercial use. (addon/claudio/claudio.lsp for abuse-frabs or data/addon/claudio/claudio.lsp for abuse-sdl)
Recommended Fix: Remove the Claudio add-ons.
References: gNewSense GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #33450, Non-free and non-commerical portion in abuse-frabs
Copyright file: abuse-frabs copyright file, abuse-sdl copyright file
(Source) package name(s): abuse-frabs, abuse-sdl

freedoom

Description: free game.
Homepage: http://www.nongnu.org/freedoom/
Problem: Musical plagiarism
Recommended Fix: Use version 0.6.4-1 or above
References: Debian GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #533135, freedoom: DFSG Violation: Copyrighted materials in Freedoom
Copyright file: freedoom copyright file
(Source) package name(s): freedoom

galeon

Description: gnome Web browser
Homepage: galeon.sourceforge.net
Problem: Recommends non-free software
Recommended Fix: Use GNU IceCat, or equivalent
References: gNewSense GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #30027, Galeon web browser proposes to download flashplayer plugin.
Copyright file: galeon copyright file
(Source) package name(s): galeon

gkrellm-snmp

Description: snmp plug-in for GKrellM
Homepage: http://triq.net/gkrellm/
Problem: Links against openssl without exception
Recommended Fix: Use version 1.1 or Debian 1.0-1.2 (see debian bug report)
References: Debian GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #508292, gkrellm-snmp links against openssl without exception
Copyright file: gkrellm-snmp copyright file
(Source) package name(s): gkrellm-snmp

GPL Ghostscript CMap data files

Description: Adobe CMap files for handling CJKV fonts.
Homepage: http://www.ghostscript.com
Problem: License prohibits modification
Recommended Fix: Use GNU Ghostscript. Debian derivatives may also use version 8.71.dfsg.2-0ubuntu1 and above.
References: Re: On the possibility of changing the license of Adobe CMap files
Copyright file: ghostscript copyright file
(Source) package name(s): ghostscript

gnome-app-install

Description: Browse and install software packages
Homepage:
Problem: Recommends nonfree software.
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package (program/package is depriciated)
References: Debian GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #568547, RM: gnome-app-install -- ROM; replaced by software-center
Copyright file: gnome-app-install copyright file
(Source) package name(s): gnome-app-install

gstreamer0.10-pitfdll

Description: GStreamer loader for DLL codecs (contrib)
Homepage: http://ronald.bitfreak.net/pitfdll.php
Problem: DLL codecs are nonfree
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: PitfDLL Homepage: Author explains why development was discontinued and why native free software implementations is the solution
Copyright file: gstreamer0.10-pitfdll copyright file
(Source) package name(s): gstreamer0.10-pitfdll

helix-player

Description: Media player
Homepage: https://player.helixcommunity.org/
Problem: Suggests that the user download the nonfree Real Player
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package or modify to not recommend non-free software
References:
Copyright file: helix-player copyright file
(Source) package name(s): helix-player

hplip

Description: printer drivers
Homepage: http://hplipopensource.com/
Problem: Suggests that the user download nonfree Binary Plug-In for some printers
Recommended Fix: Modify hp-setup and hp-plugin to not recommend non-free software
References: http://hplipopensource.com/node/309
Copyright file: in Trisquel
(Source) package name(s): hplip

iceape

Description: Iceape Internet Suite browser
Homepage:
Problem: Recommends non-free software
Recommended Fix: Use GNUzilla, or equivalent
References:
Copyright file: iceape copyright file
(Source) package name(s): iceape

iceweasel

Description: Browser based on Mozilla technology
Homepage:
Problem: Recommends non-free software
Recommended Fix: Use GNU IceCat, or equivalent
References:
Copyright file: iceweasel copyright file
(Source) package name(s): iceweasel

ipw2100, ipw2200, ipw2915, ipw3945

Description: Drivers and firmware for Intel wireless hardware
Homepage: http://ipw2100.sourceforge.net/ http://ipw2200.sourceforge.net/ http://ipw3945.sourceforge.net/
Problem: The software is nonfree.
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: See copyright files
Copyright file: Intel PRO/Wireless 2100 firmware TERMS AND CONDITIONS and Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG firmware TERMS AND CONDITIONS

isdnutils

Description: software to manage ISDN network connections
Homepage: http://www.isdn4linux.de/
Problem: At the very least, eurofile/src/wuauth/sigfix.c has a license which prohibits commercial use. There is also code in the codebase that has advertising clauses; more investigation is needed to determine whether or not this conflicts with the GPL that covers most of the code. The package also contains sourceless firmware.
Recommended Fix: Debian GNU/Linux derivatives use version 1:3.9.20060704+dfsg.1-1 or above
References: Debian GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #559425, isdnutils: various licensing issues
Copyright file: isdnutils copyright file
(Source) package name(s): isdnutils

ivman

Description: generic event handler for HAL events
Homepage: http://ivman.sourceforge.net/
Problem: Concerns about how dual-licensing was done. Project is also not being maintained.
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: Red Hat GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #208737, Review Request: ivman - Generic handler for HAL events (comment #18)
Copyright file: ivman copyright file
(Source) package name(s): ivman

jcadencii

Description: Cadencii is a multi-track piano roll editor for MacOS and Windows. It is designed for editing lyrics for singing and supports VOCALOID, VOCALOID2, UTAU, WORLD, AquesTone engines for synthesis.
Homepage:
Problem: Suggests nonfree software.
Recommended Fix: Use latest version from isengaara's utauloid PPA
References:
Copyright file:
(Source) package name(s): jcadencii

jockey

Description: GUI driver manager software
Homepage:
Problem: Installs for propietary drivers (contrib)
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References:
Copyright file: jockey copyright file
(Source) package name(s): jockey

konqueror

Description: Web browser
Homepage: http://www.kde.org/
Problem: Recommends non-free software
Recommended Fix: Use GNU IceCat, or equivalent
References: gNewSense GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #32954, Konqueror redirects to microsoft.com
Copyright file: konqueror copyright file
(Source) package name(s): konqueror

kopete

Description: IM Program
Homepage: http://www.kde.org/
Problem: Recommends non-free software
Recommended Fix: Use pidgin, or modify kopete to avoid recommendations.
References: Trisquel GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #3897, Kopete suggests skype install
Copyright file: kdenetwork copyright file
(Source) package name(s): kdenetwork

libmusicbrainz 4 and 5

Description: Library to access the MusicBrainz.org database
Homepage: http://musicbrainz.org/doc/libmusicbrainz
Problem: xmlParser.cpp and xmlParser.h files use the non-free "Aladdin Free Public License"
Recommended Fix:
References: upstream bug
Copyright file: copyright file
(Source) package name(s): libmusicbrainz4

libsmi2-common

Description: library to access SMI MIB information
Homepage: http://www.ibr.cs.tu-bs.de/projects/libsmi/
Problem: libsmi ships MIB files licensed under a restrictive license
Recommended Fix: For Debian GNU/Linux derivatives use 0.4.8+dfsg2-1 or above.
References: Debian GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #498476, libsmi2-common: libsmi ships MIB files licensed under a restrictive license
Copyright file: libsmi copyright file
(Source) package name(s): libsmi

libsnmp-base

Description: Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a widely used protocol for monitoring the health and welfare of network equipment (eg. routers), computer equipment and even devices like UPSs.
Homepage: http://net-snmp.sourceforge.net/
Problem: libsmi2-common contains a lot of MIB licensed under a restrictive license
Recommended Fix: For Debian GNU/Linux derivatives use 5.4.2.1-dfsg or above. Otherwise remove package/program
References: Debian GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #498475, libsnmp-base ships MIB files licensed under a restrictive license
Copyright file: net-snmp copyright file
(Source) package name(s): net-snmp

libxprintapputil

Description:
Homepage: http://xorg.freedesktop.org/releases/individual/lib/
Problem: libxprintapputil does not refer to a free software license, not in the source code files nor in COPYING. So default copyright applies, which makes the package non-free.
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: Debian GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #559448, libxprintapputil: No licence specified by upstream
Copyright file: libxprintapputil copyright file
(Source) package name(s): libxprintapputil

liferea

Description: Liferea is a simple FeedReader clone for GNOME.
Homepage: http://liferea.sourceforge.net/
Problem: Recommends non-free browsers
Recommended Fix: Modify the program to not recommend non-free software.
References: Parabola GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #144, (liferea) patch to remove nonfree browser recommendations
Copyright file: liferea copyright file
(Source) package name(s): liferea

linux linux-backports-modules* linux-ubuntu-modules

Description: The kernel Linux, and associated packages
Homepage: https://www.kernel.org/
Problem: Includes non-free blobs
Recommended Fix: Use linux-libre instead
References: gNewSense GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #29754, linux-backports-modules-x contains non-free software
Copyright file: linux copyright file
(Source) package name(s): linux, linux-2.*, linux-backports-modules*, linux-ubuntu-modules* linux-latest-2.6

linux-wlan-ng

Description: Utilities and integration scripts for certain wireless cards
Homepage: http://www.linux-wlan.org/
Problem: These are only useful in conjunction with proprietary drivers for said cards
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References:
Copyright file: linux-wlan-ng copyright file
(Source) package name(s): linux-wlan-ng

linux-firmware

Description: Proprietary Firmware blobs required for many wifi cards
Homepage:
Problem: Non-free license: SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT (Final, Single User)
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux-firmware/+bug/179139
Copyright file: linux-firmware copyright file
(Source) package name(s): linux-firmware

lucida

Description: Bitmap fonts donated to the X Consortium many years ago
Homepage: http://xorg.freedesktop.org/releases/individual/font/
Problem: License is nonfree: only permits verbatim use
Recommended Fix:
References: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxi_(fonts)
Copyright file:

MAME

Description: The Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator - MAME
Homepage: http://mamedev.org
Problem: Non-free license: MAME
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: MAME Legal Information ("Redistributions may not be sold, nor may they be used in a commercial product or activity.")
Copyright file: mame copyright file

mesademos

Description: Example programs using Mesa and OpenGL
Homepage: http://mesa3d.sourceforge.net/
Problem: Non-free license: Two demos (progs/demos/pointblast.c and progs/demos/spriteblast.c) do not allow modification.
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package or remove non-free demos
References:
Copyright file: mesademos copyright file
(Source) package name(s): mesademos

Mac-on-Linux emulator

Description: Allows running MacOS inside a GNU/Linux system.
Homepage: http://mac-on-linux.sourceforge.net/
Problem: Only runs/supports proprietary software.
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: gNewSense GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #28332, remove MOL from our archive.
Copyright file: mol copyright file
(Source) package name(s): mol, mol-drivers-linux

Monkey's Audio Codec

Description: An Audio SDK, APE format
Homepage: http://supermmx.org/linux/mac
Problem: Non-free license: Monkey's Audio SDK and Source Code License Agreement
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: (GNU-linux-libre) Monkey's Audio Source Code License Agreement
Copyright file: Monkey's Audio Program License Agreement
(Source) package name(s): mac

moonlight

Description: implementation of Microsoft's Silverlight web application framework
Homepage: http://www.mono-project.com/Moonlight
Problem: recommends non-free software (Microsoft Media Pack)
Recommended Fix:
References: http://ossguy.com/?p=266
Copyright file: moon copyright file
(Source) package name(s): moon

mpc

Description: command-line tool to interface MPD
Homepage: http://mpd.wikia.com/wiki/Client:Mpc
Problem: contains an example under the Artistic license, /usr/share/doc/mpc/examples/playstream
Recommended Fix: Remove offending file or ask author for proper license
References: https://trisquel.info/en/issues/10870
Copyright file: copyright file in Trisquel
(Source) package name(s): mpc

mp32ogg

Description: Converts mp3 files to Ogg Vorbis files.
Homepage: http://faceprint.com/code/
Problem: Non-free license: Artistic license 1.0
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: gNewSense GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #28952, Non free package: mp32ogg
Copyright file: mp32ogg copyright file
(Source) package name(s): mp32ogg

musescore

Description: Full featured WYSIWYG score editor
Homepage: http://www.musescore.org/
Problem: score examples have non-free and missing licenses
Recommended Fix:
References: Fedora bug 951379
Copyright file: copyright file
(Source) package name(s): musescore

ndiswrapper, ndisgtk

Description: Lets Linux use NDIS drivers
Homepage: http://sourceforge.net/apps/mediawiki/ndiswrapper/index.php?title=Main_Page and http://jak-linux.org/projects/ndisgtk/
Problem: With one exception, all NDIS drivers are nonfree--and the one free one is a Windows port of a native Linux driver. So right now, this isn't useful for anything besides using nonfree software--although that could theoretically change in the future.
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References:
Copyright file: ndiswrapper copyright file
(Source) package name(s): ndiswrapper, ndisgtk

nikto

Description: Web server security scanner
Homepage: http://cirt.net/nikto2
Problem: The files in plugins/db_* have a very restrictive license. If the software's still usable without those, it looks like you could take those out and distribute what's left.
Recommended Fix:
References: debian-legal: Nikto license on data files
Copyright file: nikto copyright file
(Source) package name(s): nikto

Nouveau

Description: Source code for the Nouveau kernel module
Homepage: https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/nouveau-kernel-source/
Problem: Different versions of the Nouveau kernel module have included nonfree blob(s). The project is working on eliminating this dependency, and some specific versions of Linux don't include this blob, but they're apparently not all the way there yet. If your distribution ships the Nouveau module separately from Linux, it definitely contains a blob that must be removed. If Nouveau is included with Linux in your distribution, and you're not using linux-libre, you'll need to check for a blob and remove it if it's there.
Recommended Fix: Use a version of linux-libre that includes Nouveau.
References:
Copyright file:
(Source) package name(s): nouveau-kernel-source

nvidia-xconfig nvidia-settings

Description: Configuration tool for NVidia's proprietary video drivers
Homepage: ftp://download.nvidia.com/XFree86/nvidia-settings/ and ftp://download.nvidia.com/XFree86/nvidia-xconfig/
Problem: Only useful with nonfree software
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References:
Copyright file: nvidia-settings copyright file
(Source) package name(s): nvidia-settings, nvidia-xconfig

OpenOffice.org

Description: Office suite.
Homepage: http://www.openoffice.org/
Problem: (1) Recommends non-free software. (extensions)
  • (2) Has non-free components (Artistic License).
Recommended Fix: Use LibreOffice. (Primary)
References: gNewSense GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #29832, OpenOffice.org points to non-free extensions
Copyright file: openoffice.org copyright file
(Source) package name(s): openoffice.org

Oracle Berkeley DB

Description: Berkeley DB enables the development of custom data management solutions, without the overhead traditionally associated with such custom projects.
Homepage: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/products/berkeleydb/overview/index.html
Problem: Non-free license: Artistic license 1.0 (src/crypto/mersenne/mt19937db.c)
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package or use a version of the file under the GPL
References: gNewSense GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #29839, MT19937 implementation is non-free
Copyright file: db copyright file
(Source) package name(s): db

pdftk

Description: PDF file manipulator
Homepage: http://www.pdflabs.com/tools/pdftk-the-pdf-toolkit/
Problem: Sun proprietary code inside the package
Recommended Fix: Debian GNU/Linux derivatives use version 1.41+dfsg-1 and above.
References: Debian GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #519446, bundled libitext-java package in pdftk contains copyright restricted files
Copyright file: pdftk copyright file
(Source) package name(s): pdftk

poppler CMap data files

Description: Encoding data for the poppler PDF rendering library
Homepage: http://poppler.freedesktop.org
Problem: Non-free license
Recommended Fix: Use version 4.0-1 or above
References: Debian GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #500132, (release-notes) (l10n) CJK users need to install poppler-data (non-free) package to view PDF files with evince or so
Copyright file: poppler-data copyright file
(Source) package name(s): poppler-data

psutils

Description: A collection of PostScript document handling utilities
Homepage: http://www.tardis.ed.ac.uk/~ajcd/psutils/
Problem: Includes non-free Postscript files (md68_0.ps, md71_0.ps).
Recommended Fix: Remove the files; Debian derivatives use version 1.17.dsfg-1 or greater.
References: gNewSense GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #30782, non-free files in psutils
Copyright file: psutils copyright file
(Source) package name(s): psutils

pvpgn

Description:
Homepage: http://freecode.com/projects/pvpgn
Problem: Requires non-free software to work, only useful with proprietary software
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References:
Copyright file: pvpgn copyright file
(Source) package name(s): pvpgn

rman

Description: Converts man pages into other formats
Homepage: http://sourceforge.net/projects/polyglotman/
Problem: Non-free license: Artistic license 1.0
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: See copyright file
Copyright file: rman copyright file
(Source) package name(s): rman

sane-backends

Description: source package related to the sane scanner program
Homepage: http://www.sane-project.org/
Problem: Contains a file under Artistic license, lib/snprintf.c
Recommended Fix: "The file seems to contain a replacement for snprintf on systems that don't have it." So it might not be needed at all.
References: Trisquel bug 10731
Copyright file: copyright file in Trisquel
(Source) package name(s): sane-backends

screenlets

Description: fully themable mini-apps
Homepage: http://screenlets.org/index.php/Home
Problem: May contain non-free data (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported)
Recommended Fix: Use version 0.1.5 or above. (See LICENSE file)
References: gNewSense GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #32239, Screenlets contains non-free artwork
Copyright file: screenlets copyright file
(Source) package name(s): screenlets

scribus-doc

Description: Documentation for Scribus
Homepage: http://docs.scribus.net/
Problem: /usr/share/scribus/doc/en/scribuscopyright.html states that "Some third party files in the source code don’t include proper copyright notices"
Recommended Fix:
References:
Copyright file: http://changelogs.ubuntu.com/changelogs/pool/universe/s/scribus-doc/scribus-doc_1.4.0+r17300-1/copyright mentions nothing about any unlicensed files

scribus-ng-doc

Description: Documentation for Scribus-ng
Homepage: http://www.scribus.net/canvas/Scribus
Problem: Released under Open Publication License and the author exercises the “LICENSE OPTIONS” (making it non-free)
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: Debian GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #362267, ITP: scribus-ng-doc -- non-free documentation for the developmental branch of Scribus

debian changelog entry for the doc getting packaged for non-free

Copyright file: scribus-ng-doc copyright file (appears to have been re-licensed. Check later)
(Source) package name(s): scribus-ng-doc

seamonkey

Description: Web browser
Homepage: http://www.seamonkey-project.org/
Problem: Recommends non-free software
Recommended Fix: Use GNU IceCat, or equivalent
References: gNewSense GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #31019, Seamonkey recommends non-free software
Copyright file: seamonkey copyright file
(Source) package name(s): seamonkey

sharand

Description: Generate cryptographically secure pseudo random file.
Homepage: http://mattmahoney.net/dc/
Problem: Uses a non-free SHA-1 implementation (RFC 3174).
Recommended Fix: Replace with a free implementation (e.g. RFC 6234).
References: Debian GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #659645, sharand: SHA-1 code is doesn't allow modification
Copyright file: US Secure Hash Algorithm 1 (SHA1) copyright file
(Source) package name(s): sharand

simutrans

Description: transportation simulator
Homepage: http://www.simutrans.com/
Problem: Non-free license: Artistic license 1.0
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: Trisquel GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #1709, simutrans and simutrans-data are under non-free license
Copyright file: simutrans copyright file
(Source) package name(s): simutrans; simutrans-pak64; simutrans-pak128.britain

teeworlds

Description: An online multi-player platform 2D shooter
Homepage: https://www.teeworlds.com/
Problem: Versions prior to 0.6.1+dfsg-1 contain a non-free clause
Recommended Fix: Use version 0.6.1+dfsg-1 or above for debian derivatives
References: teeworlds 0.5.2.2-2 copyright file ("4. Neither this software nor any of its individual components, in original or modified versions, may be sold by itself.")
Copyright file: teeworlds copyright file
(Source) package name(s): teeworlds

testdrive

Description: Testdrive helps you download and run the daily Ubuntu development ISO in a virtual machine on your local hardware.
Homepage: https://launchpad.net/testdrive
Problem: The daily Ubuntu development ISOs contain non-free packages.
Recommended Fix:
References:
Copyright file: testdrive copyright file
(Source) package name(s): testdrive

texlive-base-bin - getnonfreefonts script

Description: TeX Live: Essential binaries

These programs are regarded as basic for any TeX system.

Homepage: http://www.tug.org/texlive/
Problem: This package includes a script that dowloads and installs non-free fonts, called getnonfreefonts.
Recommended Fix: Use version 2011.20120322-1 and above
References: Trisquel GNU/Linux - Bugs: texlive-base-bin tiene un guión que descarga fuentes no libres de Adobe
Copyright file: texlive-bin copyright file
(Source) package name(s): texlive-bin

Thunderbird

Description: Email client
Homepage: http://www.mozillamessaging.com/thunderbird/
Problem: Recommends non-free software (extensions) and non-free searchplugins.
Recommended Fix: Change link to point to GNUzilla's list of free addons and apply searchplugins-libre.patch to remove non-free search plugins replacing them with duckduckgo and identi.ca.
References: Parabola GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #81, thunderbird-libre has non-free searchplugins (Freedom issue #81)
Copyright file: thunderbird copyright file
(Source) package name(s): icedove, thunderbird

ubufox

Description: Firefox branding
Homepage: https://launchpad.net/ubufox
Problem: Recommends non-free software
Recommended Fix: Remove package/program or modify to not recommend non-free software
References:
Copyright file: ubufox copyright file
(Source) package name(s): ubufox

ubuntu-meta, kubuntu-meta, ...

Description: Packages who's primary purpose is to depend on other (real) packages.
Homepage:
Problem: Dependencies on non-free packages.
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References:
Copyright file: kubuntu-meta copyright file
(Source) package name(s): kubuntu-meta, ubuntu-meta

unetbootin

Description: UNetbootin allows for the installation of various Linux/BSD distributions to a partition or USB drive, so it's no different from a standard install, only it doesn't need a CD. It can create a dual-boot install, or replace the existing OS entirely.
Homepage: http://unetbootin.sourceforge.net/
Problem: It lists many non-GFSD operating systems.
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References:
Copyright file: unetbootin copyright file
(Source) package name(s): unetbootin

unrar

Description: Extracts RAR-format archives
Homepage: http://www.rarlabs.com/rar_add.htm
Problem: Nonfree license
Recommended Fix: Use GNA unrar (CLI-compatible, unable to open RARv3 files) or The Unarchiver (different interface, can open RARv3 files) instead
References: (See copyright file)
Copyright file: unrar-nonfree copyright file
(Source) package name(s): unrar-nonfree

VirtualBox OSE Guest Additions

Description: x86 virtualization solution - guest additions. Can be found in Ubuntu multiverse, note that the virtualbox-ose package is free software.
Homepage: https://www.virtualbox.org/
Problem: Non-free license: VirtualBox PUEL terms and conditions
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: GNU-linux-libre Mailinglist- virtualbox-ose-additions, free or not?
Copyright file: virtualbox-guest-additions-iso copyright file
(Source) package name(s): virtualbox-guest-additions-iso

VisualBoyAdvance

Description: Game Boy Advance emulator.
Homepage: http://sourceforge.net/projects/vba
Problem: Contains a non-free file (commercial distribution not allowed).
Recommended Fix: Debian GNU/Linux derivatives use version 1.8.0.dfsg-0.1 or above. Otherwise remove the file (2xSaImmx.asm).
References: Debian GNU/Linux - Bugs: bug #607598, visualboyadvance: 2xSaImmx.asm only allows for *non commercial* use
Copyright file: visualboyadvance copyright file
(Source) package name(s): visualboyadvance

vrms

Description: Purports to tell you about nonfree software on your system.
Homepage: http://vrms.alioth.debian.org/
Problem: Incomplete, misleading, and not necessary for distributions that abide by the GFSD
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: Re: (gNewSense-users) vrms's output (message #27)
Copyright file: vrms copyright file
(Source) package name(s): vrms

XChat

Description: IRC client.
Homepage: http://xchat.org/
Problem: Refers to a non-free browser in its URL handlers.
Recommended Fix: Remove the URL handler entry.
References: X-Chat - Bugs: bug #3043326, RFE: Replace Opera with Free software browser in URL handler
Copyright file: xchat copyright file
(Source) package name(s): xchat

xv

Description: Image viewer.
Homepage: http://www.trilon.com/xv/
Problem: Non-free license
Recommended Fix: Remove program/package
References: "xv is shareware for personal use only."
Copyright file:
(Source) package name(s): xv

Distributions

It might also be a good idea to look at how existing distributions do remove nonfree software to get an idea of what needs to be modified and how to do it.

Hyperbola and Parabola

  • Parabola's blacklist and Hyperbola's blacklist have lists of nonfree software that need to be removed, but also packages from Arch Linux that are being blacklisted by Hyperbola or Parabola for completely unrelated issues (like to change the branding from "Arch" to "Parabola" or "Hyperbola" for instance).
  • Parabola's abslibre: Parabola repository of packages, contains some packages that were modified to not depend on nonfree software (especially in the libre directory) but also unrelated changes.
  • Hyperbola also has git repositories with similar content than Parabola's abslibre, but they are splitted in several git repositories (community, core, extra, multilib, packages).

Replicant

As Replicant uses the Android build system, there is no central place to see what modifications were made. Instead one has to look at the manifest repository as it has the list of all modified git repositories, and from that, look in each individual git repositories for the changes.

In Android, the repositories found in the external/ directory are for software that were not written for Android and that were adapted for Android. You have git repositories in external/ in probably every Android distributions (including in the official AOSP (Android Open Source Project) source code).

So for these repositories, it makes sense to check if some software in them are in the list of software that needs to be modified to not depend on nonfree software or that needs to be removed.

Trisquel