List of software that does not respect the Free System Distribution Guidelines
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
-
1 Packages
- 1.1 ACE
- 1.2 AcetoneISO
- 1.3 aee
- 1.4 afio
- 1.5 app-install-data-commercial
- 1.6 apt
- 1.7 Audacious plugins
- 1.8 Axiom
- 1.9 b43-fwcutter / b43-tools
- 1.10 bcm43xx-fwcutter
- 1.11 blobandconquer, blobwars, starfighter, viruskiller
- 1.12 bnetd
- 1.13 boinc / boinc-app-seti
- 1.14 cacti
- 1.15 chromium-browser
- 1.16 chromium-bsu
- 1.17 cia-clients
- 1.18 command-not-found
- 1.19 cracklib2
- 1.20 cron
- 1.21 d4x
- 1.22 debian-installer
- 1.23 debian-reference
- 1.24 dosbox
- 1.25 dosemu
- 1.26 ee
- 1.27 envyng-core, envyng-gtk, envyng-qt
- 1.28 firefox
- 1.29 fpc
- 1.30 Free Abuse Extensions
- 1.31 freedoom
- 1.32 galeon
- 1.33 gkrellm-snmp
- 1.34 GPL Ghostscript CMap data files
- 1.35 gnome-app-install
- 1.36 gstreamer0.10-pitfdll
- 1.37 helix-player
- 1.38 hplip
- 1.39 iceape
- 1.40 iceweasel
- 1.41 ipw2100, ipw2200, ipw2915, ipw3945
- 1.42 isdnutils
- 1.43 ivman
- 1.44 jcadencii
- 1.45 jockey
- 1.46 konqueror
- 1.47 kopete
- 1.48 libmusicbrainz 4 and 5
- 1.49 libsmi2-common
- 1.50 libsnmp-base
- 1.51 libxprintapputil
- 1.52 liferea
- 1.53 linux linux-backports-modules* linux-ubuntu-modules
- 1.54 linux-wlan-ng
- 1.55 linux-firmware
- 1.56 lucida
- 1.57 MAME
- 1.58 mesademos
- 1.59 Mac-on-Linux emulator
- 1.60 Monkey's Audio Codec
- 1.61 moonlight
- 1.62 mpc
- 1.63 mp32ogg
- 1.64 musescore
- 1.65 ndiswrapper, ndisgtk
- 1.66 nikto
- 1.67 Nouveau
- 1.68 nvidia-xconfig nvidia-settings
- 1.69 OpenOffice.org
- 1.70 Oracle Berkeley DB
- 1.71 pdftk
- 1.72 poppler CMap data files
- 1.73 psutils
- 1.74 pvpgn
- 1.75 rman
- 1.76 sane-backends
- 1.77 screenlets
- 1.78 scribus-doc
- 1.79 scribus-ng-doc
- 1.80 seamonkey
- 1.81 sharand
- 1.82 simutrans
- 1.83 teeworlds
- 1.84 testdrive
- 1.85 texlive-base-bin - getnonfreefonts script
- 1.86 Thunderbird
- 1.87 ubufox
- 1.88 ubuntu-meta, kubuntu-meta, ...
- 1.89 unetbootin
- 1.90 unrar
- 1.91 VirtualBox OSE Guest Additions
- 1.92 VisualBoyAdvance
- 1.93 vrms
- 1.94 XChat
- 1.95 xv
- 2 Distributions
Packages
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
|
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)
|
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
- The package-helpers repository contains modifications to Ubuntu packages
- The trisquel-packages repository contains packages made by Trisquel