Arch Linux

dormammu

Member

Registered: 2009-06-03

Posts: 4

Desktop PCs with Archlinux preloaded

Hello guys

First of all, congratulate all of you for this wonderful distro. I haven't been so excited about linux in years, and I've been using linux for a while (10 years).

I'm planning to start a small computer store to sell linux appliances (HTPCs, NAS servers, Mail servers, etc).
I'm a FOSS enthusiast and I think the best way to support it is not only spreading the word and saying thanks, but also give money back to the community.
What I have in mind is donating a percentage (2-5%) of every machine sold to the Open Source softwares that are included on those appliances.
For the beginning, I have in mind building HTPCs with archlinux+xbmc.

Now the questions:

If I sell computers with Archlinux (GPL software), it's my understanding that I have to provide the source code. Is it sufficient to provide the Core ISO with the computer? If not, do you have guys source ISOs as Debian has for example?

Thanks and kind regards

Ranguvar

Member

Registered: 2008-08-12

Posts: 2,577

Re: Desktop PCs with Archlinux preloaded

I would suggest you read the GPL before starting your business, just to make sure

And as I understand it, you must either provide the code or a written offer to provide it if desired, and there are multiple restrictions on the latter.

dormammu

Member

Registered: 2009-06-03

Posts: 4

Re: Desktop PCs with Archlinux preloaded

Hello Ranguvar

Thanks for your reply.
Yes, I understand, so that's why I opted to ask here first, heh.
Thing is I don't wanna use Debian (the only one I'm aware of they provide source ISOs), as I'm enjoying so much Arch.
I'm more tempted to offer everything, rather than opting for more 'obscure' notes saying 'hey, this is GPL, feel free to ask for the source, we'll send you in your postbox'.
Anyone knows if there are source ISOs somewhere?

Regards

Allan

Pacman

From: Brisbane, AU

Registered: 2007-06-09

Posts: 11,650

Website

Re: Desktop PCs with Archlinux preloaded

There are no source isos provided.  There is the sources for GPL(2) packages at http://ftp.archlinux.org/sources/ - I am not sure if other mirrors also hold this content.

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PGP Key: F99FFE0FEAE999BD | I develop pacman - buy me a drink!

dormammu

Member

Registered: 2009-06-03

Posts: 4

Re: Desktop PCs with Archlinux preloaded

Yay, that's exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks Allan

Mr.Elendig

#archlinux@freenode channel op

From: The intertubes

Registered: 2004-11-07

Posts: 4,097

Re: Desktop PCs with Archlinux preloaded

Hello guys

First of all, congratulate all of you for this wonderful distro. I haven't been so excited about linux in years, and I've been using linux for a while (10 years).

I'm planning to start a small computer store to sell linux appliances (HTPCs, NAS servers, Mail servers, etc).
I'm a FOSS enthusiast and I think the best way to support it is not only spreading the word and saying thanks, but also give money back to the community.
What I have in mind is donating a percentage (2-5%) of every machine sold to the Open Source softwares that are included on those appliances.
For the beginning, I have in mind building HTPCs with archlinux+xbmc.

Now the questions:

If I sell computers with Archlinux (GPL software), it's my understanding that I have to provide the source code. Is it sufficient to provide the Core ISO with the computer? If not, do you have guys source ISOs as Debian has for example?

Thanks and kind regards

The core iso does not contain any source code.

Your safest bet would be to mirror the source directory on ftp.archlinux.org

Edit: tho! Didn't see Allan's post (/me blames uhm..... someone)

Last edited by Mr.Elendig (2009-06-03 15:29:23)

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Evil #archlinux@libera.chat channel op and general support dude.
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Trent

Member

From: Baltimore, MD (US)

Registered: 2009-04-16

Posts: 990

Re: Desktop PCs with Archlinux preloaded

It's my understanding that you are only obligated to provide source code independently if you have modified the software or are selling it commercially.  When copying software packages verbatim from an upstream source, I think it is sufficient to provide a link to the upstream sources.  You don't have to go to the trouble of hosting it yourself, unless you are providing the software itself commercially.  Others may disagree with me, but I think this is a legitimate interpretation of the language in both GPLv2 and GPLv3.

The only way to be sure is to hire enough lawyers that nobody will dare to sue you.  I'm sure you don't have that kind of money, but you should seek professional legal expertise nonetheless.

sand_man

Member

From: Australia

Registered: 2008-06-10

Posts: 2,164

Re: Desktop PCs with Archlinux preloaded

I think Trent is right. You only need to supply the source if you modify it.
If it stays vanilla then upstream sources are sufficient.

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Zerathidune

Member

Registered: 2007-02-25

Posts: 102

Re: Desktop PCs with Archlinux preloaded

first of all, its best to check with a lawyer on this; I've seen so so so many people on forums like these answer a question like this and be completely wrong.

second, while IANAL, and therefore again, you should check with someone who is, I'm fairly certain you have to provide the full sources to any GPL/LGPL software you distribute, regardless of whether or not you do so commercially, or whether or not you modify it.

this may interest you:

http://www.fsf.org/licensing/licenses/gpl-faq.html