Making Ubuntu safe for work in the US

[jhargis1012]

Hello. Over the past few months, I've been researching the legality of using some software, mainly audio/video codecs, in Linux in the United States. It looks like here in the US we enjoy one of the WORST patent law situations on Earth. I eagerly await serious reform as more and more people realize how ridiculous software/algorithm patents really are.

Yet, in the meantime, I feel it's important to be equipped with some knowledge of how to legally navigate these messy waters. My main question is does anybody know where I can find some kind of straightforward outline for how to keep an Ubuntu installation legally suitable for, say, a work or non-profit environment in the US? Is there a clear-cut way to know which packages are safe and which are legally iffy? Thanks a bunch for any insights.

[arubislander]

There used to be the option of installing Gobuntu, which was all the goodness of Ubuntu but only the Free (as in Speech) bits.

from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gobuntu I understand that it is possible to choose only Free software when installing Ubuntu. The article also mentions gNewSense as an alternative.

[jhargis1012]

Thanks for the reply. See, the only problem with that is I'm looking for more than just totally free software. I'm interested in software that functions acceptably within the US legal framework. An good example of what I'm trying to stay away from is VLC. VLC is a great program, totally free and open-source. The problem is, in the US, it's a downright patent NIGHTMARE.

[PhilGil]

A default Ubuntu install should be legal in the US. I would either avoid installing any additional audio/video packages or purchase the codecs.

[grahammechanical]

It does not matter if the software is open or closed source, is it legal to use it? And are you using it legally?

I do not think that Canonical, the distributors of Ubuntu would put any program in the Ubuntu Software Centre that was illegal to download, install and use.

I am legally using a closed source video adapter driver and I can listen to music and watch videos by using legally provided codecs.

Illegality enters in if I download and play music and video and I install programs that I do not have the legal right to use.

If you are worried about this, then install Ubuntu without ticking the box that tells the install process to install proprietary codecs.

Regards.

[jhargis1012]

I do not think that Canonical, the distributors of Ubuntu would put any program in the Ubuntu Software Centre that was illegal to download, install and use.

Unfortunately, there are PLENTY of packages in the Software Center that are illegal to use in the United States. That doesn't mean they are in any way inherently faulty, shady, or illegal, they're just no-go in countries that allow software/algorithm patents (e.g., the US).

[jhargis1012]

A default Ubuntu install should be legal in the US. I would either avoid installing any additional audio/video packages or purchase the codecs.

This is what I'm thinking as well.

[Megaptera]

You could look at Linux Mint - based on Ubuntu. In their download choices they include a version...

"A version which fits on a CD, without multimedia support and extra applications. For magazines, companies and distributors in the USA, Japan and countries where the legislation allows patents to apply to software and distribution of restricted technologies may require the acquisition of 3rd party licenses."

http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php

[PhilGil]

You could look at Linux Mint - based on Ubuntu. In their download choices they include a version...

Once you strip out the encumbered codecs from Mint the multimedia functionality is much the same as a standard Ubuntu install. It would give the OP some certainty he was compliant, however.

[jhargis1012]

You could look at Linux Mint - based on Ubuntu. In their download choices they include a version...

"A version which fits on a CD, without multimedia support and extra applications. For magazines, companies and distributors in the USA, Japan and countries where the legislation allows patents to apply to software and distribution of restricted technologies may require the acquisition of 3rd party licenses."

http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php

Wow, that is great. Thanks for the link.