Sponsor's Message

Releasing software under this license is somewhat similar to placing it into the public domain, with strings.

The idea of the GPL is that once a unique piece of code (or other intellectual property) is released subject to its terms, that code can be copied and distributed freely to whoever you like.

The "strings" apply to the fact that anyone who decides to use some or all of that code in their own creations automatically agrees that it also becomes subject to the same terms and conditions.

The effect of this is to ensure that nobody can simply take a piece of GPLed code and unfairly use it as part of their own commercial offerings. It also guarantees that once code is GPLed, it, and any derived works, will always be free and accessible to anyone who wants it.

The list of widely used software packages that are now covered by the GPL is already very large, and growing almost exponentially.

As you would expect, the GPL is not popular with many strictly commercial software vendors, such as Microsoft and others.

Right now, high on that list of "others" is the recently demented SCO who seem to have decided to sue anyone and everyone for infringing their copyrights.

SCO is so ticked off by the GPL concept that, according to reports, they plan to challenge its validity in the courts.

I won't go into the details of what SCO are claiming because The Inquirer has already done a good job of that with this story.

If SCO hadn't already given the impression that they were overdosing on something, this move proves that they've only got one oar in the water, are definitely one sandwich short of a picnic, and really need to dose up on some Prozac.

The silly thing is that they're arguing for exactly the same thing as those who support the GPL: namely, the right to retain control over what others can or can't do with your code. The outcome of this shark-battle could have very far-reaching effects on the future of the software industry and the OSS concept so stay tuned.

Lighten Up
Yes, it's freaky, funny, foolish Friday again (okay, I admit it, I'm alliterate :-)

Here's a site that just has some good old fashioned jokes to offer -- but some of them are beauties. Note, some are a little "borderline as well" so don't tell them all to your kids.

Do you ever wonder whether some of the pictures you see in magazines or newspapers are faked? Well here's some state of the art fakes that show just how much you can do with cheap hardware and software.

Next Week
Next week I'll be taking a look at some of the more innovative ways that individuals or small businesses have been making money using the Net.

Although I already have some excellent material, anyone who thinks they've also spotted some clever ideas should contact me so that I might include them.

If any Aardvark readers want to share an opinion on today's column or add something, you're invited to chip in and have your say in The Aardvark Forums or, if you prefer, you can contact me directly.

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