The top Linux/FOSS events of 2007

David M Williams
Monday, 31 December 2007 06:57

Opinion and Analysis

One major concern of the GPL was that people be able to modify software so it suits their purposes. For over a decade this was easily managed; capable users were able to recompile source code and run their modified versions from their computer’s hard drive.

However, in this modern age, free software has become more-and-more embedded in commercial appliances. We’re not talking traditional computers here, but dedicated pieces of hardware – things like car GPS systems, or portable media players, or television set-top boxes and hard disk recorders. These traditionally closed appliances are increasingly becoming sophisticated computers, using GNU software to provide their functionality.
Yet, users were being locked in to the features provided. If a media player added an undesirable feature – say, Digital Rights Management (DRM) facilities – to GNU software – as is its right to do under the GPL v2 – the user had to lump it.

Sure, the source code had to be made available as a requirement of the GPL, but the end-user was stuck. They couldn’t really edit, recompile and then upload their modified version. They were locked in to the firmware that the unit shipped with.

GPL v3 seeks to change this; to be compliant with this new form of the GNU license, users must be able to remove features they do not like from software and still be able to run it on the exact same appliance where the software originally came to them from.

OpenMoko
Although still limited in availability, the Neo 1973 mobile phone by OpenMoko is the world’s first truly open source mobile phone. Every single piece – from hardware and the boot loader through to end-user applications – is open. People are actively encouraged to hack and play and tinker and modify and rework the phone.

You can even buy the phone with a torx screwdriver to help you get inside; there’s no fear of violating warranties or deciphering secrets here!

OpenMoko chose Linux as the basis for their software platform, and chose hardware chips based on their having complete documentation publicly available. Consequently, the processor – an ARM-based Samsung S3C2410 SOC processor – can be freely looked up and all its inputs and specifications and controls easily inspected. This is also true for the GPRS-capable quad-band GSM modem, the Bluetooth, USB and GPS components.

OpenMoko hasn’t received the same hype as, say, the Apple iPhone but it is truly remarkable in terms of the product itself as well as the philosophy of the company who freely give away all the keys to let anyone do anything with the phone. Perhaps in time a new release of the Neo may replicate the success of the ASUS Eee in the mobile world. I certainly think this is one product and company to keep an eye on.

So, that’s my picks for major open source events of 2007. Let’s look forward to what 2008 will bring which will undoubtedly see more in the way of virtualisation, Linux on the desktop, and Linux as a recognised enterprise desktop platform.