Re: A few questions.

General thoughts:
The primary point is that you have to distribute it, simply running Linux does not require anything of you under the GPL. I develop non-GPL software on Linux all the time, as long as I don't include GPL code or tie it to GPL libraries, I'm fine.

Modified has a pretty simple definition, if what you distribute would constitute a "derived work" under copyright law, then you're subject to license terms.

More specifics below

FoulDragon@aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated 5/18/2005 2:14:52 PM US Mountain Standard Time,
> plug-discuss@stcaz.net writes:
>

>     not subject you to GPL conditions, only distributing a version you
>     have modified would do that.  The GPL is easy to understand and
>     adhere to, while the "Open" license for Solaris requires a lawyer,
>     and has a lot more dangerous clauses..

>
>
> I find "a version you have modified" very hard to dissect. Would it
> include, for examples:
>
> -A packin config file, you modified to fit your needs?
>
If you distributed this to others, then probably yes .
Of course, since the package config file is, itself, source code, then by distributing it you fulfill your GPL obligations.
>
> -structures and techniques from GPL code? (at what point does 'concept'
> blend into 'actual code?')
>
Again, the legal standard is "derived work".
If you don't know, at least generally, what constitutes a "derived work" under copyright law, you need to learn if you intend to distribute ANYTHING, GPL-based or not, since it's likely to bite you if you don't.
>
> -examples from docs?
>
Documentation is not generally covered by GPL, look up the GFDL or CC licenses. If there is no license for the documentation, then all rights are reserved (you cannot use ANYTHING, except for "fair-use")
>
> I find the line between 'use' and 'appropriation' and 'modification'
> very faint.
>
Copyright law is pretty clear on what these are, although some judges go WAY overboard in restricting free-use or deciding what constitutes a "derived work".

Generally, these same questions apply to ALL licenses. The difference is in what the license requires. The GPL says you have to distribute the source under the GPL if the code is distributed to you under the GPL, or your work is derived from code distributed to you under the GPL. BSD says you have to attribute the code to the original authors. CDDL says you have to, AFAICT, give everything to Sun. Other licenses have other conditions.


Disclaimer:
I am not a Lawyer, the above is simply my personal opinion. For legal advice you should always contact a qualified attorney who can determine how the law applies to your specific circumstances.
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