[SATLUG] Why Ubuntu is the best distribution for wifi-enabled computers

[Sean Carolan]

> The reason that Red Hat does not include binary only drivers is that it
> is a violation of the license to do so.  Red Hat, having morals and a
> respect for the law (not to mention deep pockets - ripe for a law suit)
> will not package binary only drivers in clear violation of the law.

Which U.S. law is being broken by including the madwifi drivers and
kernel modules on the installation disc?

> Canonical is a company based in South Africa.  Hard for the binary only
> driver vendors to sue them, and very little chance of success.

I'm still not clear.  Atheros appears to actively support the
madwifi.org project.  Who is going to file a lawsuit?  Exactly what
law is being broken by including the Atheros madwifi drivers?

> Additionally, Fedora includes *only* Free/Open Source Software.  There
> is no IP encumbered software in Fedora.  Ubuntu only embraces free
> software when it is convenient, then they flout the law when it is not.
> Easy for you as the end user, but morally and ethically wrong.  I am
> proud to be part of the Fedora community and I am proud that I do not
> espouse the attitude "free software except when it's inconvenient."

Aren't you using proprietary nVidia drivers to run your Beryl installation?

> Ubuntu the best distro?  I think not.  Canonical the best Linux company?

It is the best distribution for newcomers to Linux who need to get
their wireless cards working, especially if they have an Atheros
chipset.

Don't get me wrong, I like Red Hat too.  We use it at work, but I'm
using CentOS 5 at home because I don't feel like I need to pay for Red
Hat support for my home box.