[mythtv-users] Slightly OT: Interesting linux tidbit

[Dewey Smolka]

> By the way, speaking of GPL, what constitutes "changes to pre-existing GPL
> software"?  If a company uses a GPL software like Myth, then replaces various
> modules for a different applications (say security), is that considered
> "changes" or "new code"?

The way I understand it if you add, say, a system for managing
security cameras to MythTV you can keep the plugin prorietary if
you're using officially released, unaltered source for MythTV.
However, If you alter any of the MythTV code, or include parts of
MythTV or other GPL software in a closed binary, the source must be
released under the GPL (at least to paying customers).

In short: build a widget that sits on top of Myth but doesn't alter
the source, you can keep it to yourself; build a widget that requires
redoing parts of Myth (or any other GPL bits) and the widget is GPL as
well.

I may have this wrong, but that's how I understand it.