FreeLists / openbeos / [openbeos] Re: unrar

["Axel Dörfler" <axeld@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"Fredrik Ekdahl" <fredrik.ekdahl@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> Since rar is a very common compressed format on the internet, 
> especially 
> on file sharing networks, I think that it should work "out of the 
> box" in Haiku. 
> So I made it build with jam and work in Haiku's Expander. It would be 
> great 
> if you want to add it to the CVS.

Although I'd like to include unrar with Haiku, I am not so sure about 
the license thing.

> It seems to be ok with the license too:
> 
>    2. The unRAR sources may be used in any software to handle RAR
>       archives without limitations free of charge, but cannot be used
>       to re-create the RAR compression algorithm, which is 
> proprietary.
>       Distribution of modified unRAR sources in separate form or as a
>       part of other software is permitted, provided that it is 
> clearly
>       stated in the documentation and source comments that the code 
> may
>       not be used to develop a RAR (WinRAR) compatible archiver.
> 
>    3. The unRAR utility may be freely distributed. No person or 
> company 
>       may charge a fee for the distribution of unRAR without written
>       permission from the copyright holder.

I think this is a problem, as people might want to charge money for a 
Haiku distribution. And I am not sure if the inclusion of unrar would 
prevent this (ie. everyone selling a Haiku distribution would need to 
remove it).

I think we can all agree on adding the necessary rules to Expander, and 
leave the inclusion of the executable to the maker of the distribution.

Bye,
   Axel.