On Wed, 6 Oct 2004, Graham Cossey wrote: > <snip> > > > Why is FC 2 still using version 3.23 of mysql? Version 4.x and 5.x have > > > been out for some time. Is there a problem upgrading? > > > > > > TIA > > > > > > > Because it's not technically free (as in beer) any more. The license has > > changed. Check the site for details, then make up your own mind. > > > <snip> > > MySQL uses dual licensing dependant on it's use. > > http://www.mysql.com/products/mysql/ > "The MySQL database server is available under the MySQL AB "dual licensing" > model. Under this model, users may choose to use MySQL products under the > free software/open source GNU General Public License (commonly known as the > "GPL") or under a commercial license." > > If you want it for 'free' read this: > http://www.mysql.com/company/legal/licensing/opensource-license.html > > HTH > > Graham A quick summary: In versions later than the one in FC2, MySQL changed the "free" license form the LGPL to the GPL. The LGPL permits distributing binaries linked to programs that are not themselves GPL, whereas the GPL does not. Thus, in particular, Fedora is not permitted to distribute PHP/MySQL binaries with new MySQL. This restriction does not prevent the user from getting GPL MySQL from the MySQL site and building their own PHP packages. While GPL code can only be distributed linked with GPL code, LGPL code can be linked to anything. In an attempt to reach a compromise, MySQL has created an "OSS licensing exception" that permits thier GPL code to be linked to OSS--but not proprietary--code (see http://www.mysql.com/company/legal/licensing/foss-exception.html). Hopefully, this will be an adequate step to allow Red Hat and Fedora to distribute up-to-date MySQL in the future. But only official Fedora and Red Hat spokespeople can say for sure. -- Matthew Saltzman Clemson University Math Sciences mjs AT clemson DOT edu http://www.math.clemson.edu/~mjs
