Re: GNU License, Again

[Alfred M. Szmidt]

   >    But the free software is the GPL program -- how does it
   >    protect free software by requiring that the non-GPL one become
   >    GPL as well? The free software is only the GPL program --
   >    which can function on it's own, unlike the non-GPL program,
   >    and if all sources to said GPL program are divulged under GPL,
   >    then how is it made any less free? It isn't!!!
   >
   > The end result is no longer free, since users are now prohibited
   > from running, studying, improving and distributing the non-free
   > program.  The GPL sees that this will never happen, and users are
   > always guaranteed to always be free.

   The _entire_ non-free program, of course -- but such a distribution
   would still keep the originally free code free.

If the originally free code is linked to a propietery program, then
the result is not free.  The GPL sees that this will never happen.

   >    So, it's to create *more* free code, right?
   >
   > It keeps code free, you are not required to accept the GPL.

   But why do I have to release all of *my* code along with the GPLed
   stuff?

Because you agreed to it, you are free not to agree to do so, but then
nothing gives you the right to distribute the GPLed program.  Please
read the GPL, it is very clear.