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Preparing to install Kubuntu

  Date: Feb 12    Category: Unix / Linux / Ubuntu    Views: 388
  

I am preparing to install Kubuntu on my laptop. The first screen says:

"Kubuntu uses third-party software to display Flash, MP3 and other
media, and to work with some wireless hardware. Some of this software
is closed-source. The software is subject to the license terms included
withe the software's documentation."

1. What is meant by closed-source?

2. Is it in my interest to install this third party software or ignore
it?

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6 Answers Found

 
Answer #1    Answered On: Feb 12    

It means proprietary software that open source developers do not have
access to the source code so it is up to the proprietary developer to
maintain. In this case it is likely Flash which is maintained and developed
by Adobe and Java which is developed and maintained by Oracle.

The reason for the advisory is that licenses are important and must be
respected. Everything else is covered by various FOSS licenses, so it is
advising you that you are stepping outside of the free and open source
world. Some people only want free and open. Other run both.

This is also a testament to how much FOSS software is available when they
come across something that isn't they tell you.

There are other reasons as well. If it is FOSS then it is scrutinized by
the community. People can examine the code and find vulnerabilities and
they are usually patched the same day, not whenever the proprietary
developer gets around to it or on the next patch Tuesday. That protects
you. Also sometimes people find ways to improve resource management or to
get it to work better with the kernel.

Welcome to the world of FOSS! Things are done differently. Also enjoy
Kubuntu. Ask lots of questions to learn which you can, in time, pass on to
others. That is part of running a community based operating system, too.

 
Answer #2    Answered On: Feb 12    

I do appreciate the feedback. I will go ahead with the installation and
allow them to be installed.

 
Answer #3    Answered On: Feb 12    

Ask any questions and we will try to help. I have used Kubuntu
as my main OS since 2006 and have used KDE (the Kubuntu desktop
environment) since 2000. I am still learning, because Linux is continually
changing. It is the most computer fun there is, IMO.

 
Answer #4    Answered On: Feb 12    

1. Closed source means that the company providing the software OWNS the
software and will not release the source code to the public. For example,
Adobe owns Flash (which is needed for most video you see on a website);
Oracle owns Java (needed for most web apps to work); and so on.

2. Yes install.

 
Answer #5    Answered On: Feb 12    

I refused the 3rd party and found it wouldnt download ubuntu restricted software
so i had to reinstall.

 
Answer #6    Answered On: Feb 12    

Interesting, found that often including these in the installation
caused more problems than it should so now un-tick and then do the
'restricted drivers' afterwards. Never had them refuse to install but
generally do them after all updates have been installed.

BTW - haven't bothered with Java Runtime Environment and really find I
don't miss it

 
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