Windows binaries for Octave (based on VC++) has been abandoned anyway. Thanks, Michael. On Sun, May 10, 2009 at 12:57 PM, Bruno Haible <bruno@clisp.org> wrote:
Hello Michael,
Regarding whether it is permitted to distribute GPLed software (such as CLN or libreadline) in the same installer with Microsoft runtime libraries:
On 2009-04-21 I wrote:
I have written to licensing at fsf dot org, asking them about the apparent contradiction between these clauses of the GPL and their FAQ. I'll let you know about the outcome.
Brett Smith's answer is:
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My argumentation is as follows:
- The libraries msvcr80.dll etc. are not part of a plain Windows installation.
(That's precisely the reason why the people distributing said installers added them.)
While it is true that these libraries aren't installed with Windows by default, they accompany the compiler used for these programs, so in general it should at least be possible for them to qualify as system libraries under both GPLv2 and v3. However, I think you're right that specific license terms in both versions of the GPL preclude people from going so far as to include these libraries as part of the object code for GPLed programs.
Best regards,
-- Brett Smith Licensing Compliance Engineer, Free Software Foundation ============================================================================