GPL v.s. BSD

Some sentences addressed that linux device drivers' code samples are covered by a dual BSD/GPL license. What's the exact BSD & GPL? I heard that they are open source licensing ages ago, just heard:)

 

In the GPL license you have the four freedoms : to run the software, to have the source code, to distribute the software, to distribute your modifications to the software. What this implies is that when you obtain the software, you have the *obligation* to ensure that these four things hold true for the next person you give it to. After all, someone had to go to the trouble of preserving these rights for *you*, so you have to do the same for the next guy.

 

The BSD license is different, because it gives *you* the right to distribute the software, but it does not oblige you to make sure that the next guy has any such right. Well, that’s not really a problem, the next guy can ignore you and get the software from the same source that you did (if that source is still available). But if you change it and you give it to him, you can forbid him from passing it on.

 

For details, you could hit the soft link above.