Hi,
I am new to portable apps. I saw this forum topic https://portableapps.com/node/5123. I have a doubt about that. Why can't someone redistribute installed portableapps in a usb drive. These software being GPL/MPL installed binaries can also be distributed right?
Another point i would like to know is, it was mentioned that someone cannot use trademark in packaging, advertisements, does that mean referring to portable apps as source?
Thanks in advance
Premnath Sah T.H.
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Mr. Haller's comment here is what you are referring to I think. Redistribution of ANY app on this site, except the Mozilla apps (Firefox, Thunderbird, Sunbird) is allowed.
The issue with Mozilla is that their names and logos are trademarked. To redistribute those applications, you would have to recompile all of them, changing all references to Mozilla, Firefox, Thunderbird or Sunbird to something else, and change the logos. The only reason our site can redistribute the apps without these modifications is because we have a special agreement with Mozilla to do so.
I'm fairly certain the "The first would be free but you wouldn't be able to use any of the trademarks on packaging, advertising, etc." quote refers to Mozilla's trademarked names and logos, as well as the PortableApps.com logo, redistribution of source code is fine.
The developer formerly known as ZGitRDun8705
If you are redistributing the INSTALLER you can download from here, then you are fine. Even with Mozillas applications. The problem starts if you want to redistribute the installed portable App. Redistribution of the installed Mozilla applications is only allowed if you didnt change anything (like bookmarks etc.) and the user is prompted with the license on first run.
"What about Love?" - "Overrated. Biochemically no different than eating large quantities of chocolate." - Al Pacino in The Devils Advocate
I like to mentioning that re-distributing unaltered binaries is allowed, so that would also include the unaltered binaries of the Mozilla applications.
They just do not want to have altered binaries being distributed under their name as it would suggest to the user they are using official released versions.
To be clear, when referring to unaltered binaries, we are usually referring to the unaltered binary installers (*.paf.exe). You can not remove the Mozilla apps from their paf.exe installers and then redistribute them in your own fashion (zip files, your own installer, etc).
You will be able to pre-install them on USB flash drives provided you follow a set of guidelines including installation location (X:\PortableApps\FirefoxPortable, etc), data directory clearing (FirefoxPortable\Data must be empty), no modification, etc.
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!
I now understand better about this stuff. That its mainly only related to firefox and other mozilla software and is not a problem with other softwares.
Even with mozilla if someone makes a explicit agreement with mozilla then it should be fine to bundle the installed apps.
Good luck.
Sorry, but Mozilla really doesn't like people modifying their software. PortableApps.com is really one of a very few entities that can bundle modified versions of Mozilla's apps.
I'm not slagging Mozilla (much :P), though, as it's all in the name of trademark protection. They're really very sensible, as they have effectively protected the Firefox brand. And I'm sure you're glad about that.
But yes, if you got permission from Mozilla, you could modify it - but it's highly unlikely you'd be able to.
And, of course, welcome to PortableApps.com! We like new people
I am a Christian and a developer and moderator here.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
I wonder how Mozilla makes money...
Insert original signature here with Greasemonkey Script.
Mozilla is funded by large corporations, including Microsoft.
The real question is how much does John make off of PortableApps. [LOL]
Ed
Hehe, thinking that Microsoft funds the competition (ie FireFox vs InternetExplorer, Thunderbird vs Outlook) sounds a bit unlikely though.
John has GoogleAdds for one.
John has GoogleAdds for one.
I doubt he makes more than a few hundred a month from his ads. And that won't pay for gas for the car let alone the mortgage, food, clothing, utilities, etc., etc. Money has to be coming from someplace else and lots of it.
See this link for Mozilla funding sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mozilla_Foundation#Financing
Ed
What I understand is Google pays Mozilla for making google as Firefox's default search engine and also for including the google search in the Firefox's default page.
Donations (AOL gave $2 mil) and search engine royalties (it's old but it gives an overview)
So given this, would it be acceptable to redistribute a default USB installation created by the Firefox_Portable_etc.paf.exe - as long as no changes were made? Or would it be necessary to delete everything in the 'Data' directory aswell?
If you're pre-installing it on USB drives, you can, but you need to take a few steps. It must be installed to X:\PortableApps\FirefoxPortable on the drive. The Data directory must be empty (you'll need to clear it after running the installer). And FirefoxPortable.ini can not be used (only FirefoxPortable.exe and help.html should be in X:\PortableApps\FirefoxPortable). No changes to any files can be made. You can't use the Mozilla logos in advertising without their permission.
If you're redistributing it as software (online or via CD, etc), you can only distribute the unaltered, digitally-signed installer as we provide it. You can't repackage it or alter it in any way.
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!