Re: gEDA-user: New branch of PCB

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On 16/11/10 15:54, Peter TB Brett wrote:
> On Tuesday 16 Nov 2010 11:09:34 timecop wrote:
>> With TopoR having a freeware version for 2 layers and up to 256 nets
>> (or some other fairly high for 'hobby' use limitation), there's not
>> really any point on bothering improving built in autorouter...
> 
> Even this single sentence contains so many factual inaccuracies and completely 
> incorrect assumptions that I can't work out where best to start refuting it.
> 
>                      Peter
> 
> 
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I'll start. Freeware is NOT the same as free software. PCB aims to be a
/complete/ /free software/ PCB design suite. Delegating an integral part
of its functionality to non-free software is like saying "here's a gun;
if you shoot yourself in the foot while praying to the Dark Lord, the
blood will drip in a pattern resembling the autorouted traces - and if
it doesn't, you're not praying hard enough".

Really, if you're going to leave that part to non-free software, you
might as well install a telescreen in your house, wear blue coveralls,
and start worshipping Big Brother, because you obviously don't care
about freedom.

That said, it might be acceptable to have the /ability/ to use an
external, non-free autorouter if the user is willing to sacrifice his or
her freedom for it. But that still doesn't mean "why reinvent the wheel
if it already exists" is valid if "exists" means "can be obtained if
you're willing to sell your soul".

And yes, I realise I actually spent effort refuting a troll, but to heck
with it, because I needed to get it off my back.


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