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• Launchpad Entry: no-mono-by-default

• Packages affected: F-Spot TomBoy Notes, Mono

Summary

Remove Mono and dependent applications from default Ubuntu Desktop CD.

Mono by default is a bad strategic decision for Ubuntu.

Release Note

F-Spot and Tomboy Notes will not be on the default Ubuntu Desktop CD.

Users who currently have either installed will not have them removed.

Rationale

• Bad Strategic Decision
  • Possible Patent issues

    • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mono_Project#Mono_and_Microsoft.E2.80.99s_patents

  • Using a language that is beneficial to biggest competitor
    • Mono is implemented to be compatible with Microsoft's .NET instead of the standard.
    • Mono's compatibility requirement with .NET create a bad dependency on a competitor.
    • Providing Mono on the Default Ubuntu Desktop CD helps Mono become more popular as more people will use it by default.
    • By writing Free applications in Mono you put yourself at risk from Microsoft changing the .NET implementation creating more work for both Mono developers and application developers.

  • http://www.gnu.org/software/dotgnu/danger.html

• Saves 48.6 MB uncompressed on default CD

  • After alternatives are added, what is the net space savings (or lose)?

Use Cases

n/a?

Assumptions

Mono/.NET success is not beneficial for free software

F-Spot and Tomboy Notes are not used heavily (will not be greatly missed if not installed by default)

Implementation

Remove dependencies

Migration

No migration needed, old installs will still be upgraded. Mono just won't be on the CD.

Test/Demo Plan

Test to make sure removing Mono does not break other things in Gnome.

Outstanding Issues

New Default Photo Management Application

New Default Note Taking Application

CategorySpec