Re: How to use gksu to safely run a non-open-source application?

[Jack Dodds <brmdamon aci on ca>]

Petri Kanerva wrote:

> <>Well, why use realplay?
> Try mplayer (http://www.mplayerhq.hu/) that's open-source..
> You need the realplayer-codec for it to play the stream, but you can get
> the needed codec from their page.
>
> Petri

I think you are missing the point.

Mplayer is open-source, but the RealPlayer codec is not.  It might be a 
codec, pure and simple.  Or, it might do many other things.  It might 
contain code to collect information on which files are played and upload 
them.  It might attempt to detect files acquired via peer-to-peer 
software and alert the MPAA. It might contain a keystroke logger for 
harvesting passwords!

Using a closed source codec in an otherwise open source system defeats 
the security advantage of open source.  I have no reason to believe that 
RealNetworks is unethical.  But, it is prudent to assume that sooner or 
later an apparently trustworthy corporation will do something 
underhanded.  I'm trying to use closed source code in a restricted way 
that does not require me to rely on blind faith.  Considering what 
happens on the Internet every day, paranoia is a reasonable attitude.

If you have downloaded RealPlayer, check the Real Networks licence 
agreement, especially paragraphs 7 - Automatic Communication Features 
and 9 - Digital Rights Management Systems.