Information about OpenFirmware
---------------------------
The most important principles of OpenFirmware:
- publication of firmware with new functions accessible for all;
- publication of software in solid and complex way, with suitable Readme which is at the same time thanks for all who shared in software (last time that way wasn't practiced);
- possibility of modification OpenFirmware by people not connected directly with 1st edition of firmware - the only condition is the addition of new functions to firmware and suitable info in readme;
- consolidating, encouraging to co-operation all the people who worked on it successfully earlier, but gave up for different reasons;
- documentation of OF is the software itself, decompilated and not protected
-----------
In fact, there is only one condition under which the modified firmware could be recognized as the next version. This condition sounds more or less as follows:
The change cannot be cosmetic e.g. the change of colours or correction of some linguistic mistakes. The change should add to OpenFirmware some new function (e.g. adding permanently displayed clock isn't a new function because it is too small a change).
Translation to different language is advisable.
The way of releasing so changed firmware should look more or less the same as the Italian translation (of course, it is not a new version). Italian translation of OF is available on Dynamit's upload so you can see how it was made.
-----------
The latest translations (except Italian) do not fulfill the guidelines introduced above.
I'd like to ask the authors of those translations to correct them. At least in first translation to any language there should be additional files enclosed (e.g. programmes to ServiceCard, it is possible to add newer files).
It is necessary to add Readme from the 1st edition of OpenFirmware with appropriate registration of the author of new functions or translation.
---------
On behalf of all those who worked on the 1st edition of OpenFirmware.
(By julek)
