Comment 388 for bug 269656

Ubuntu needs to make it easier for end users to decide whether they want to use restricted non-free software. The choice should be given on installation and also afterwards too.

Firefox can't be in Main because it's unsupportable. It's unsupportable because it can't be patched or modified (unless totally re-branded). This problem will likely affect all Mozilla software too, since presumably Mozilla will want their EULA on all their products. Fine. Mozilla can't be in Main. Live with it. Move on.

Firefox and other Mozilla software should be included as Restricted, license-encumbered, binary only software (which in effect it is). But it should be much easier for the user to decide centrally on their policy, not on an application by application basis. So on install the user should choose free software only, or "include encumbered, unsupportable binary only software" and a sensible default set of it be installed (ie Firefox, Flash, Java etc). The user should also be able to easily change their policy on this after install and remove or install all such encumbered software in one operation. (They might start out being righteous to the free cause and then change their mind and decide they want Firefox, Thunderbird, Flash etc).

Then the only question to answer is what is the default browser installed if they want only free software? It seems that with the time available, IceWeasle might be the only pragmatic option for Intrepid, but I don't think this is a long term good solution. Long term, ie in Jaunty onwards a better alternative might be Epiphany with or without WebKit. But since Mozilla sprung this at the last minute, they can't really be upset with the use of IceWeasle (and other Ice family software [which I think ought to be weasle family but isn't]) just for Intrepid only.