I was wondering if I could create my own commercial repository for Ubuntu Linux like the one Canonical is running. I would not charge money for any of my packages, but I just wanted to share some helpful packages with Ubuntu Edgy users that can be easily installed through my repository.

For example, I had a great deal of difficulty installing LimeWire on Ubuntu Edgy. I have fixed the package and I want to share it with others. Please give me some feedback on this!

Thanks,
Milton

Depends what country you're in, and what packages you're trying to distribute.

I am in the USA. How do I know which packages are legal are which ones are not? Thanks for helping

If the package is GPL then you're quite safe. If the package is not free or under GPL then you will need an "OK" from the owner. Then there are all of the other package designations other than GPL.

I won't comment on the legality of what you want to do. Many of feel as members of the open source community helping each other solve problems is an obligation. I for one would never seek to make profit from other members of the community based on software given freely by the community.

Stuff that reverse engineers closed formats and bypasses copyprotection MAY (i'm not an expert) be illegal in the States. Examples are libdvdcss and the VLC (Videolan) player.
However, it may be illegal in such a way that noone cares anymore. Just like smoking grass in the Netherlands

fragos, I agree with you. As I stated in my initial post, I do NOT intend to charge for any of this. I know how frustrating it can be to get some linux apps setup and installed, and I want to do all I can to help others. I have tried several different Linux OSs, and I quit when I can't get the internet working or the applications properly installed. At this point, I like Ubuntu, and think I will stick with it for a while. I really dislike MS, and I am striving this year to use Linux ONLY as my desktop. Thanks for your comments, everyone!

As already stated, it all depends on the license.

With respect to the ethics of charging for "free" SW: I think it fair game to have a token charge if there is value added (that someone cannot easily get free somewhere else). Depending on the situation, maybe you can simply get some advertising revenue.