Licensing for Linux

email2saeed · 05-29-2003, 01:07 AM

hi all.
i am here to know what is licensing procedure for linux. what i know is:
* free versions of Redhat, Suse etc r available.
* priced versions are also there.

If i purchase one copy of priced version, is it legal to install it on as many servers as i like?

what is the main difference between free and priced versions (other than support)?

SAhmed

acid_kewpie · 05-29-2003, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by email2saeed
If i purchase one copy of priced version, is it legal to install it on as many servers as i like?

what is the main difference between free and priced versions (other than support)?

1) yes

2) nothing.... well.. a shiny box too. some distributiions include extra discs of software, but it's seldom nothing you could freely download anyway.

if you're interestted in the GPL license itself, you can read all about it at gnu.org

contrasutra · 05-29-2003, 02:42 PM

Generally, the only difference between the boxed and download versions is that the Boxed version sometimes comes with Tech Support, and you have the pleasure of knowing you're supporting the company.

masand · 05-29-2003, 03:21 PM

if u do not want to download u could also get a version of redhat linux with the book "redhat linux unleashed "(i am not pretty sure abt. the name)but u do get the installation cds)

boreo · 05-29-2003, 05:09 PM

You could Install Linux in all the servers, it doesn't matter where you get it from, you could buy it or you could download it, you will still have the same privileges no matter what... Like some said, the only difference is tech support and well all the software in the world in a couple of CD's lol

Proud · 05-29-2003, 05:23 PM

Almost all linux related stuff is GPL. This basically means: the apps are free, the source is free, but if you use them for something, you must make your modification apps and sources free too. Fair's fair