I'd like to get RHEL Desktop 5.
I visited their website and when you buy it
basically you pay for the support, not for the software.
Is there any way to download it free of charge?
I don't need their support. It's just for my private use.
(I know about Centos)

Furthermore, what's the difference between the subscriptions?

e.g

I don't get the difference. What do 'multi-os' and 'workstation' mean in this context?



thanks

One of my pet peeves is when someone posts about something he knows nothing about. Yet, I am going to do just that now.

RHEL, I believe, includes certain proprietary applications in addition to the Linux files. If that is the case, then it is unlikely they are going to give you the whole thing, with or without support. If it were possible to download RHEL, there would be no CentOs.

That is exactly why the CentOs community was formed.

So, since CentOs is complete except for proprietary files, that is your best choice, perhaps your only choice.

I have just seen postings that RHEL does not work on really hot new video cards, since their corporate customers tend not to pay for those things.

I like to snoop around different distros, but I feel no urge to try CentOs again. It just isn't up to speed when compared with the other hot distros,such as K/Ubuntu, Mepis; Mandriva; etc.

If you wish to play with SEL, that is a really good choice, though.

IMHO this is a very bad time to invest in a Red Hat desktop system. They have just announced that they will be pulling out of the desktop market.

I do now know what multi-OS means to Redhat. To most of us, it means multiple boot, or in the simplest case, dual-boot where Windows is left on the computer; Linux is added, and one can choose which OS to run during boot. On justlinux.com, a regular has run 147 OS on one machine.

Installing multiple boot probably adds support costs, but this is just a guess.

And, workstation is a computer such as used in offices and corporate usage, where one does things on it at work. There is a different arrangement than for a server or thin client. Word processors; printer connections; etc. As opposed to a games computer, perhaps.

A lot of this stuff you can find on Google.

RedHat will charge you more for support as the complexity of your installation increases:-

Desktop variants

• * Red Hat Enterprise Linux Desktop
  A general purpose client solution suitable for desktop and laptop systems, offering a comprehensive suite of personal productivity applications such as OpenOffice, Firefox browser, and Evolution email client. Supports systems with up to 1 socket at 4GB of memory.
• * Red Hat Enterprise Linux Desktop with Multi-OS option
  Provides virtualization capabilities, with the ability to host multiple guest operating environments.
• * Red Hat Enterprise Linux Desktop with Workstation option
  Provides support for larger client systems and an extended software stack. Ideal for high end desktop applications, technical workstations in design, engineering, CAD/CAM, or software development, etc. Includes the full Red Hat Enterprise Linux software development stack and the complete set of server applications for client system use-cases like testing, administration, software development, etc.
• * Red Hat Enterprise Linux Desktop with Workstation and Multi-OS options.
  Combines all desktop features and options into a single product.

I don't think you can download the Desktop product from their evaluation site, only the Enterprise product.

Do you have an existing subscription for RHEL? Perhaps you may be able to download it from RHN?

thanks guys,

I was relieved to find out that at least notions like multi-OS or a workstation don't belong to the things I know nothing about

They are (will be?) strong on the server market, though, won't they?

No, I don't.

From what I've learnt from you, guys, I'll probably install CentOS. The reason I was asking in the first place is
that I finally want to get down to preparing for RHCE.

regards
sycamorex

I would recommend using centos for your study. There are only 2-3 packages that are different and they are copyrighted images and logos. Otherwise they are the same. Redhat provides a rigorously tested linux platform _with_ support that has a more enterprise friendly development cycle. Besides the logos and support they are offering a completely open source distribution.
If you want the 30 day eval go HERE and you will get a fully functional copy and a subscription that will expire in 30 days. You will have access to all the updates for the 30 days but not support.

Oh, and get the server not the workstation for rhce study

Agreed. If you are going for RHCE then you want CentOS or the RHEL eval. Forget about the desktop product because a) it isn't what you'll be examined on; and b) as jay73 said, the desktop product is in a state of flux and may not last much longer.

ok, thanks
I think I'll go for Centos.