Can I use RedHat Enterprise Linux 3 for my learning purpose in my Home. If yes, where I can download. Or else, I want to switch from RH 9 to some other equivalent stuff. I tried Fedora 2 stable, but not satisfied. ny help would be greatly welcome.

I don't know about RHEL but you can use Whitebox
http://www.beau.org/~jmorris/linux/whitebox/

you can also use CentOS

Enterprise will cost you. Go to www.redhat.com then click on Enterprise Linux to learn more and download.

I found FC1 to be more stable than FC2, so that may be worth a try. FC3 is available November 1st, so you may want to look into that.

If you still have RH9, consider sticking with it since it is very stable and you can use yum or apt-get to stay up to date.

If you want true RedHat Enterprise, I second this choice. It's compiled from RH Enterprise source, but without the RH logos.

Question:

You cannot download the new redhat server / workstation linuxes, since they cost. Only fedora can be downloaded. They cannot legaly sell linux, but charge the money for the support. This I understand.
But if I compile it myself, then it is legal. What about if I could get my hands on a CD with RedHat Enterprise? Could I legaly use it, without paying? (I would of course not get support)
This thought just occured to me.

Markus

You can download ISOs for the current RHEL4 beta, however. Go here:
ftp://ftp.redhat.com/pub/redhat/linux/beta/nahant/iso/

Pick the version for your hardware platform. I've been running it (x64 build) for a week or so. A few glitches, nothing serious.

The point is worth repeating. Whitebox and CentOS ARE RedHat Enterprise just with any reference to RedHat removed. I can't say for sure if you'd be legal, but you'd be on a very fine line. I know specifically that compiling any source that in the end displays a RedHat icon or uses the term RedHat Enterprise would be against the license agreement. Just use CentOS. They have done all the things that make using RedHat Enterprise legal for you already. They even compile and submit all the updates for you.

Making a "fake" RH Enterprise would be a large undertaking for one person, but the source is available if you really feel you want to try it.

Ah, now I get it: I thought CentOS and the other are just new linux distros.
Did not hear from them before.
Great idea!

I've wondered for quite some time.

I have ISOs here for RHEL3 U3 and RHEL4 B1. Will it be illegal to pass copies around for the RHEL3 U3?

Even for companies to install their own RHEL3 WITHOUT purchasing it from RH? With the mindset, Google gives me all the support I need.

Yeah, I would also like a discussion on this point:

Can you legaly use RHEL without paying for it?

My argumentation:
RHEL is covered by the GPL, and hence must be made available to the public, at least the source code. The binaries too? Could they be protected from copying and falling under the GPL?

For many it is a moot point, since they need the support anyway (enterprise), but many of us give ourself our own support.

Version 1: It is illegal to use RHEL software that contain RedHat logos or contain the name "RedHat Enterprise Linux" without paying for it.

Version 2: You can do what ever you want with the software, but if it contains the copyrighted Redhat icons or logo, or the name, it is not legal to install it!

Version 3: Despite the fact that it is Open Source software, RedHat has devised a way to received property rights, thus legally licensing open source software. It is however based soley on the apperance of the copyrighted name and or logo. THEY MUST BE REMOVED.

From the Centos Website:
"CentOS 2 and 3 are a 100% compatible rebuild of the RHEL 2 and 3 versions, in full compliance with RedHat's redistribution requirements. It is for people who need an enterprise class OS without the cost of certification and support."

What advantage is there to distributing illegal software when there is a legal version that is THE EXACT SAME(!) available for free. Regardless of the fines and jail time that are associated with the distribution of illegal software, why don't you just support the people out there that make the software you are requesting and do so FOR FREE???

If youd like further discussion, post another thread. Oh, and if the beta4 is public, you CAN give that to whomever you wish.

Great! Ok, now I get it.
Makes sense that the RedHat logo is protected. That's the way they make the cash and reputation. Yeah, why go for that if there is a better way?

My questions are answered.

Thanks

Markus

Excellent, excellent...

I really think CentOS is the way to go. I have been using it for a month now on a test machine and it runs ok, with all the relevant updates from redhat minus the redhat branding. you should be able to just download the iso's or buy cheap copies from online vendors such as cheeplinux .