[NTLUG:Discuss] @#$%^&*! redhat up2date!!!!!

[Jack Snodgrass]

On Thu, 2004-01-08 at 08:51, Paul Ingendorf wrote:
> I guess the real point would be in were your moral turpitude lies.  Do you
> think it is right to package the work of others and sell it on the basis
> that you are providing a method for that installation and that is all your
> charging for above the cost of the media?  Then turn around and charge
> subscription services for access to the upgraded/patched packages that are
> included in the package you are providing?
> 
> I find this whole area of what redhat has gotten themselves into very grey
> and somewhat nefarious.  I can't condemn them without seeing were they end
> up but I can't condone what they are doing either.

RedHat is a publicly Traded Company. They have payroll and expenses. 

They repackage a freely available piece of software and add 'value' to 
it where 'value' = ( something like ) support, hardware testing, upgrade
testing, stability that some people like. Your not paying for the free
software... your paying for the value added stuff. If you don't think 
that the value added stuff is worth it, then don't pay ( or use ) it. 

Personally, I've jused RedHat distributions since 4.x and I've NEVER
paid them a single $. I can't complain if they want to offer support
for a price. I know for a fact that Hardware, ISP cost, office space, 
phone cost, employee insurance, etc isn't free. It all cost money. If
you don't think it's worth the price, don't pay it. 

This is called capitalism. The "everything is free, the government 
will take care of all of your (software) needs system failed a while
back....." 

Your always free to use the non-value added software. 

jack