Re: Seeking help for learning system for absolute beginners

On Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:22:39 +0000 (UTC), Maciej Katafiasz
<mathrick@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:

>Den Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:38:36 +0100 skrev John Thingstad:
>
>> You could prosecute someone for SELLING Linux or for producing
>> commercial software extending GPL'ed products.
>
>This is complete bull****, you have no idea what you're talking about.
>
>Maciej

It isn't bull**** ... the authors have retained for themselves the
right to *sell* Linux, therefore the act of selling it is a criminal
offense under copyright law in many countries.  WIPO signatory
countries reciprocally enforce each other's laws even if their own
laws on the matter are less stringent.

The Linux license (aka. GPL) requires provision of the software at no
charge and permits only recovery of duplication expense.  That is: you
can sell a CD that happens to contain a Linux distro, but you cannot
"sell Linux".

Whether you think this is a distinction without a difference is
immaterial ... laws are frequently stupid.  Stupidity doesn't mean you
can ignore it. 

George
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