Relax Folks,
I never thought that my simple questions would lead to such a huge debate.
My questions were very simple.
And I got the answer too through these discussions.
So I have come to this point (please correct me if am wrong or
misinterpreted)
1. Just like Microsoft, Red Hat has a per machine License system (thats what
its EULA specifies I suppose). This has nothing to do with trade mark,
copyright etc etc. but Violation of EULA
2. Copying RH from the original CD (or using the same CD) and installing it
on another Machine for which the License payment has not be done is similar
to installing Windows from original or (copied CD) on to other unlicensed
systems. This is refered to as Piracy I suppose.
3. On the machines without License, users cant get access to Microsoft
Updates (including security, service packs, Internet Explorer, Media Player,
etc.) as the MS website checks for Genuineness of the installed Windows. So
if a user wants those premium facilities, then he/she will have to obviously
pay for that in form of License thats what is referred to as Subscriptions
in terms of Red Hat where the User needs to pay for support and upgrades.
4. Microsoft I have heard visits its clients (corporates) to audit whether
they have installed their products on systems exceding than those permitted
in the EULA, if found then the clients are Fined. There is a similar clause
in Red Hat EULA (discussed in earlier threads).
So from a Regular (Desktop) End User perspective I can understand that
Microsoft:Windows and Red Hat:Linux
Although we dont have an option of FREE Windows, we though have option for
FREE Linux alternatives like Debian, CentOS, Fedora, Ubuntu, Open Suse, etc.
So I think thats what answers the question. (For non Geeks)
Bye
Regards
------------
Pravin Balaji Dhayfule