Sometime yesterday, Tushar Burman wrote:
So I take it one is allowed to use GPLed software to create derivative works, release that source under GPL as well, and at the same time allowed to sell compiled binaries on CD? Stupid I know, but is this allowed within the GPL?
You can sell GPL'ed s/w or derived work (auto-GPL'ed). When you sell such s/w, you are really selling it with the source. But most people don't want the source, so you can _distribute_ only the binaries, and make the sources available via FTP.
So I just bought this 2-CD kit from FreeOS - CD #1 reads "Red Hat 6.2 Install" - CD #2 reads "Red Hat 6.2 Source". I could have chosen to take only CD #1 and perhaps get a small discount (not sure at all about this). If I am charged a little extra for CD #2, it's for the CD itself, and not for the content (the Source). I might be wrong on this.
Regarding derivative works, you have to make the source to the entire derivative work available - not just the original work on which your derivative work is based.
Yes, I know that GNU/Linux distributors sell their wares, but until now I assumed the money was being charged for the printed manuals and whatever non-GPL additions they made to it.
If that were the case, one would never be able to make money out of Free software. Because the FSF doesn't like the idea of bundling some non-Free s/w with GNU/Linux. And remember - the manuals are also Free manuals (FDL), so by your (incorrect) assumption one can't even charge for Free manuals.
You can make a living by selling Free Software and Documentation.
Manish