Hi Folks,
One of my friend was arguing me that RED HAT is superior to any of the FREELY available Linux Distro as it provides Support (although in form of Subscriptions).
However I told him that he can get free community support for many other free distros and more over they are Open Source.
Now for this he said that Red Hat too is open Source, and he has got one installed in his home through a CD provided by his institute where he is studying REHL.
I asked him, whether he needed to enter Serial Key like Windows, he replied no, but he wont be able to use their support. So I told him that he is using a PIRATED version of LINUX. HE said yes.
I went ahead to cross check Red Hat License Agreement, and saw it to be similar to Microsoft's EULA that states, you cannot install it on more computers than the licensed purchased for etc. Secondly if the Subscription expires, the OS will no longer be Legal until its renewed (similar to Norton Anti Virus)
So my question is... Can Red Hat enterprise products be really considered as Open Source (as their website claims) http://investors.redhat.com/index.cfm *Red Hat is the world's leading open source provider. Bringing the choice, collaboration, cost savings and value of open source to enterprises worldwide. Solutions include our Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating platforms, JBoss Enterprise Middleware and other Red Hat enterprise technologies. * I am a bit confused on this argument... When we refer to Open Source philosophy, it says "FREEDOM", but REHL EULA looks similar to Microsoft EULA, then is also Red Hat play a role in giving rise to "PIRATED LINUX" race?
Bye Regards