how does libranet get around the gpl?

[-wassup-]

if any of you have tried to download the libranet 2.8 release you see that you have to pay for it and even pay for a download. doesnt this violate the gpl?

[El_Cu_Guy]

Do yourself a favor a read the GPL as well as the FAQs that surround it.

No, it's not a violation of the GPL to charge for software. Free Software is about freedom not price. Just because it GPL'd or under some other OSS license doesn't mean you have to give it away.

[Trogdor]

Nope. "Free" software only means that you get the source with it when you buy or d/l it. If you read the GPL, you'll see that GPLed software can sell for whatever the maker wants.

So what about Redhat and Lindows? :p

EDIT: Oops, I just noticed that someone posted essentially the same thing as I did. I guess that serves me right for taking 5 minutes to type this responce up. :confused:

[BaVinic]

Actually, no it doesn't. the GPL does not prevent a company or person from charging for your modifactions, all it does do ( and I am paraphrasing here) is require you to make you modifacations available in the form of source code. anyone can charge for Linux, when it states FREE what is meant is free as in free to modify, not free as in no charge. you really should read teh GPL, I am sure I am not doing it justice.

:D

BaVinic

[emus]

http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/selling.html

The above link explains how and in which manner products may be sold in more detail.

[BaVinic]

very good link.


BaVinic

[raab]

Also:

If you go to this page, http://www.libranet.com/download.html, look on the right side, they have a free version .iso for download. It's a bit outdated, but that's really no problem since it also includes apt-get :)