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Thread ID: 69465 2006-06-02 08:35:00 What's the latest Linux OS? MTLance (6768) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
460008 2006-06-02 08:35:00 What's the latest Linux OS? I have no clue. Sorry no keeping Linux news up to date, except Windows. MTLance (6768)
460009 2006-06-02 08:38:00 And how much will it cost? MTLance (6768)
460010 2006-06-02 08:55:00 There are heaps of distributions of Linux (see It is a bit like asking someone which car to buy - very hard to advise. Really you need to do a bit of reading on various sites (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux" target="_blank">distrowatch.com/ ) but they all use the same kernel (currently a version of 2.6). It is a bit like asking someone which car to buy - very hard to advise. Really you need to do a bit of reading on various sites (see http: and en.wikipedia.org or en.wikipedia.org ). My favourite is Fedora but I understand why others prefer other distributions.

Cost? - see www.trademe.co.nz for a buy now price of $4.50!
johnd (85)
460011 2006-06-02 09:11:00 Cost? - see www.trademe.co.nz for a buy now price of $4.50!

Why does Linux cost around $4.50? Is it a trial version OS? Windows cost around $100+ for XP.
MTLance (6768)
460012 2006-06-02 09:12:00 And how much will it cost?

How much does linux cost? :nerd:

Linux is a free OS, the only cost usually is distribution e.g. bandwidth or buying a CD, and any associated support, manuals etc...

There is no market for selling linux as it is open source, so unlike Windows where the source code is protected...with Linux anyone with the right skills can modify, add to it and distribute it...this is why you will see diferent distributions e.g. RedHat and Debian etc...

Before going any further, do some reading! Linux is a fantastic OS but is quite diferent to Windows once you get past basic desktop functions.

Try and get your hands on a Linux distro with a "Live CD" that way you can try Linux without installing it.
superuser (7693)
460013 2006-06-02 09:15:00 Then where does Linux rise their revenues from??? MTLance (6768)
460014 2006-06-02 09:19:00 Why does Linux cost around $4.50? Is it a trial version OS? Windows cost around $100+ for XP.
Linux is Open Source software. Up until about 1980 all software was free so we are returning to our roots! Open source is also covered by a licence - it says the software is "free" but you can charge for it's packaging and distribution. It is "open" because anyone with programming skills can alter the source code and possibly contribute to the project if you make a worth while alteration.

See en.wikipedia.org and http://www.gnu.org/ for further information.
johnd (85)
460015 2006-06-02 09:27:00 Then where does Linux rise their revenues from???
The question is not quite right - there isn't any company called "Linux". Linux is really only the kernel - the rest of the software around the kernel (e.g. X-windows, the BASH shell) have been created independently.

Some distributions are completely community based (e.g. Debian) and others are owned by commercial companies (e.g. RedHat or SuSE). The kernel is still open source but some of the software surrounding the kernel is commercial for these distributions hence the cost.

You cannot charge for open source software but you can charge for hours spent working on it for a customer to solve a problem. But when you are finished, you or the company you are working for do not own the software.
johnd (85)
460016 2006-06-02 09:36:00 What is Linux anyway?:confused: MTLance (6768)
460017 2006-06-02 09:45:00 Read about Linux here (en.wikipedia.org) Speedy Gonzales (78)
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