>> JV> with its SCO holdings. I don't think much of commercial distributions
>> JV> of Linux and even less of them these days,
>>
>> putting them all in the same bag doesn't do justice to some. Without
>> SLS and slackware, there would be no linux today.

> That's hard to say for sure, but I don't want business involved in my
> basic operating system ever again. I like it the way it is now, but
> don't mind the thought of paying for apps and hardware at all.

I believe I have found the apropriate analogy to what Linux is all about.

1.  You are born with all basic freedom, Air to breath, Sun to warm you,
    Water to drink.  You are just about guaranteed a mother that will see
    to it that you grow to appreciate that you need to work for needs beyond
    the basics.   Thus life it self is free.

2.  One of your needs is a computer, so you buy one that the mfg. installs
    Linux on.  Since the mfgr. can get free copies of most any Linux dist.
    Basically all he should charge for is the cost of getting free Linux dist.
    and install time plus the cost of hardware, and assembly and testing.
    The rest of Linux beyond the kernel is mostly free but those that make
    those contributions sometimes need to make a living so the like to charge
    for there work.

3.  If you buy a computer with Windows you are paying for a license to use
    your basic freedoms.


Maybe this will make sense this way;

Born+Mother+computer+linux - you only work to pay for hardware and extra programs.

Born+Mother+computer+windows - you work extra to pay for the basic life
within the computer and everything else from then on.

Warren Hrach

--- BBBS/LiI v4.00 MP