On Mon, 4 Dec 2000, Richard Menedetter wrote:
> could you tell me where you have read that ??
www.lineo.com/cgi-bin/drdos/faq
says that you can download a copy for non-commercial use
at www.drdos.org
drdos.org says that it's "free for non-commercial use"
And gives a link back to the lineo ftp server for downloads. I haven't
seen a link direct from lineo.com to the ftp server, but you could go
direct to the ftp server if you know the address. There's no mention
of the license that I could see. I suppose it's attached to the
actual download.
There is also another site: www.drdos.net that gives working links
to a Caldera ftp site where you can still download DR-DOS and its
source code for free.
I suppose they want you to use it if you want, but if you're using it
to make money they want to get paid.
And I think if you're using it to make money--like at an internet cafe,
you would need more than one license.
And the license for non-commercial use never defines what a "reasonable
amount of time" actually is. So I guess its "free until they decide
you're being unreasonable." That sounds like a lawyers way of making
it available for non-commercial use without surrendering copyright. They
obviously want people to experiment with it and try it out and maybe
develop profitable uses for it.
I admit the situation is confusing.
> For non-commercial use you are allowed to evaluate it for a reasonable
> amount of time before paying !
>
> This is what the license for dr-dos 7.03 says ... can't help it
Except according to Lineo they aren't selling less than fifty licenses
anymore. Which takes us around in a circle back to where this thread
started. Sounds like they just aren't concerned about anymore about
single endusers and don't want to get involved selling or servicing
retail customers. Maybe they don't see that as a viable market.
I say people should just feel free to go ahead and use it since Lineo
is making it available. The link that Lineo sends you to says it's free for
non-commercial use, despite what it says in the license about
evaluation for a reasonable amount of time.
Or you could call 801-426-5001 and ask the Lineo sales office if they
want you to send them some money.
Sam Ewalt
