On Monday 17 April 2006 16:01, Bernard wrote: > Just a thought > > I was under the impression that Linux was free? Linux is Free in the sense that it is not encumbered by patents or copyrights. Free as in liberty, not necessarily free as in gratis. Practicing Linux is a bit like practicing Law, a lawyer does not sell you laws, (s)he gets them for free from the legislature, interprets them and sells you the advice and counsel appropriate to your situation. The principle for Linux consulting is identical.
> So while I do not mind shouting a few beers for someone or offering some > service in return, why would I pay $60.00 call out fee Because the poor bugger who is prepared to come out to help you on a Bank Holiday needs to pay rent or mortgage, and to buy food to poke through the hole in his head. > or buy a new modem? If you were to buy that new modem from DSE I mentioned, you would have a plug-in and go solution. Literally a 10 minute job. On the other hand you might prefer to buggerise around for what might well be several hours with that free program on the WWW site I mentioned, and even then you might well not have a solid solution. Take your pick depending on the combination of the level of your Linux expertise and how you value your time. > Seems to defeat the whole purpose of the system? What started out as a hobby exercise 15 years ago is now an arguably superior system to the commercial offerings. It's come of age and thus supporting it has commercial value. > Or have I missed something? Yes. I hope the above clears up any misunderstandings. -- CS
