On Fri, 04 Feb 2005 07:34:48 -0000, rhyan_luciano <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I'm new to linux kindly please help me how to explain a copyright and > distribution of linux? > > Who has the copyright? > > Who can distribute the software? > > And what are the restriction of distribution? >
The kernel and most non commercial linux distros use the GPL (General Public License). In a nut shell, you can change and redistribute software however you please, as long as who ever you distribute the software to has the same rights you have and they must know it uses the GPL. Some people think that the GPL means that the software must be made available for free, but this is not true. If (for example) someone makes changes to the kernel and sell it they can, for how ever much they want, but anyone who buys that new kernel can redistribute it at a low price or for free. The actual license can be found at http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, please read the license and consult a attorney if needed. To unsubscribe from this list, please email [EMAIL PROTECTED] & you will be removed. Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LINUX_Newbies/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
