On Thu, 1 Nov 2001 09:06:35 -0500, Charles A Edwards <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
> On Thu, 1 Nov 2001 15:39:32 +1100
> Sridhar Dhanapalan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> > On Wed, 31 Oct 2001 13:40:39 -0500, Charles A Edwards
> > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > > I do not understand the hue&cry, especially from linux users, about the
> > > activation process of Windows XP, or the fact that it is tied to 1 system.
> > >
> > > This not an unheard of, or unused procedure.
> > >
> > > Red Hat has been using basicly the same in there treatment of
> > > installations since 7.1.
> >
> > Ummm... How?
> >
> > Red Hat is GPL. You can download it freely of the Internet. What's the point
> > in a product activation copy protection scheme then?
> >
> > --
>
>
> Yes RH is GPL, so is SuSE but you can not dowload a fully functional ISO
> of it.
>
> Being GPL has nothing to do with the basics action that RH "leads" one to
> beleive you must take once you have have installed RH.
>
> Read the following from the RH site:
>
>
>
>
> "Get the most out of your Red Hat systems.
> Red Hat Network is an Internet solution for managing one or more Red Hat
> Linux systems. All Security Alerts, Bug Fix Alerts, and Enhancement
> Alerts (collectively known as Errata Alerts) can be retreived directly
> from Red Hat. You can even have updates automatically delivered
> directly to your system as soon as they are released.
> Because Red Hat Network keeps track of when Errata Updates are
> released and sends you email notifications, it can:
> Reduce the time and effort required by system administrators to stay
> on top of the Red Hat errata list
> Minimize security vulnerabilities in your network by providing the
> patches as soon as Red Hat releases them
>
> Filter out package updates not relevant to your network
>
> Schedule Errata Updates so that packages are delivered to selected
> systems when you want it
> To start using Red Hat Network today, follow these steps:
> Create a System Profile by registering your system with Red Hat
> Network. Just run the command rhn_register on the system.
> Log in to Red Hat Network and entitle the system
> to all the Software Manager benefits.
> Start scheduling updates.
> If you need help with these steps, refer to the Red Hat Network User Reference
> Guide. If you are a current Red Hat Network customer, please read
> The New RHN to learn what has changed and what
> features have been added."
>
>
> When you register and entitle your system, a profile for that system is
> created.
> If you wish to install on another or even change systems and still access the
> RHN you must first unentitle the original system and then register and entitle
> the second system.
> If you should wish to use the RHN on more then 1 system you must purchase
> additional subscribtions at $19.95 per month per machine.
>
> Sure, you can get around this by listing all updates applied to one system
> and then manually updating on any others that you might have.
> But how many users would even think of this much less do it.
>
> There is nothing wrong with RH doing this, linux distros if they are to stay
> viable must find means of generating revenue beyond that aquired through the
> sale of box sets of the OS.
>
> Is this exactly the same practice that is being used by MS with WP?
> No.
> But the basic priciple behind the approch both are taking is the same, 1 copy
> of the OS on one system.
>
> You may well have a differing view, that is why we each are individuals and
> each has the 'right' to hold and express their own views.
>
> But, as to me personally, I can equate no difference between MS's policies
> in regards to XP and those being currently employeed by RH.
>
>
> Charles
I think these things are _very_ different. The Red Hat Network is completely
voluntary, and there is no constant nagging to join it as there is in XP to join
Passport. Also, the information collected by RHN is limited to basic
identification and contact details, along with system configuration information.
This is merely to customise updates and notification of those updates for the
consumer. RHN doesn't ask for your credit card numbers or all your passports,
nor does it try to channel you to specific web sites so that you are less likely
to visit competing sites. In fact, RHN is not very different from
MandrakeOnline.
If you have a problem with RHN, then you have a problem with customised web
services in general. Services are the only way that companies like Mandrake and
Red Hat can make significant amounts of money, since they are losing money on
their distributions. There is nothing wrong with web services, provided that
they are carried out in an ethical manner. RHN and MandrakeOnline only collect
the information they need to do a specific task. They don't try to cover
everything from e-mail to e-commerce, and they don't subvert the user's Internet
experience like XP. They also clearly spell out what they are doing, and they
don't try to press-gang the user into joining. They are also GPL, so there is no
chance of spyware and little chance of insecurity (because of peer review,
etc.).
The key difference here is that RHN and MandrakeOnline are ethical (honest,
open, etc.), whilst XP is not.
--
Sridhar Dhanapalan
Linux is like a wigwam...No windows, no gates.
Apache inside.
Want to buy your Pack or Services from MandrakeSoft?
Go to http://www.mandrakestore.com
