Linux is NOT Freeware!

Yesterday, I was discussing a few things with a co-worker. He asked me about how I got a particular configuration on my screen, and I explained that I had to do it manually. I told him that there was software that did it automatically, but I couldn't use it because of its license (free for non-commercial use).After explaining that using that particular software on a laptop issued to me as a function and for the purpose of performing my job (as a third party vendor for a commercial enterprise) would violate the 'non-commercial' clause of the license, I explained to him that my preference is the use of free software. He asked what I use. Obviously, I replied, "Linux".I explained Linux's license, and he said, "So, it's freeware." This is the same thing my brother said 2 months ago, but I didn't bother to take the time to explain the difference, because my brother is a fucking idiot.Back to my co-worker. I explained how you can download a piece of software from download.com and have to agree to a license that does not allow you to redistribute it, modify it, or use it for a commercial purpose. Then I explained how Linux can be used. I explained that Linux is 'free' and 'open source', citing the 4 freedoms as the definition of "free" and pointing out that 'free of cost' was not one of them. I even told him that I would be perfectly in line with the license (the GPL), if every six months, I took the latest version of Ubuntu, striped out all branding and artwork, and renamed it 'Go Fuck Yourself'ix, as long as I complied with the availability of source code provisions of the GPL.I ended the conversation by equating the draconian measures of SOPA/PIPA as a result of the ignorance of, the lack of respect for, and the flagrant violation of copyright laws in the Corporate States of Corporaterica. I don't know if I converted him, but at least I explained to him why, professionally, I abide by software licenses. The reason is because I put my employer and our client at risk of a lawsuit. If I was allowed to use Linux and the wealth of free software to do my job, I could do it much more efficiently and without risk of letigation.

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