The GPL exaplined in quick, easy terms

[Firewing1]

Hey,
I came across this document:

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/GPL/2.0/

I'ts basically the GPL explained in a human-readable format, what your are allowed to do with GPL software and the rules for modifying, redistribution, etc. I liked it a lot, at least... It describes the GPL in a quick, easy way.

Firewing1

[3006828]

nice and simple aint it ;)

Thank you sir.

[clearer]

Uh, nice.. it even comes with an autosensing language shifter so you can read it in your native language :-D I got mine in danish.

[FedoraUK]

Cheers fella. Good find.

Although, I thought that the GNU GPL license didn't necessarily mean that the software was free?

[Firewing1]

True - The source must remain free. You can still sell your code. For example, I could sell ___ GPL program for $5, but I can't stop anyone from buying it and selling it as their own for $6. In other words, you have to do what Red Hat did. Give the SRPMS for RHEL, so yes you can get your own FREE RHEL, but you don't get the support.
Firewing1

[Dan]

For example, I could sell ___ GPL program for $5, but I can't stop anyone from buying it and selling it as their own for $6. In other words, you have to do what Red Hat did. Give the SRPMS for RHEL, so yes you can get your own FREE RHEL, but you don't get the support.

Nice find and well said Firewing1.

For a business, the GPL can be a really good thing. You're selling the support service, not the product. In terms of rapid R&D and return on investment, it really makes a whole lot of sense.

The current powers that be in a rather monopolistic market haven't known exactly what to do with that concept yet. But they are learning.

Fast.

Dan

[mtl2002]

Hehe. I read "exaplined" and thought "disciplined"...as in, the GPL was whipped by a black-leather-clad dominatrix, in quick and easy fashion....