Linux Standardization???

[apoorv_khurasia]

Two Linux consortia band together

I think various distros are not that different from each other as was/is the case with UNIX. Moreover I don't think that an OS should pass a test to call itself Linux. If you have the Linux kernel you are linux --end of story.

[benjamin20]

if you use the linux kernel. you are linux. if you dont, you are not.

[easuter]

If you have the Linux kernel you are linux --end of story.

I have to disagree with you there.
"Distributions" such as Linux XP are a disgrace to the name "Linux", and shouldn't even be allowed to use the name at all.

Here is their "EULA":
http://www.linux-xp.com/licensing/

You get 99 boots on the "evaluation" version of that piece of crap. WTF?
They even claim "Proprietary Rights" over that WindowsXP ripoff look.
I guess the only reason they haven't been shut down is because they are based in Russia.

Those are people who never really gave a damn about Linux or OpenSource, but see its ever growing market potential and simply want to make a quick buck.
If they do not endorse the principals of free and open software why should they be allowed to ride on the reputation of the "Linux" name?

[apoorv_khurasia]

That is not the issue you see. First of all its good to see this merger but some news agencies have reported (and I am not quite sure if its true) that from now on there will be a standardization for the name Linux (just as it was with UNIX). That is the point to which I disagree. I mean what is the need to do so?

And as far as Linux XP is concerned I don't think they are doing anything bad. They are trying to bring Linux into main desktop scene, whats bad about it? And as far as Open Source is concerned charging for someone's pains is not a bad/forbidden idea. The free there is "free as in freedom not beer" and Linux XP still comes under the GPL. You are still free to modify it and redistribute it.

[stubbe]

I don't know what this "standardization" you're talking about here. But I said in a user perspective, yes, linux need standard. This is a step for the world domination, otherwise the major operating system would be still microsoft in the future. With standardization developer should have better target, thus more softwares under linux being developed. Now, the lack of softwares under linux I do think it's because of the "moving target" (like techimo said). Security might be lower but yet, right now people just shake their head and said "where's the beef"

[easuter]

But you see Linux XP is not entirely under GPL. There are proprietary parts included in it.
The thing is that after the "evaluation" period, you have to enter an activation key, or it gets locked down. But that means that you are COMPLETELY locked out of the system, and you can't access anything, not even the stuff that licensed under GPL.
Since when have you ever heard of being locked out of GPL software?

[apoorv_khurasia]

You are confusing the freedom of "beer" with "free". Since I have said that earlier I won't repeat that (and again its my personal point of view).

By the way I was just wondering that if Linux XP is indeed under the GPL why can't a user change the code and make the software "lifetime" available?

[easuter]

By the way I was just wondering that if Linux XP is indeed under the GPL why can't a user change the code and make the software "lifetime" available?

LOL, man I just said that its NOT entirely under GPL. sure you can download the GPL stuff, but the code that locks the computer down is proprietary.

Never mind.

[apoorv_khurasia]

Isn't that illegal?

[benjamin20]

wherther it uses non gpl'd code or not doent make a difference. if it uses the linux kernel, its linux, if it uses a modified kernel, like just about every distrubution does, its linux.