Relax Folks,
I never thought that my simple questions would lead to such a huge debate.
My questions were very simple.
And I got the answer too through these discussions.
So I have come to this point (please correct me if am wrong or misinterpreted)
1. Just like Microsoft, Red Hat has a per machine License system (thats what its EULA specifies I suppose). This has nothing to do with trade mark, copyright etc etc. but Violation of EULA
2. Copying RH from the original CD (or using the same CD) and installing it on another Machine for which the License payment has not be done is similar to installing Windows from original or (copied CD) on to other unlicensed systems. This is refered to as Piracy I suppose.
3. On the machines without License, users cant get access to Microsoft Updates (including security, service packs, Internet Explorer, Media Player, etc.) as the MS website checks for Genuineness of the installed Windows. So if a user wants those premium facilities, then he/she will have to obviously pay for that in form of License thats what is referred to as Subscriptions in terms of Red Hat where the User needs to pay for support and upgrades.
4. Microsoft I have heard visits its clients (corporates) to audit whether they have installed their products on systems exceding than those permitted in the EULA, if found then the clients are Fined. There is a similar clause in Red Hat EULA (discussed in earlier threads).
So from a Regular (Desktop) End User perspective I can understand that Microsoft:Windows and Red Hat:Linux
Although we dont have an option of FREE Windows, we though have option for FREE Linux alternatives like Debian, CentOS, Fedora, Ubuntu, Open Suse, etc.
So I think thats what answers the question. (For non Geeks)
Bye Regards ------------ Pravin Balaji Dhayfule