[linux-elitists] RedHat drops the other shoe

[Rick Forrister]

On Thu, 27 Feb 2003 09:51:40 -0500
Shawn McMahon <smcmahon at eiv.com> (by way of Douglas J Hunley <doug at hunley.homeip.net>) wrote:

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> Well, well.  My one and only Red Hat system is also my one and only
> Red Hat Network free subscription.
> 
> RH just sent me an email stating that I have 7 days to fill out a survey
> to extend my "demo" account another 60 days.  The implication in the
> email is that after that 60 days, there are no freebies any longer.

up2date, as an automatic service, has always been a "free demo" for a set period of time, after which a customer who likes the service is expected to pay.  This ain't new, folks.

> 
> Fortunately I have apt-rpm on there and don't use up2date to keep my
> system updated, but I wonder what affect all of the Red Hat systems that
> will suddenly no longer be getting security updates are going to have on
> the 'net?

And you can still get, and always have been able to get, free downloads of security and other updates from RH.  You may have to check a few details to be sure you get everything, but it's all there, and still all available, both source and binary, at the usual price - FREE!.

Red Hat's charging for SERVICE!  Not for product, for service.  Instead of free, automated downloading of all current security or other updates that you haven't installed, you have the free option of downloading and installing yourself.

"Free" doesn't mean that RH's obligated to provide free beer, free mug, free delivery, and opening & pouring service.

rickf