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2. Where to get RedHat?
There are many ways to get a copy of RedHat, as with all versions of Linux
and BSD. These include downloading from the internet, borrowing it from
a friend, buying it at your local software retailer, and buying it directly
from RedHat. I am assuming that you are using a PC in this HOWTO,
so make sure you are getting a copy made for the "x86" or "Intel" architechture
and in your preffered language. This HOWTO is also based off RedHat 7.0,
but most everything should still work with an older version.
Some of these methods may seem illegal or illigitimate, but I assure
you that they are perfectly legal and is actually encouraged. Just about
anything Linux related is copyrighted under the GNU Public Licence, more
commonly reffered to as the GPL. The GPL can be found here.
2.1 From The Internet
If you have a fast internet connection (or a modem and a lot of patience)
and a CD burner you can download an ISO image, or a byte-for-byte copy
of the actual CD-ROM and make it into an identical copy of the RedHat distibution
CD. You only need the first CD, but there are some optional components
that are included on the other CDs.
2.2 From A Friend
If you know someone with a copy of RedHat Linux and a CD burner, they can
simply make you a copy, too. You may think that this is violating copyright
law, but it is completely permissible according to the GPL, so you can
have your friend make you a copy without worrying about being arrested
or sued.
2.3 From A Software Retailer
As Linux has been getting more popular, it has begun to show up in stores
all over the world. Just about any major software retailer should have
some form of Linux available to buy. After reading the two options above,
you might be wondering why you would want to buy something you can get
free. Well, honestly, you wouldn't, but the box you would buy from a store
would include the CD that you can download, plus some extra, optional CDs,
and pre-made boot floppies. Probably the most important reason to buy the
retail version is to get the technical support. If you download Linux,
you are on your own, but when you buy the retail product you get access
to someone who can help you with your troubles.Although you can find plenty
of free advice on the Internet, like this HOWTO, it might be a good idea
to have that support available.
2.4 From RedHat
The last option I will describe here is buying straight from RedHat. This
provides all the advantages of buying the retail product in a store, but
you have to pay shipping on top of everything. This is not really a bad
idea, but I would only reccomend it if you have not been succesful searching
your local stores and no one you know can make you a copy.
You can purchase RedHat Products Here: http://www.redhat.com/apps/commerce/
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