this post was submitted on 06 Mar 2025
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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My issue is that I don’t want to have to register for shit like that. If it’s security related, and it’s a free Linux distro (e.g. not RHEL, etc), it is absolutely not appropriate to diminish anonymity in exchange for those updates, or to paywall them.
It's hardly diminishing your anonymity. There are plenty of services to create an anonymous email account.
This is a very accurate explanation. ☝️
Thanks for the info, I'd seen the pro option but just assumed I didn't want it, like pretty much everything thing else labelled "pro".
Since it's all free software, what gives Ubuntu the privilege to restrict these updates behind paywalls and signups?
Fuck that bullshit. We shouldn't be encouraging or enabling this behavior at all.
GPL does not restrict you from selling the software, though you can't stop getting distributed by someone who bought it. Even RMS himself sold Emacs back in the day.
EDIT: I'm not saying it's justified in moral sense, I think it sucks ass. But it's not against the licence.
Oh god, we know.
Practically speaking though, if anyone can redistribute it for free then it's available for free.
You don't seem to understand the difference between free as in freedom and free as in beer that is literally the cornerstone of the free software community.
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Those who are against it probably would just move away from Ubuntu. For those who aren't, I don't see why they shouldn't register for Ubuntu Pro. It's not in the spirit of the free software ecosystem, but not everyone needs to have the same level of commitment to free software.
IMO, hearing about Ubuntu Pro reinforces my decision to stick to Ubuntu derivatives like Mint, and it's making me consider trying options like LMDE or straight up Debian.