If the strength of Unix based operating systems such as Linux and Red Hat are based on the fact that they are open-source. Who will provide support for personal computers or average users that uses these operating systems. Wouldn't the absence of some structured and formal support system inhibit the growth of these operating systems?

The point is closed-source software needs official support because the developers are the only people with access to source code for maintenance. For open-source software, anybody with the knowledge can provide good support. Don't forget the point that open-source software are not developed by a single delegated team of developers in the first place, but by members from the public. So it seems natural that they be supported by the public as well.

And, evidence shows that patches for open-source OSes usually come even faster than that of closed-source ones.

Of course, for some "obstinate" enterprises that insist on buying expensive service contracts as an absolutely essential part of the procedure, then software without official support are not for them.

And also if you buy a linux distribution they usually offer support, either by e-mail or telephone.

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If one learns from others but does not think, one will be bewildered;
If one thinks but does not learn from others, one will be in peril.
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This sounds sneakily like a homework question (again....)

Some of the linux distros (RedHat most notably) are now starting to offer production level support (additional fees apply of course). Such services can help placate the weak hearted that needs vendor support as well as the skills at hand.

I've had no experience with such additional services. Has anyone had any opportunity to use such?

Cheers,

Keith

Wmosley, you are right the strength is in its open-source...

The whole reason we have unix at all is because of its open free exchange during the 60s and 70s, even the early 80s...

Everytime someone tried to create a proprietary version UNIX lost popularity and almost died on the vine at least 3 different times...


Open source code is the vitality of ALL unixces.

Here is a link to a great document ALL admins should be required to read. The Art of Unix Programming

It details a great deal of UNIX history and perspective we all need to know. here is a link to the author's home page and other works... of fact and fiction. http://www.catb.org/~esr/writings/

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My brain is your brain

well more like flamebait .

most distros offer support, suse has excellent support. free online support, and paid support over the phone. (hint: when you BUY their boxed set in stores, you are paying for support aswell...).

also i remember hearing something about IBM considering offering linux support, regardless of distro. or did i just make that up?

No,

I think you are correct that IBM said they would be moving into the Linux support business. When you consider the roots of 5L, you might say that they already are.

Cheers,

Keith

well, thats some ally we linux user have!!