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From: gnu@hoptoad.uucp (John Gilmore)
Newsgroups: comp.windows.x
Subject: Re: X Windows for the IBM PC/XT/AT now available!
Message-ID: <3371@hoptoad.uucp>
Date: Sat, 21-Nov-87 22:46:53 EST
Article-I.D.: hoptoad.3371
Posted: Sat Nov 21 22:46:53 1987
Date-Received: Mon, 23-Nov-87 07:11:32 EST
References: <299@idi.UUCP>
Organization: Nebula Consultants in San Francisco
Lines: 40

The X distribution policy is a fine thing (a lot better than the
SunView distribution policy!); I just wanted to remind folks of the big
difference between it and the GNU policy, as this sort of thing becomes
more and more common:

> 	We're happy to announce the availability of an X Windows
> Server for the IBM PC/XT/AT under PC/DOS.
> 	$99.95 1st copy of server
> 	 89.95 2nd thru 10th copies
> 	 79.95 11th and up copies
> 	All software comes with a free first update, and is not copy
> protected (we like to think that our prices are low enough that it's
> not worth having to deal with pirated copies).  OEM/VAR terms and source
> code are available -- call for details.

If this was licensed like GNU, there would be no question of source code,
or of paying more money for duplicating floppies.  (Also, since
this ad doesn't say which version, it's sure to be X10.)

I was reading the new HP test & measurement catalog and came across another
example:

	X Window System for Series-300:
		X Window System (with XrLIB)		$715
		right to make one copy			$355

	X Window System for HP Model 825:
		X Window System (with XrLIB)		$2100
		right to make one copy			$1470

Seems like a lot to pay for public access code.  With GNU distribution,
ten people could buy one copy (with source, and all the HP-specific
hacks) at the outrageous price and then go into business selling it at
a reasonable price.  As it is, each company will end up jealously guarding
some proprietary part of its X implementation to "discourage" people from
doing their own port.
-- 
{pyramid,ptsfa,amdahl,sun,ihnp4}!hoptoad!gnu			  gnu@toad.com
Love your country but never trust its government.
		      -- from a hand-painted road sign in central Pennsylvania