From: http://unitedlinux.com/en/faqs/index.html "7 Will UnitedLinux break existing compatibility with hardware and software? Caldera, Conectiva, SuSE, and Turbolinux will collaborate on the development of the UnitedLinux distribution in order to provide migration pathes from their former releases to UnitedLinux. However, each UnitedLinux partner will still have its own Linux distribution that is "Powered by UnitedLinux." Existing long-term relationships with leading hardware and software companies - as well as the current UnitedLinux partners - guarantee the compatibility of UnitedLinux with relevant business solutions. HW and SW manufacturers have the opportunity to join the alpha and beta test circles, thus reassuring in an early stage that UnitedLinux supports their products. " So that's nice and clear then. I'm listening for words like 'free' and 'gpl' and not immediately seeing that many. But evidently this could be an important and equally possible generally beneficial thing to happen. Sounds to me like it may be a good decision - once everyone's decided exactly what it is. Clearly the IT marketplace is as slippery as an eel that's just been coated in extra slippy jelly, but I would be grateful for some little announcement from a bona fide suse person about how they see this fitting with the non-business market, i.e. both home/hobby users and education, charity, non-profit, government. Some kind of clear signal that we're *not* heading towards per seat licensing would be good to hear, or it's off to the BSDs for me. I'm not looking for trouble, just reassurance. For example will this 'high value' product be introducing licensing novelties, and will any key parts of this uberdistro be under non-GPL or BSD licences? Will the home or charity user still be able to get it free, even if some extra setting up work might be needed? But let's raise at least two hearty cheers and wait for the fallout. Best Fergus -------------------------------------------------------