[wellylug] Linux as selling point.

[Pete Black]

> But if the binaries are embedded within an electronic device and are 
> not
> easily available to copy for use by the purchaser of the electronic
> gadget, then how does that constitute distributing software?
>
> The manufacturer sold a piece of hardware.
>

How would this be different to selling a PC with an OS preloaded on it? 
You still have to abide by the software license. Theres no way, for 
example, a distributor can legally sell you a PC with a copy of, say, 
Redhat EL on it if they haven't complied with the licensing provisions 
i.e. paid for it.

Similarly, selling you an Xbox mod-chipped with 50 illegally copied 
games loaded on the HDD would be a clear case of copyright 
infringement, even if the device was sold as 'a piece of hardware'.

- Pete