Question regarding GPL/GCC

[radcc]

I am confused as how one get's GPL to work in a profitable manner.

While the 'legalese' in the GPL is somewhat easier to grasp than some other licenses, I still cannot see how one can make any money off of a GPL'd program.

In reality, I can see some money coming from support/services to the program, but getting money from the program itself seems barred by the GPL.

In an ideal situation though, I can't see anyone getting any money from this. As ideal, I mean writing a program that works, start to finish, supplies necessary drivers/configuration, and works on all platforms it was made for.

I know, I know, someone has some nice piece of swamp property/bridge/etc. that they'd like to sell me if I keep thinking in terms of ideal.

Are there examples of how someone can profit (not necessarily at MS levels, but liveable) off of a GPL'd program and not necessarily of the support/services?

Also, if I write any programs using GCC, would those programs automatically become GPL'd? or is it based off of the licenses of the libraries used in conjunction with the base program?

I like Linux and the opportunities it can offer, but I'd like to make a little living off of my work (if any) before releasing it to the wilds of the internet.

[sharth]

well, it is possible to sell gpl'd software. and you don't have to make it freely downloadable (although others might do it for you)

gcc does not make the programs that it compiles gpl'd though.

[je_fro]

I will answer this question for $1.

:p

Check out what R. Stallman says...he doesn't care if you make money off GPL software, you just have to make the code available. I think just because you compile something with GCC that doesn't make it GPL'ed.
Also, if regular, no-programming people want to use GNU/Linux apps, they'll need support sooner or later. That's where you step in.

Thank you,

http://www.paypal.com

[bwkaz]

Have a read through the GPL FAQ:

http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html

Yes, you can charge anything you want for the binaries of a GPL'ed program. However, if someone has a legitimate copy of the binaries, you are required to give them the sources if they ask, at a price of no more than the cost of distribution. You are also required to ensure that they know they have the right to ask you.

But you can charge anything you want for the binaries.