I'm a Mac & Windows software developer, and am interested in porting some of my programs to Linux. But, it seems like almost all programs I come across are open source/free. I know there are some closed-source apps out there, but even though they're closed, most look to be free as well.

1. The trend seems to be (from what I observed anyways) most Linux software is free, but people pay for the support - like Redhat (again, I think this is how it works). I'm looking to go the normal sales route, where I sell the actual application itself and of course some support comes with it, but that's not the main cost of the app - the program is.
2. I guess it makes some sense at least to pay for support. I don't understand why someone has to pay for the OS. The OS according to me has to be free and let the software programs be charged.

   It should be left to the user whether he is ready to pay for software or not. If he is comfortable with open source software and his basic needs are met with it, then there is no point for him to go for paid software. Software which is complex and niche in nature and/or is of some specific use can be bought by the end user.

   You can take the normal support sales route. But again if you are developing niche software and really useful software then people might be willing to buy it. But you need to give good publicity for it.

3. Is this "allowed" in the Linux world? Or is this taboo. Are Linux users not used to/willing to pay for software? It'd be a niche product, so it would fill a need, but again, maybe users aren't going to pay for it - and I have to look at it from a business perspective. Any insight would be great. Thanks!
4. http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html…
   http://creativecommons.org/
   http://www.codeweavers.com/
   http://www.win4lin.com
5. If the code is yours, then it's yours to sell. However, if you're using parts of other people's, you will need to refer to their licensing agreement. Usually people release code under the GPL for free use, but you must in turn distribute your additions to the code under the GPL as well.

   But, if you look at some Linux games, they are not for free (in price or in license), so there is propritetary software for Linux that does sell and sells well (Crossover Office and Win4Lin are two examples).

   If it's your code, then you're not obliged to give it away to the Linux community for free.

Tags: linux download, linux administration