[ltp] Lenovo clarifies its stance on linux

[James Knott]

Jiang Qian wrote:
> http://news.com.com/Lenovo+denies+ditching+Linux/2100-1003_3-6080115.html?tag=nefd.top
> I quote
> "Lenovo actually plans to support Linux on its ThinkPads starting in the 
> third quarter, in partnership with Novell, Godin said. Customers of the 
> recently introduced Lenovo 3000 units still won't have a preloaded 
> option, however, because the small and midsize business customers that 
> are the targets for those units have many different requirements, he 
> said.

I find this curious.

"Kardonski apparently confused Lenovo's stance on providing licenses for 
Linux, as opposed to providing preloaded versions of the software for 
customers, Godin said. Because different companies use different 
configurations of Linux on their ThinkPad notebooks, Lenovo doesn't 
provide licenses for the software, he said. Customers are responsible 
for acquiring the license on their own, but Lenovo will preinstall the 
desired configuration on new ThinkPads once the license has been obtained."

What licenses have to be obtained?  What's to stop a customer from 
asking for any of the free download distros?