Chapter 13. Redistributing Debian GNU/Linux in a commercial product

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13.3 I am making a special Linux distribution for a  vertical market .

Can I use Debian GNU/Linux for the guts of a Linux system and

add my own applications on top of it?

Yes. For example, one person is building a  Linux for Hams  distribution, with specialized

programs for Radio Amateurs. He is starting with Debian as the  base system , and adding

programs to control the transmitter, track satellites, etc. All of the programs he adds are pack 

aged with the Debian packaging system so that his users will be able to upgrade easily when

he releases subsequent CDs.

There are several other Debian derived distributions already on the market, such as Corel

Linux and Storm Linux, that are targeted at a different kind of audience than the original

Debian GNU/Linux is, but use most of our components in their product.

Debian also provides a mechanism to allow developers and system administrators to install

local versions of selected files in such a way that they will not be overwritten when other

packages are upgraded. This is discussed further in the question on `How do I override a file

installed by a package, so that a different version can be used instead?' on page

56

.

13.4 Can I put my commercial program in a Debian  package  so

that it installs effortlessly on any Debian system?

Go right ahead. The package tool is free software; the packages may or may not be free soft 

ware, it can install them all.