In re: Linux lawsuit -

Yes, there is a class action suit ending against Red Hat, Inc., probably the best-known Linux value-add company. (Basically, they take the free Linux kernel, add a bunch of other software, and sell it on a CD along with a nice install program, documentation, and support, for a very reasonable price. This makes it possible for some people to use Linux who don't have the time or interest to learn the arcane incantations otherwise required to perform a UNIX installation...)

The lawsuit claims that Red Hat did some not-so-legal stuff when they first issued stock in 1999... Something called "laddering" where they sold shares to some people at $14 a share, but required them to buy more after it went public... This drove the price artifically high so that the initial investors & underwriters could sell the $14 stock for lots of cash really quick. Also, some sort of "secret commisions" were apparently required to get in on the deal... I have no idea if these claims are valid or not. More about the lawsuit here.

Red Hat was one of the more rediculous examples of the technology stock speculation of 1999-2000... IPO was at $14, first day it was over $56, got as high as about $275 within 5 months. Now trading at five bucks and change. And they've never made a dime of profit.

enkd