You can always install activate-linux, and it even works on Windows.
I thought not, but just last week there was a discussion about someone asking about buying the “Pro” version of their distro, which have them access to… free open source software they could have just downloaded. Had a big (polite) argument with someone about the ethics of this
Distros (ZorinOS) are doing this crap. Shysters will always find a way to fleece people.
I personally don’t mind at all if open source projects want to sell a “pro” version for businesses, as long as it’s still open source. Selling priority troubleshooting and dev attention to issues to businesses seems like one of the less offensive ways to fund open source projects in a capitalist society, imo
I also don’t mind if they are “selling” nothing, or just a supporter icon. As long as they are transparent that that is all you are getting.
That’s pretty much it, right? ZorinOS Pro gives you some more desktop layouts, more wallpapers, and what they call “Zorin Installation Support service”. Basically like buying a hat in a free game.
But the “Advanced productivity tools” one is a bit misleading, apparently it’s stuff anyone can install from the store it just pre-installs some unnamed apps for you.
I don’t mind selling some cosmetic stuff to fund development, the app thing is a bit shady though.