While $299 for a Linux workstation distro is shocking, Red Hat does provide something other than software for that $299. It does include a year worth of support which you may or may not need, but large companies love support contracts and that is basically what this is. I have been using the Enterprise Server line for a couple of years and have been quite happy with the quality of software as well as their support.

The most popular alien race will be Vulcan-Romulan hybrids a la Saavik, and the second most popular alien race will be that one with the bumpy foreheads.