Red Hat 10-K 2002 FY Annual report

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-71912, 333-59306, 333-55968, 333-45980, 333-45042, 333-37884, 333-96163 and 333-88159) of Red Hat, Inc. of our report dated March 19, 2002 relating to the consolidated financial statements of Red Hat, Inc. which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/    PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

Raleigh, North Carolina

May 29, 2002

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