Ubuntu Linux Killed The Commercial Desktop Distro

Summary

This video script delves into the history of commercial Linux distributions, highlighting how the landscape has shifted from paid to predominantly free models. It discusses early commercial distros like Yggdrasil Linux and Corel Cinux, which offered unique features for a price. The script emphasizes Ubuntu's impact, with its free 'shipit' service that made Linux CDs accessible to all, effectively ending the commercial distro model for desktop users. It also touches on the current state of Linux distributions, where free options abound, and the challenges for any new commercial distro to find a niche in this market.

Takeaways

• 💡 The concept of paying for a Linux distribution was once common but has become unthinkable for many users today.
• 💰 Examples like elementary OS show that while donations are accepted, they are not mandatory, allowing users to download for free.
• 📈 The rise of high-speed internet and the ability to download large files has reduced the need for physical media like CDs.
• 🌐 Ubuntu's launch in 2004 with the 'Warty Warthog' release marked a significant shift in the Linux distribution landscape.
• 🚀 The 'shipit' service by Ubuntu allowed users to request free CDs, which disrupted the market for paid Linux distributions.
• 📦 Early commercial Linux distributions like Yggdrasil Linux and Corel Cinux aimed to provide out-of-the-box experiences with a price tag.
• 📉 The decline of commercial Linux distributions was also due to the increasing quality and user-friendliness of free alternatives.
• 🌟 The success of Ubuntu, backed by significant resources, made it difficult for other distributions to compete both in quality and price.
• 🔧 Other distributions adapted by offering services like System76, which sells hardware, or relying on donations and sponsorships.
• 🤔 The current market makes it challenging for a new commercial Linux distribution to compete with the plethora of free, high-quality options available.

Q & A

What was the first commercial Linux distribution?

The first commercial Linux distribution was Yggdrasil Linux, also known as LGX, which was a live CD distribution that described itself as a plug and play system.

What was unique about Yggdrasil Linux in the 90s?

Yggdrasil Linux was unique because it was the first to offer an out-of-box experience with automatic hardware configuration and X11 working automatically, which was not common at the time.

How much did the beta version of Yggdrasil Linux cost?

The beta version of Yggdrasil Linux was sold at 60 USD, which was considered very expensive for the 90s.

When did Yggdrasil Linux cease to be active?

Yggdrasil Linux remained in active circulation until about the year 2000, with the last core profiling being in 2004.

What was Corel Cinux and how was it similar to modern Linux distributions?

Corel Cinux was a commercial Linux distribution that shipped with the CDE Common Desktop Environment and attempted to emulate a Windows look and feel, similar to what some modern distributions like Linux Mint offer.

What was the significance of the Ubuntu 'shipit' service in the Linux distribution market?

The Ubuntu 'shipit' service allowed users to request free CDs of Ubuntu, which significantly impacted the market for commercial Linux distributions by providing a free and easy alternative to purchasing CDs.

Why did the Ubuntu 'shipit' service eventually end?

The 'shipit' service ended in 2011 due to the high costs associated with shipping CDs worldwide, which were funded by donations that could not keep up with the demand.

How did the improvement in internet speeds affect the commercial Linux distribution model?

As internet speeds improved, the need for physical installation media like CDs or thumb drives decreased, making it less necessary for users to purchase Linux distributions.

What is the current state of commercial Linux distributions for desktop users?

The commercial Linux distribution model for desktop users no longer exists as it once did, with most distributions being freely available and supported by other means such as donations, sponsorships, or hardware sales.

What are some alternative ways Linux distributions make money today?

Linux distributions today make money through various means such as selling hardware, receiving donations, securing sponsorships, or offering premium support services.

Why is it difficult for a new commercial Linux distribution to compete in the current market?

It is difficult for a new commercial Linux distribution to compete because there are many high-quality free alternatives available, and the unique value proposition needed to justify a purchase is hard to achieve when all distributions have access to the same software.