Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Are there still any versions of Linux sold in a box like in the 90s / 2000s? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 6 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

26 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I've tried to find them to no avail. I'm guessing the box sets just aren't made anymore, but I figured it's worth asking in case there's some obscure one out there somewhere.

To clarify, I'm looking for a more recent Linux version. I know the older ones can be found on auction sites and the like.

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Do you want the box to display or a hard copy of the installer?

If the latter I'm sure I've seen them for sale in the past couple of years on distro websites. Click "get [distro]" and its some secondary item to downloading which is what most people went. Might be a USB key or disc.

If you want an actual box idk how they are shipped.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Actual box for display.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago (1 children)

How curious. Are you doing a play?

You might have to DIY one if you don't want an old one. Certainly there are websites you could upload a PDF to that would print for you.

I think the boxes made sense when they were for sale in a brick n mortar store because they are harder to steal and make the person feel like they are buying something when digital goods weren't such an instinctive idea. I doubt they would be shipped because they are big for no reason and would require a lot of packaging to keep from getting wrecked in transit vs a USB key in a bubble envelope.

To buy linux in a box, you would have to find somewhere near you that is selling it in person. A computer store, a book store. Maybe a campus bookstore? They have a captive audience so sometimes can get away with stuff that doesn't otherwise make business sense.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago

A play? No, I just saw an old Linux box and wondered if anybody still made them.