Are there still any versions of Linux sold in a box like in the 90s / 2000s?
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.
Can I make my own Linux install media? Yes. I do it all the time. Can I make my own software box with cool artwork and booklets and various other goodies? No.
I remember getting a Ubuntu CD box set many years ago when I ordered free disks in the mail as a teenager. The box was well constructed, prints of high quality and the CD labels were especially sharp.
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.
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.
No distro I’m aware of still provides official box sets and CDs. Debian still provides materials for third parties to make them, though. Most of the vendors of pre-burned Linux media have also shut down, but one that seems to still exist (and offers Debian box sets) is www.shoplinuxonline.com .
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