Where to Get Linux

A blogger talks about ways of obtaining Linux at http://windows2linux.tech-no-media.com/2009/06/where-do-you-get-linux-from.html.

He doesn't mention my favorite method. I like to buy Linux CDs from online sources such as linuxcd.org and osdisc.com. I've been able to get single live/install CDs for less than $5 bucks, including shipping.

For those who don't know, "live" Linux CDs (like Knoppix) allow you to "test drive" Linux without installing anything to your hard drive. The system runs completely from RAM, and while it's slower than an installed system, it's a nice way to take a good look at Linux. Most live CDs now include the option to do an installation to your hard drive. These CDs contain complete operating systems, and there's tons of additional software is available for free -- all you have to do is download it.

Also not mentioned by the author are the free live/install CDs that Ubuntu sends out. They even pay for the postage. You might have to wait several weeks for them to arrive, but the key word here is "free." I've taken advantage of this offering, obtaining several Ubuntu and Kubuntu CDs over the past few years. Ubuntu might not be the perfect operating system (is there one?), but it's almost always good enough to use, and to keep me from needing to purchase any Windows software.