Canonical to limit free Ubuntu CD distribution program

Filed under: OS Updates, Linux, Canonical

On Thursday the folks at Canonical will release Ubuntu 9.10, the latest version of the popular Linux distribution. But as the operating system grows more and more popular, there's one service that Canonical has been offering for years that gets more and more expensive. Up until now, if you wanted to install Ubuntu, you could either download a disc image and burn it to a CD or DVD or sign up to have Canonical send you a free CD.

But the thing about free CDs is that somebody has to pay for them. And in this case, it's Canonical that's footing the bill. And the more people request the free CDs, the higher that bill gets. So Canonical has decided to place a few limits on the ShipIt program for distributing those CDs.

The discs will still be made available to Local Community team members and Ubuntu contributors. And new Ubuntu users will be able to request a CD. But you need to create an account and sign in to request that CD. In other words, Canonical will be tracking you and will only send you a free CD the first time you ask for one. After that, you'll be expected to either upgrade to the next version of Ubuntu by downloading software updates or by purchasing a disc from the Ubuntu Store.

[via PC Pro]

Canonical to limit free Ubuntu CD distribution program originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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