Update: This article was originally written in 2006, back when Ubuntu, the popular Linux-based operating system, offered free installation CDs for users to try out Ubuntu.
These CDs were incredibly useful for people like me at the time. In Pakistan, we had dial-up internet, and DSL or broadband wasn’t widely available.
Before Ubuntu’s free CD program, I had to visit Linux Pakistan’s office to buy Red Hat Linux or Debian CDs. Thanks to the free Ubuntu CDs, I was able to try it out and quickly became a fan.
After that, I wrote extensively about Ubuntu on my blog, and it even became my main operating system for a while.
I’m deeply thankful to Canonical (the company behind Ubuntu) for making it easy for people in developing countries to install a free, open-source operating system on their computers.
This original article is preserved for archival purposes. Please note that the ShipIt CD program has since ended. You can download Ubuntu from the official Ubuntu website to try it now.
You can order your free Ubuntu CDs from http://shipit.ubuntu.com. By default Ubuntu comes with Gnome desktop environment. If you are an absolute beginner to Linux I would highly recommend Ubuntu. Other wise you can also order free CDs for Ubuntu’s K desktop environment Kubuntu, from http://shipit.kubuntu.org.
Remember these CDs will take atleast 4 to six weaks to arrive. You can get Ubuntu quickly if you order your CDs from Linux Pakistan (Rs. 35 only + shipping charges). Feel free to contact Tariq Farooqi for any questions, information or details.
There are many other ways to get Ubuntu CDs. Check out your local computer hardware and software stores and shops. Contact Pakistan Linux User Community members in your town. If any of them has spare Ubuntu CDs, they would love to help you. I am one of the PLUC members, so feel free to contact me if you are in Karachi.
You dont have to buy cd just download from thier website but you must have minimum 2gb usb
Hi!!
I need Ubuntu too……….i am in quetta and i do not know the zip code
I am an old Linux user but haven’t gotten much chance to participate at PLUC due to time constraints. Pakistani uses can also get Ubuntu (and other distros which they might need) from http://www.linux-pakistan.net for Rs.30 (for CD) and Rs.100 (for DVD). This is a relatively new site and hence not much known to linux users in Pakistan.
It has been particularly useful for me since I live in Islamabad and can avoid the shipping which I would have incurred in case of PLUC in Karachi. In fact, I got Ubuntu 7.04 Fiesty Fawn from them and its running fine since I installed it over the older 6.06 LTS. I would strongly recommend them!
Hi Nouman
I want to know that how much it costs for shipping linux???
Dear Noumaan, Salaam!
I realy need Ubuntu’s CD and in future you help. My address id A-94, Sector 11-A, North Karachi, kindly send me CD of UBUNTU and I will pay for it. My Mobile # is 0300-2607926.
Thanks a lot and Allah Hafiz
Dear Aftab,
You can always order free CDs from http://shipit.ubuntu.com this usually takes nearly 4 weeks but if you want to get CDs quickly you can Order them from LinuxPakistan.net for 35 RS only. If you don’t want to pay for the Disk then you can come to my place and I will give you the CD at the cost of disks 15 rs. only. I am sending you my contact information via email.
Hello Friend,
I am very happy to see this that there are so much kind peoples in Linux, who realy halp to others. i have my own Internet cafe in karachi and also providing internet cable for home users. i realy tired to purchase very heavy servers. so resently i install RH 7.2 it is running very smooth even i install it on a P3 normal system. so i like it, so if u can send me CDs of Ubuntu i will be very thankfull to You. I will try it. Thanks
Address: A 14/39 Qayyumabad Karachi.