The Linux Distributions of 1993
The birth of Debian and Slackware! 1993 was a good year!
If you are interested in Linux history, I recommend subscribing to The Lunduke Journal. Lots of Linux goodies — including a book of Linux reporting and the book “Linux Sucks”.
Linus Torvalds started the Linux kernel project in 1991.
Then, in 1992, distributions of Linux (coupled with GNU tools and various other open source bits) began appearing and being used by nerds around the world (I outline the key releases in “The Linux Distributions of 1992”).
The very next year, 1993, was notable for three (amazing) reasons:
Mariah Carey’s Dreamlover
The Proclaimers’ I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)
The launch of two Linux distributions that continue development to this very day
Here we go. In chronological order… the major Linux distribution releases of 1993!
Note: We are missing screenshots for some of these early releases. In fact, even finding the original files is astoundingly difficult in some cases.
July, 1993 - Slackware
Slackware was initially a modified version of SLS (Soft Landing System), released in May of ‘92. Created by Patrick Volkerding in order to make installing SLS easier on school computers at Oregon State University.
Volkerding didn’t originally plan to release his work. He made a post (assumedly on Usenet) where he said the following:
“Anyone want an SLS-like 0.99pl11A system?”
After a huge response, Vokerding uploaded what he created to the FTP server of Oregon State University. The popularity resulted in the FTP server repeatedly crashing.
The rest, as they say, is history. Slackware continues to this day.
July, 1993 - LST Power Linux
In the summer of 1993, in Germany, some students studying at the University of Erlangen-Nuernberg formed “Linux Systems Technologies” and released what was known as “LST Power Linux”… based on Slackware.
Later, in 1997, LST was acquired by Caldera and formed the basis for Caldera OpenLinux. Caldera (infamously) would go on to become part of the SCO Group.
Fun fact: One of the founders of “Linux Systems Technologies”, back in 1993, was a man by the name of Ralf Flaxa. Ralf Flaxa is still in the Linux industry, and is the VP of Research for SUSE. Truly remarkable how many individuals were involved at the very beginning of Linux… and still are today!
September 15, 1993 - Debian
Debian — then called “The Debian Linux Release” — didn’t actually have a public release until January of 1994 (and was covered in the very first issue of Linux Journal magazine, just a few months later). But test versions happened over the course of 1993, starting with version 0.01 on September 15th of 1993… and a “limited beta” release (0.81) being released on November 28, 1993.
The earliest archived version I have been able to find is 0.93R6, released in November of 1995.
November 28, 1993 - The Linux from Nascent CDROM
Note: I am not 100% sure I have the date of this release correct. I am fairly confident that the 1.0 release of the “Linux from Nascent” CD-ROM occurred in November of 1993. The “November 28” is the only one I have found related to this release, but I suspect the actual release was a few days earlier.
What follows is the entire announcement (including ordering information) for this release. Because I find such things fascinating.
The Linux from Nascent CDROM is a new distribution of the Linux operating system which includes over 400 mbytes of source code, binaries, and documentation for Linux and applications. It features automated root, swap, package, network, and user account installation from CDROM. Linux can be can be run directly from the CDROM and floppy. The Nascent CDROM features Xwindows, Openlook, TeX, GNU compiler and utilities, Magic and Spice electronic design tools, and over 100 high resolution images translated from Kodak PhotoCD(TM). Each source archive is distributed with an associated notes file to allow you to browse and install applications using a consistent interface.
A listing of the contents of the Nascent CDROM as well as a current copy of the CDROM announcement and order form may be obtained via anonymous ftp at netcom.com:/pub/nascent.
Ordering: The Linux from Nascent CDROM, Version 1.0, is only $39.95 plus shipping and handling. Nascent also offers the Linux from Nascent Plus package for only $89.95, which includes six months of email support and a 30 discount off a future release of the CDROM with your CDROM purchase. Nascent accepts Mastercard, VISA, checks, and money orders as payment.
To order your Linux from Nascent CDROM, mail, email or fax a completed order form to:
Nascent Technology
Linux from Nascent CDROM
P.O. Box 60669
Sunnyvale CA 94088-0669 USA
Tel: (408) 737-9500
Fax: (408) 241-9390
Email: nascent@netcom.com
The Lunduke Journal is made possible entirely through the generosity of nerds just like you. No advertisements, no corporate sponsorships. If you haven't subscribed yet, you can do so and get some fun perks, right here on Substack or over at Lunduke.Locals.com.
Wow - Slackware was the first Linux distro I ever used in 1994. It was(is) a great OS and as a broke college student, I couldn't beat the price!