Like many other versions of Linux, Ubuntu is available as a free download. In fact, if you don't want to download a 600+ MB disc image, you can even request a free CD. It'll take up to 10 weeks to ship, but you don't have to pay a penny. So it's kind of baffling to see Best Buy selling Ubuntu for $19.99. There's nothing preventing anyone from charging for Ubuntu. But since it's available for free, why would you pay?

It's possible that customers who had never even heard of Ubuntu before could come across an Ubuntu package in a Best Buy store or on the company's web site and be persuaded by the low price (compared with other operating systems like Windows or OS X). So the move could help grow the market for Ubuntu and other open source software. And of course, it'd be hard to get a store like Best Buy to carry software without charging for it.

Canonical's director of corporate services, Steve George, says that the goal is to provide Ubuntu to customers who are looking for software and support. The version sold at Best Buy comes with 60 days of support service.

What do you think? Is the fact that Best Buy is carrying Ubuntu good news for the Linux distro and open source software in general? Or is this like asking people to pay for air?

[via Digg]