How PCQuest started the Linux Revolution in the country

Though it has been more than 25 years since PCQuest released its first ever Linux distro with the magazine, it seems like only yesterday that it happened.

- ANIL CHOPRA

ANIL CHOPRA

VP- Research and Consulting, Cyber Media Research Former Editor, PCQuest

The memories of how it all took place are still fresh in my mind. I feel really proud to have been a part of the team that spent countless sleepless nights to start the Linux revolution in the country.

Let's first set the context of how it all started. Back in the 90's, the cost of owning and running a PC was exorbitantly high. In order to do anything useful with a PC, you had to buy not only the hardware, but also the OS, applications, a modem and an Internet connection pack with it. All this made the PC of the 90's accessible to corporates, educations institutes, or a select few rich individuals who could afford it. So, if you really wanted a PC, you could either save money for months to buy one, or go to the computer lab of your school or college, remove your shoes outside, step into the air-conditioned room and start using it. Yes, that's how computer rooms were in those days!

PCQ Linux CDs were being sold in the black market for double the price. It was even selling on eBay for 400 bucks! The distro even reached countries like Mauritius!