Reflecting on My Top 5 Historical Linux Distributions and Why They Still Resonate

Having extensively traversed the Linux landscape, many of the software empires I visited have long since crumbled. Amidst the forgotten, however, a few distributions stand as stubborn monuments in my digital memory.

While nostalgia cloaks some of these remnants, at least one remains a contentious topic for dedicated Linux aficionados.

So, which bygone Linux distributions made the biggest impact on me?

1. Mandrake

Mandrake distinguished itself by spearheading user-friendly Linux even in its inception during the late '90s to early 2000s. It energized the Linux community by introducing graphical installers and configuration tools, as well as pioneering live CDs, paving the way for casual users.

Another fond memory tied to Mandrake lies in the camaraderie of its jovial developers, whom I first met at a Linux convention where we danced until dawn. They embodied a zestful passion not only for Linux and open-source but for living life to its fullest, leaving me with a warm smile whenever Mandrake crosses my mind.

2. Caldera OpenLinux

In 1997, Caldera OpenLinux 1.0 became my initial venture into Linux, purchased for roughly $50 at CompUSA. It's astonishing now that I invested so much in Linux, but I don't lament the choice.

However, my enthusiasm was initially short-lived, as my modem wouldn't cooperate with Caldera. Switching to another distribution, I realized that the fault lay not with Linux but with my Winmodem-equipped PC. An external US Robotics modem resolved my connectivity woes, and I could have remained a loyal Caldera user.

In hindsight, Caldera's business focus might have overwhelmed a Linux novice like me, even if my hardware had played nicely.

3. Red Hat

After Caldera, I picked up Red Hat 5.2. Once my modem hurdle was cleared, Red Hat revealed itself as a competent ally, accompanying me through my early Linux journey.

Without Red Hat's compatibility, my commitment to mastering Linux might have faltered, drastically altering my tech trajectory. Customizing my user environment with a new window manager such as AfterStep marked a significant milestone, signifying a turning point from Windows.

It's important to note that this was prior to the strategic division of Red Hat and Fedora.

4. Corel Linux

Corel Linux made its mark largely because it featured a complete office suite bundled with it, notably WordPerfect. Those familiar with WordPerfect understand its significance, marking Corel as a memorable distribution.

For me, Corel represented a pivotal moment for Linux, proving that an open-source system could be more than a novelty—equipped with user-friendly GUI tools, it promised an escape from the command line.

5. CentOS

CentOS, a steadfast companion for server management, was prized for its stability and capability, mirroring Red Hat Linux without its costs.

The shift to CentOS Stream signified a significant upheaval for users reliant on CentOS, as Red Hat aimed to secure its profits. Consequently, developers and administrators had to quickly reassess their options, with CentOS Stream becoming a controversial figure.

Fortunately, AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux rose to continue where CentOS left off, though the sting of its loss lingers.