"The news was first reported by Vector Linux co-founder Darrell Stavem in that distribution's forum on December 13. The news received no other notice or mention I could find in the Linux press. Back in August, 2007 I wrote a piece about PCs preloaded with Vector Linux being offered for just $139 by MadTux.
"Lots of retailers are hurting or in danger of closing during the current economic downturn. What makes this story different is that I don't believe the economic crisis tells the whole story. The move of Linux based systems into the mainstream marketplace would have made it difficult for MadTux to compete even in better times. It is the success of Linux, first on netbooks and now on a wider range of systems, sold to consumers by large, well known companies both online and in traditional brick and mortar retailers that truly doomed MadTux. I fear other Linux specialty retailers may face a similar fate."
