"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."
