Are there too many Linux distros? Case in point: Hannah Montana Linux
I believe that choice is a good thing. So while some folks may argue that the reason desktop Linux hasn't made a dent in a space dominated by Apple and Microsoft, I love that you can pick and choose from hundreds of Linux distributions to find the one that best meets your needs. Of course, it'd be nice if a few more of them would support my laptop's sound card, but that's another story.
But I'm seriously starting to think that maybe we've gone a few steps too far. Because someone has taken it upon themselves to create a Hannah Montana-themed Linux distribution. OK, basically it's just a stripped down version of Kubuntu with a Hannah Montana-inspired desktop theme that could theoretically make the operating system slightly more attractive to children. But seriously?
Not only does the operating system feature desktops inspired by the TV show and a purple color scheme, but you're also apparently greeted to the sounds of Miley Cyrus singing when you boot up.
If you really want to know more, you can check out a review at Desktop Linux Reviews.
[via Instant Fundas]
But I'm seriously starting to think that maybe we've gone a few steps too far. Because someone has taken it upon themselves to create a Hannah Montana-themed Linux distribution. OK, basically it's just a stripped down version of Kubuntu with a Hannah Montana-inspired desktop theme that could theoretically make the operating system slightly more attractive to children. But seriously?
Not only does the operating system feature desktops inspired by the TV show and a purple color scheme, but you're also apparently greeted to the sounds of Miley Cyrus singing when you boot up.
If you really want to know more, you can check out a review at Desktop Linux Reviews.
[via Instant Fundas]













Comments
20
Subscribe to comments216Aug 13th 2009 1:34PM
You really can't appreciate being famous until you've got a Linux Distro created in your image
RavnosAug 13th 2009 1:34PM
As lame as this is, it's really the sort of thing that will make the rounds to all the blogs for a week or so and be forgotten entirely except for its 5 person userbase. There are still basically less than 10 distros as far as any average user, even the average Linux user, is concerned, and while you could still make the argument that it's too many, using shit like this in the argument is really just nitpicking.
motangAug 13th 2009 1:56PM
I am ashamed to be a Linux user!
bill cant fartAug 13th 2009 2:08PM
No one will use this. A parent might install it for their kid for 20 minutes and then get rid of it.
I bet the maker doesn't even use it...
CharaxAug 13th 2009 2:33PM
well, as Desktop Linux Reviews says, the customisation's fairly well done, and they do mix around the installed programs a bit (mainly by removing OOo and KOffice, because we know Hanna Montana fans won't have anything worthwhile to write about anyway)
Which is a little better than the early versions of Ubuntu Satanic Edition, which were basically "Here are some themes and music, we're a distro now! (no disrespect to them, I like Ubuntu SE, I just think a distro should have more to it than a theme and some music)
Also: if this has pictures and music, why haven't Miley Cyrus' lawyers sued the crap out of it yet? here's hoping...
MarkyB86Aug 13th 2009 2:34PM
Looks like somebody needs to be put down..
TheCrusherAug 13th 2009 2:56PM
I vote for Jessica Alba-distro, NOW!
helim2000Aug 13th 2009 3:11PM
Jeez...and I thought Linux was immune to over-comercialization...
"...but you're also apparently greeted to the sounds of Miley Cyrus singing when you boot up"
Makes me wonder...if you make the system this is installed on a dual-boot, will it sing "Best of Both Worlds"? *haha*
Yeah, young girls and pervy old men may like the Hannah Montana thing, but I can't see anyone taking this seriously...
TuthsokAug 13th 2009 4:45PM
I'll wait for the HelloKitty Linux version thank you very much ^_^
Brad LinderAug 13th 2009 4:47PM
You thought you were kidding, but...
http://www.kittyhell.com/2007/07/04/hello-kitty-ubuntu-gdm-theme/
PhoenixAug 13th 2009 5:25PM
OMG! HANNAH MONTANA LINUX! THE APOCALYPSE IS HERE!
caseymonster5000Aug 13th 2009 7:16PM
I feel like there should be taking a seat over there. Where's the lemonade?
caseyAug 13th 2009 10:43PM
Actually, I bet my daughter would love this.....
I will be glad when this nightmare I have called Mannah Hontana ends though
darknessemporerAug 13th 2009 10:43PM
I HAVE INFORMED THE LAWYERS OF MILEY CYRUS ABOUT THIS. EXPECT A LAWSUIT FOR OVER TEN MILLION DOLLARS.
noroomAug 14th 2009 8:04AM
Anyone who has a problem with a specifically crafted distro has clearly missed the point.
ShiftyAug 14th 2009 8:04AM
OMG WTF is this ? -.-'
grepAug 14th 2009 8:04AM
'bigbearomaha' makes an excellent point in the comments of that review:
[quote]
think the bigger ‘injustice’ here is that you keep referring to it as a distro.
It isn’t a distro, it’s a remaster.
you could just as easily call it “Kubuntu Hannah”
one of the biggest reasons people think there are too many distros is because people don’t know how to tell the difference between a ‘distro’ and a ‘remaster’
It’s a remaster targeted to a particular niche group who prefers that particular decoration/presentation without having to figure out how to do all that themselves.
no big deal.
Big Bear
[/quote]
techpopsAug 14th 2009 8:04AM
I'm not a big Linux user, I have Ubuntu on a triple boot but its more out of curiosity. What seems really odd to me is that the whole OS gets re-released with a new theme, when you could just release the theme.
I understand because it's open source you can re-package it and re-distribute it yourself, but just because you can, does that mean should? Imagine if Windows themes were actually the complete version of Windows with a new theme file added. You'd have to have several versions released to allow people on different versions of Windows to use your theme. And herein lies the problem with Linux, or at least one aspect of the problem these distributions raise.
This idea of a distro which isn't even a word and remaster strikes me as absurd. Remaster refers to making a new version of an audio track. The word version seems much more sensible, every other OS seems happy with it. If you start borrowing meanings where will it end. I'm remixing this sandwich! What, you want Mayo on it? I'll have to remaster the sandwich now!
.
crho85Aug 14th 2009 10:52AM
I am right there with you. I find that often in the Linux community that when small "tweaks" are made like a desktop theme or what programs come preinstalled it is released as a whole new OS.
If you want to release a theme, fine, don't make it take up 4+Gbs
YaroSep 29th 2009 12:50PM
If this is just a remastering of Ubuntu, it's no way genuinely a new distribution.
Hate when Ubuntards go around remastering Ubuntu and claiming to have made an actual distro.