What's the difference between Ubuntu for free and the Official CD for $5?

Solution 1:

There's no difference. The CD is just an annual thing they do for people with slow connections and to raise funds for Ubuntu.

Solution 2:

They charge the cost for the CD/DVD, maybe shipping & handling and the seconds it takes to burn it. This helps in several key points:

• Helps users with very slow connection, limited bandwidth or no connection at all get the CD/DVD. This are the 3 types of users that actually benefit more from this.
• Helps raise funds for multiple causes
• The buyer gets a cool printed CD with the Ubuntu version, Ubuntu logo and a neat Ubuntu cover.
• The buyer also gets several stickers that look great on the PC/Laptop.

For the 12.04 for example you would get a box cover like this:

And the CD Cover like this:

In the case of Ubuntu, they charge 5$ for a pack of 5CDs + S&H. Is it worth it, most definitely yeah!. I mean you are getting all that for a little more than 5$.

The only downside is that you'll turn into my dad. He has a collection of all Ubuntu / Xubuntu / Lubuntu / Kubuntu / Edubuntu... CDs since it came out. And I MEAN a collection that he doesn't even take out of the cover box. I mean do you know how many versions of Ubuntu there are and types of flavors. It almost looks like a music collection if you look at it from the side.

Solution 3:

There is no difference. Both are the same. But if you like to have the official CD, for keepsake, you can do so. Plus if you have a slow connection, or planning bulk deployment, getting the CD would be an idea.

The price is $5 for a pack of 5, so you can pass it on. Or you can download it, and make your own CD, and pass it on.¹

^{1Source:Ubuntu}

To buy Ubuntu CD:

Click Here

Download Link for Ubuntu CD:

Click Here

Solution 4:

There is no difference the users who find it difficult to download can buy the CD for $5. You are free to clone the disk and distribute among your friends.