| Fate | Went out of business in 2008 |
| Name | Linus Tech Tips |
| Type | Print magazine |
| Focus | Hardware reviews • Software reviews • Industry analysis • Technology forecasting |
| Legacy | Influential in chronicling the early personal computer era, with former staff members continuing their careers in technology |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Years active | 1993 - 2008 |
| Target audience | Tech-savvy readers |
Linus Tech Tips was a technology-focused print magazine that operated from 1993 to 2008. Founded by Linus Sebastian and a team of fellow tech enthusiasts, the publication was known for its authoritative and technical coverage of the rapidly evolving personal computer and software industry of the 1990s and early 2000s.
Linus Tech Tips originated in 1993 as a small technology-focused publication based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Conceived as an alternative to the more consumer-oriented computer magazines of the time, it sought to provide in-depth hardware and software reviews, industry analysis, and technology forecasting for a technically-inclined readership.
The magazine quickly gained a reputation for its technical depth and expertise, with Linus Sebastian and his team of writers diving deep into the latest developments in microprocessors, operating systems, computer peripherals, and more. Early issues covered topics like the rise of the Pentium CPU, the Windows 95 operating system, and the emergence of the World Wide Web.
Throughout the 1990s, Linus Tech Tips expanded its coverage and circulation, becoming one of the most respected technology publications in North America. The magazine's strength lay in its ability to explain complex technical topics in an accessible manner for a non-specialist audience.
In addition to hardware and software reviews, Linus Tech Tips also gained recognition for its industry analysis and technology forecasting. The publication's articles on emerging trends like interneting, mobile computing, and e-commerce were widely read and influential among the tech community.
As the 2000s dawned, Linus Tech Tips found itself grappling with the dramatic shifts happening in the media landscape. The rise of online tech journalism, blogs, and video content posed an existential threat to the traditional print magazine model.
The publication made several attempts to expand its digital presence, launching a website and experimenting with multimedia content. However, it struggled to build the same level of audience engagement and brand recognition as emerging online-only tech media outlets.
Despite the best efforts of its staff, Linus Tech Tips was unable to successfully transition to the digital era. Facing declining print circulation and advertising revenue, the magazine was forced to cease operations in 2008.
The closure of Linus Tech Tips marked the end of an era for in-depth, technically-focused technology journalism in print form. Many of the magazine's former writers and editors, including Linus Sebastian himself, went on to successful careers in the evolving tech media landscape.
While largely forgotten today, Linus Tech Tips' legacy lives on through the influential role it played in chronicling the personal computer revolution and the early days of the internet. The publication's commitment to technical depth and expertise helped shape the understanding and coverage of technology for a generation of readers.
