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Linux
is a complete operating system that is similar but not identical to
UNIX. It runs on a wide variety of hardware, ranging from
386's/486's/Pentiums/Pentium II's to more exotic hardware such as
Digital Alpha computers, PowerPCs, and Silicon Graphics
workstations. Probably the most unique characterisitc of Linux is that it is freely distributable. Freely distributable means that the source code for the kernel and most software cannot be withheld. It does not mean that companies cannot charge for it.
workstations. Probably the most unique characterisitc of Linux is that it is freely distributable. Freely distributable means that the source code for the kernel and most software cannot be withheld. It does not mean that companies cannot charge for it.
Originally the term Linux referred strictly to the kernel (the core of
the operating system), but the phrase itself refers nowadays to a
collection of configured software that runs on top of the Linux kernel.
These 'collections of software' are known as distributions. Although
these distributions often have their own unique (together with some
proprietary software) flavour they are essentially the same. Just a few
years ago there were only two popular distributions, Slackware and
SLS. However, nowadays there is a wide choice from such companies as
Red Hat, Caldera, S.U.S.E, Stampede. These companies do not just
compile and configure the software. Caldera, Red Hat and others have
added their own proprietary software to their distribution, which help
to make such tasks as installation no harder than say Windows 95.
The easiest way to obtain a Linux distribution is to purchase a CD-ROM
containing the software. Unless you have a very fast connection to
the Internet a CD-ROM represents the most convenient method. Two
American companies stand out in offering these distributions at
incredibly cheap prices (just a couple of dollars); Cheapbytes and LSL.
If you live in the UK and Europe the Linux Emporium offers the popular
distributionspounds, which includes postage. I have purchased from all
three companies in the past, and they offer a reliable service. One
thing they can't offer is technical support. If you think you will
need some help in installing Linux I would recommend you purchase from
one of the distribution companies; for example Red Hat offer 30 days
free technical support in installing their distribution.
If I had to recommend one distribution to a newcomer it would be Red
Hat 5.0. Why, you ask? This is an up-to-date distribution which has
some excellent utilities for configuring Linux, it has arguably the
best package manager (for easy installation and de-installation of
software), and has wide support among the Linux community.
Most UNIX software runs on Linux and there are many commercial
applications that have been ported over to Linux, such as the excellent
graphics package Corel DRAW, wordprocessors such as WordPerfect, and
spreadsheets such as NeXS. Additionally the commercial WABI program
allows you to run many 16-bit Windows applications under Linux, if you
so wish.
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