what is linux?
Linux is a complete operating system that is similar but
not identical to UNIX. It runs on a wide variety of hardware,
ranging from Intel and AMD CPUs 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.
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 seven
or eight 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, Mandrake,
Debian to name just five. These companies do not just compile
and configure the software. Red Hat, SuSE, Mandrake and
others have added their own proprietary software to their
distribution, which help to make such tasks as installation
no harder than under, say, Windows XP.
The easiest way to obtain a Linux distribution is to purchase
a CD-ROM/DVD containing the software. Unless you have a
very fast connection to the Internet a CD-ROM/DVD 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, although
LSL have now been acquired by Cheapbytes. If you live in
the UK and Europe the Linux Emporium offers the popular
distributions for just a few pounds, 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 Mandrake 8.2. Why, you ask? This is an up-to-date
distribution which has some excellent utilities for configuring
Linux, it has some great administration tools which make
installation and maintenance of the distribution much easier
and has wide support among the Linux community. For more
experienced users, Slackware is a popular choice.
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
there are a number of commercial applications that allow
you to run Windows programs; the most popular are VMware,
CrossOver Office (a revamped wine) and of course wine itself.
