Brief Introduction to the Major Linux Distributions
Unlike Microsoft Windows 98 or NT, the Linux operating system is not a single product. There are many distributions on the market, and they are not all the same.
All distributions have the same linux kernel. The kernel contains all the core operating system functions as well as the network stack. In addition, they all provide standard tools, popular system libraries, a series of applications, some printed documentation, and limited technical support. Each distribution comes with the X Window system and a graphical user interface, a Web server, an e-mail server, and an FTP server. The real differences lie in installation, configuration, support, and third-party applications.
For example, the installation process may be troublesome, and users may get stuck when setting up hardware such as network cards. Most Linux network configuration programs have an unforgettable command prompt interface, and require users to have professional knowledge. Technical support—at least formal technical support—is limited. Also, although Linux distributions come with a great many applications, none is as mature and easy to use as Microsoft Office. However, if you are willing to spend time figuring it out, you can still get everything configured properly in the end. If you do not want to study Linux in depth, Red Hat should be your best choice, because it comes with the most mature installer. Caldera's installer cannot compare with it, but it comes with some attractive commercial applications that can meet the needs of small and medium-sized organizations.
In order to judge which Linux distribution is best from the perspective of Windows users, we tested Caldera OpenLinux 1.3, Debian GUN/Linux 2.0, Linux Slackware 3.6, and Official Red Hat Linux 5.2. If you want a complete list of Linux distributions, you can visit this URL: www.linuxhq.com/dist-index.html
All of the Linux distributions reviewed here are sold on CD-ROM for 40 to 60 dollars, and are free if downloaded from the Internet. Although each distribution comes with documentation, the best Linux technical support resource is the Internet. You can start here: Linux Documentation Project (metalab.unc.edu/LDP).
Caldera OpenLinux 1.3
Linux is generally considered unsuitable for use by corporate groups, but Caldera is trying to change that. Caldera OpenLinux (retail price 59 dollars) is the only distribution with a full set of commercial applications, including its own NetWare client software, a database server (Sybase ASE), and a complete business suite.
Like Red Hat, Caldera also provides a boot disk to simplify installation. Overall, Caldera's installation is not as graphical and intuitive as Red Hat's. However, aside from needing to use Fdisk for partitioning, installing Caldera does not seem very difficult, and does not require too much user intervention. Caldera includes Red Hat Package Manager (RPM), making it easy to install and uninstall applications under Linux—at least by Linux standards. LISA (Linux Instalation System Administration) is a graphical tool used to configure basic network client parameters and some other features. In actual use, we still needed to spend quite a bit of time manually editing configuration files.
One of Caldera's strongest advantages is KDE (Kool Desktop Environment), a graphical desktop environment that makes Linux similar to Windows in appearance and operation. It also comes with StarOffice 4.0 developed by Star Division, a suite similar to Microsoft Office, so you have a complete solution suitable for small and medium-sized businesses. Finally, Caldera also provides various forms of technical support, including telephone and e-mail support.
Caldera OpenLinux 1.3, retail price: 59 dollars (double CD, Linux Kernel 2.0.36, boot disk, getting started guide, 30 days of technical support.). System requirements: 386 or better PC, 16MB memory, 350MB disk space (450MB if extra applications are installed). www.calderasystems.com ； ftp.caldera.com/pub
Debian GNU/Linux 2.0
Debian GNU/Linux 2.0 (retail price 38.95 dollars) is the only one among the major distributions still produced by a group of volunteer programmers. This release, along with its many powerful features, makes it a popular choice among hackers. But Windows users should think it over carefully.
We found Debian to be the hardest distribution to install. The system has no boot disk, though you can make one yourself, or boot from CD if your system allows it. The installer comes with Fdisk to handle partitioning. This installer is partly graphical, but still not easy to use. If you know every piece of hardware in your machine very well and know how to configure the network, this wizard-like installation process is still acceptable. After installation, we found that there were hardly any applications in the system. The emacs text editor and Web browser had to be installed separately using Debian's dselect program, which has long been famous for being difficult to use. The company says that the new Debain GNU/Linux 2.1 will include a new application installer.
Once you finish the installation, the X Window included with Debian can make things a little easier. The biggest selling point of this distribution is that it includes an optional package manager—the Debian Package Management System—which scans new applications before installation and checks the system's existing configuration to determine the packages that need to be installed, so as to avoid conflicts. Debian is distributed by Linux Press and comes with a 268-page manual.
Debian GNU/Linux 2.0；direct price: 38.95 dollars (includes three CDs, Linux kernek 2.0.35；Debian Linux User's Guide second edition；30 days of e-mail technical support). System requirements: 386 or better PC, 16MB memory (to support the graphical interface), 100MB hard disk space (200MB recommended). Distributed by Linux Press, www.linuxpress.com ， ftp.debian.org 。
Linux Slackware 3.6
This used to be the most popular Linux distribution, made by Patrick Volkerding's software, but its market leadership has now given way to the more polished Red Hat, though it is still the most popular among longtime Linux users. Like Debian, Linux Slackware 3.6 (direct price 39.95 dollars) does not have a boot disk. When making a boot disk from the image, the many hardware options are intimidating. We finally found a general disk image (bare.i), which always worked fairly well.
Slackware is not as easy to use as Caldera or Red Hat, but it still has some advantages. If we forgot to write some settings into the config script during installation and then rebooted, Slackware would automatically send an e-mail to the root user explaining what went wrong and how to recover. It also provides a good set of configuration scripts that can automatically carry out a series of commands.
Slackware's best feature is that its CD contains a preinstalled Linux and X Window set. If your system supports booting from CD, you can try Linux directly without installing anything to the hard disk. Slackware comes with a conversion tool to manage RPM packages and a window manager, FVWM95. Slackware was originally distributed by Walnu Creek CDROM, but just as we were finishing this article, Volkerding set up an official Slackware Web site.
Linux Slackware 3.6. Direct price: 39.95 dollars (includes 4CD, Linux kernel 2.0.36, installation guide, technical support). System requirements: 386 or better PC, 8MB memory, 200MB hard disk (500MB for full installation). Distributed by Walnt Creek CDROM, www.slackware.com ； ftp.cdrom.com/pub/linux/slackware
Official Red Hat Linux 5.2
Official Red Hat Linux 5.2 (retail price 49.95 dollars) has become one of the most important players in the Linux market, mainly because it provides the best installer and an advanced package management program. If this is your first time using Linux, Red Hat is the best choice.
Like Caldera, Red Hat includes a boot disk. The installer checks your hardware and gives logical installation suggestions (laptop users will certainly be satisfied with its PC Card support). Red Hat also provides two preset installation modes, WorkStation and Server. In these modes, partitioning and application selection are already set up, though you can also choose user installation mode to decide the partitioning yourself. For partitioning, Red Hat provides an application called Disk Druid. This graphical installer is better than Fdisk--but you still need a basic understanding of partitioning and directory structure.
To make configuration easier, Red Hat includes a series of tools: Xconfigurator and XF86Setup for setting up the X Window system, the former being a wizard-style configuration program. Linuxconf makes network configuration easier, including PPP client, DHCP, and DNS configuration. (Unfortunately, Linuxconf is still being constantly improved, so it lacks documentation.) Better yet, if you use Red Hat's boot disk creation script during installation, it will store your network and XF86Config information, so you do not need to enter it again and again.
Red Hat is famous for its package management program (RPM), an open-source program widely used in many other distributions as well. RPM makes it safe to install and uninstall applications, avoids program conflicts, and can even upgrade the kernel itself without reinstalling the whole system.
Official Red Hat Linux 5.2. Retail price: 49.95 dollars (includes 3CD, Linux kernel 2.0.36, boot disk, installation guide, 90 days of technical support). System requirements: 386 or better PC, 16MB memory, 120MB hard disk space (450MB for Workstation mode, 1.6GB for Server mode). Red Hat Software， www.redhat.com, ftp.redhat.com/pub
What is Linux?
Linux is a solid, powerful, dependable, and free operating system.
1. What is Linux?
Basically, Linux is a Unix-like, kernel-module-based, fully memory-protected, multitasking operating system. It was originally developed by Linus Torvalds at the University of Helsinki in 1991, and released under the GNU General Public License (GNU General Public License).
Please use English
Feeling confused? Don't worry. You just need to know that Linux is a solid, powerful, dependable, and free operating system. It can run on many kinds of hardware, such as ordinary PCs, Macintosh computers, Amiga, Alpha, and so on. Linux is also the result of many people's efforts: thousands of developers around the world have contributed to Linux, adding new features, fixing errors, and continuing to improve it as much as they can.
Open source code
Linux is not only free, it is also open-source software. That means you can not only get the executable files on your computer, but also the original source code, and if you have some spare time, you can even study and improve it yourself.
The flourishing age of Linux
The advantages mentioned above have already attracted a great deal of attention. As early as March 1998, Linux distributor Red Hat estimated that there were about 8 million Linux users worldwide—and that was before Linux was being fully promoted. Research by International Data Corporation shows that the Linux server market has already surged to 750,000 machines—and this number is still growing.
By the way, experts usually pronounce Linux as "Lih-nucks".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unlike Microsoft Windows 98 or NT, the Linux operating system is not a single product. There are many distributions on the market, and they are not all the same.
All distributions have the same linux kernel. The kernel contains all the core operating system functions as well as the network stack. In addition, they all provide standard tools, popular system libraries, a series of applications, some printed documentation, and limited technical support. Each distribution comes with the X Window system and a graphical user interface, a Web server, an e-mail server, and an FTP server. The real differences lie in installation, configuration, support, and third-party applications.
For example, the installation process may be troublesome, and users may get stuck when setting up hardware such as network cards. Most Linux network configuration programs have an unforgettable command prompt interface, and require users to have professional knowledge. Technical support—at least formal technical support—is limited. Also, although Linux distributions come with a great many applications, none is as mature and easy to use as Microsoft Office. However, if you are willing to spend time figuring it out, you can still get everything configured properly in the end. If you do not want to study Linux in depth, Red Hat should be your best choice, because it comes with the most mature installer. Caldera's installer cannot compare with it, but it comes with some attractive commercial applications that can meet the needs of small and medium-sized organizations.
In order to judge which Linux distribution is best from the perspective of Windows users, we tested Caldera OpenLinux 1.3, Debian GUN/Linux 2.0, Linux Slackware 3.6, and Official Red Hat Linux 5.2. If you want a complete list of Linux distributions, you can visit this URL: www.linuxhq.com/dist-index.html
All of the Linux distributions reviewed here are sold on CD-ROM for 40 to 60 dollars, and are free if downloaded from the Internet. Although each distribution comes with documentation, the best Linux technical support resource is the Internet. You can start here: Linux Documentation Project (metalab.unc.edu/LDP).
Caldera OpenLinux 1.3
Linux is generally considered unsuitable for use by corporate groups, but Caldera is trying to change that. Caldera OpenLinux (retail price 59 dollars) is the only distribution with a full set of commercial applications, including its own NetWare client software, a database server (Sybase ASE), and a complete business suite.
Like Red Hat, Caldera also provides a boot disk to simplify installation. Overall, Caldera's installation is not as graphical and intuitive as Red Hat's. However, aside from needing to use Fdisk for partitioning, installing Caldera does not seem very difficult, and does not require too much user intervention. Caldera includes Red Hat Package Manager (RPM), making it easy to install and uninstall applications under Linux—at least by Linux standards. LISA (Linux Instalation System Administration) is a graphical tool used to configure basic network client parameters and some other features. In actual use, we still needed to spend quite a bit of time manually editing configuration files.
One of Caldera's strongest advantages is KDE (Kool Desktop Environment), a graphical desktop environment that makes Linux similar to Windows in appearance and operation. It also comes with StarOffice 4.0 developed by Star Division, a suite similar to Microsoft Office, so you have a complete solution suitable for small and medium-sized businesses. Finally, Caldera also provides various forms of technical support, including telephone and e-mail support.
Caldera OpenLinux 1.3, retail price: 59 dollars (double CD, Linux Kernel 2.0.36, boot disk, getting started guide, 30 days of technical support.). System requirements: 386 or better PC, 16MB memory, 350MB disk space (450MB if extra applications are installed). www.calderasystems.com ； ftp.caldera.com/pub
Debian GNU/Linux 2.0
Debian GNU/Linux 2.0 (retail price 38.95 dollars) is the only one among the major distributions still produced by a group of volunteer programmers. This release, along with its many powerful features, makes it a popular choice among hackers. But Windows users should think it over carefully.
We found Debian to be the hardest distribution to install. The system has no boot disk, though you can make one yourself, or boot from CD if your system allows it. The installer comes with Fdisk to handle partitioning. This installer is partly graphical, but still not easy to use. If you know every piece of hardware in your machine very well and know how to configure the network, this wizard-like installation process is still acceptable. After installation, we found that there were hardly any applications in the system. The emacs text editor and Web browser had to be installed separately using Debian's dselect program, which has long been famous for being difficult to use. The company says that the new Debain GNU/Linux 2.1 will include a new application installer.
Once you finish the installation, the X Window included with Debian can make things a little easier. The biggest selling point of this distribution is that it includes an optional package manager—the Debian Package Management System—which scans new applications before installation and checks the system's existing configuration to determine the packages that need to be installed, so as to avoid conflicts. Debian is distributed by Linux Press and comes with a 268-page manual.
Debian GNU/Linux 2.0；direct price: 38.95 dollars (includes three CDs, Linux kernek 2.0.35；Debian Linux User's Guide second edition；30 days of e-mail technical support). System requirements: 386 or better PC, 16MB memory (to support the graphical interface), 100MB hard disk space (200MB recommended). Distributed by Linux Press, www.linuxpress.com ， ftp.debian.org 。
Linux Slackware 3.6
This used to be the most popular Linux distribution, made by Patrick Volkerding's software, but its market leadership has now given way to the more polished Red Hat, though it is still the most popular among longtime Linux users. Like Debian, Linux Slackware 3.6 (direct price 39.95 dollars) does not have a boot disk. When making a boot disk from the image, the many hardware options are intimidating. We finally found a general disk image (bare.i), which always worked fairly well.
Slackware is not as easy to use as Caldera or Red Hat, but it still has some advantages. If we forgot to write some settings into the config script during installation and then rebooted, Slackware would automatically send an e-mail to the root user explaining what went wrong and how to recover. It also provides a good set of configuration scripts that can automatically carry out a series of commands.
Slackware's best feature is that its CD contains a preinstalled Linux and X Window set. If your system supports booting from CD, you can try Linux directly without installing anything to the hard disk. Slackware comes with a conversion tool to manage RPM packages and a window manager, FVWM95. Slackware was originally distributed by Walnu Creek CDROM, but just as we were finishing this article, Volkerding set up an official Slackware Web site.
Linux Slackware 3.6. Direct price: 39.95 dollars (includes 4CD, Linux kernel 2.0.36, installation guide, technical support). System requirements: 386 or better PC, 8MB memory, 200MB hard disk (500MB for full installation). Distributed by Walnt Creek CDROM, www.slackware.com ； ftp.cdrom.com/pub/linux/slackware
Official Red Hat Linux 5.2
Official Red Hat Linux 5.2 (retail price 49.95 dollars) has become one of the most important players in the Linux market, mainly because it provides the best installer and an advanced package management program. If this is your first time using Linux, Red Hat is the best choice.
Like Caldera, Red Hat includes a boot disk. The installer checks your hardware and gives logical installation suggestions (laptop users will certainly be satisfied with its PC Card support). Red Hat also provides two preset installation modes, WorkStation and Server. In these modes, partitioning and application selection are already set up, though you can also choose user installation mode to decide the partitioning yourself. For partitioning, Red Hat provides an application called Disk Druid. This graphical installer is better than Fdisk--but you still need a basic understanding of partitioning and directory structure.
To make configuration easier, Red Hat includes a series of tools: Xconfigurator and XF86Setup for setting up the X Window system, the former being a wizard-style configuration program. Linuxconf makes network configuration easier, including PPP client, DHCP, and DNS configuration. (Unfortunately, Linuxconf is still being constantly improved, so it lacks documentation.) Better yet, if you use Red Hat's boot disk creation script during installation, it will store your network and XF86Config information, so you do not need to enter it again and again.
Red Hat is famous for its package management program (RPM), an open-source program widely used in many other distributions as well. RPM makes it safe to install and uninstall applications, avoids program conflicts, and can even upgrade the kernel itself without reinstalling the whole system.
Official Red Hat Linux 5.2. Retail price: 49.95 dollars (includes 3CD, Linux kernel 2.0.36, boot disk, installation guide, 90 days of technical support). System requirements: 386 or better PC, 16MB memory, 120MB hard disk space (450MB for Workstation mode, 1.6GB for Server mode). Red Hat Software， www.redhat.com, ftp.redhat.com/pub
What is Linux?
Linux is a solid, powerful, dependable, and free operating system.
1. What is Linux?
Basically, Linux is a Unix-like, kernel-module-based, fully memory-protected, multitasking operating system. It was originally developed by Linus Torvalds at the University of Helsinki in 1991, and released under the GNU General Public License (GNU General Public License).
Please use English
Feeling confused? Don't worry. You just need to know that Linux is a solid, powerful, dependable, and free operating system. It can run on many kinds of hardware, such as ordinary PCs, Macintosh computers, Amiga, Alpha, and so on. Linux is also the result of many people's efforts: thousands of developers around the world have contributed to Linux, adding new features, fixing errors, and continuing to improve it as much as they can.
Open source code
Linux is not only free, it is also open-source software. That means you can not only get the executable files on your computer, but also the original source code, and if you have some spare time, you can even study and improve it yourself.
The flourishing age of Linux
The advantages mentioned above have already attracted a great deal of attention. As early as March 1998, Linux distributor Red Hat estimated that there were about 8 million Linux users worldwide—and that was before Linux was being fully promoted. Research by International Data Corporation shows that the Linux server market has already surged to 750,000 machines—and this number is still growing.
By the way, experts usually pronounce Linux as "Lih-nucks".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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| Rater | Score | Time |
|---|---|---|
| zzz19760225 | +2 | 2018-12-23 12:34 |
我完全同意设想建立DOS组织“DOS联盟” ，也就是说和Wengier、以及“起步”站长莫老师等DOS战友一起来建立这个“DOS联盟”，以发展我国自主OS（操作系统）的高度去完成我们共同的愿望。
------党委书记
------党委书记
