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| Home :: Directions :: Getting Ready :: Linux Distros | ||||
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 Linux comes in many "flavors" called distributions, each geared towards a different type of user. Below is a list of distributions available. For more information about the various distributions, try the following outside links: · RedHat RedHat Linux is considered by many to be the best distribution for beginners. It is designed for those who simply want to get Linux working on their system with a minimum amount of effort. The advantage is that Linux can be learned from the top down rather than the bottom up as with many other distributions that require prior knowledge of the workings of Linux and Unix. CS2130 Class Information: If you are planning to install Linux for the purposes of the CS2130 ("Languages and Translation") course, we recommend RedHat 6.2, which is the standard for exercises in the course. · Mandrake Linux-Mandrake was once known as the "better RedHat." This is because they used to wait a month or two after a major RedHat release and redo the things that they thought RedHat did wrong. But now Mandrake has evolved into its own fully developed distro. Mandrake now competes with RedHat for the easiest to install and use. Mandrake also touts itself on being one of the first to support new hardware and software. Such new features in the latest release (7.2) include ATA/66 support, XFree86 4.0 , ReiserFS in the install, and new chipsets such as the Via Apollo 133A and the Intel 81x. Mandrake is a good choice for someone is who is just starting Linux and wants all the new hardware support. The best thing about Mandrake is that is still RedHat compatable so support is as plentiful as RedHat support from the Linux Community. · Debian Debian is for those who would like to learn the inner workings of Linux, yet demand more friendly features than are provided with distros like Slackware. Debian is also known for a more strict interpretation of the GNU philosophy for free software. Nonetheless, it does contain a useful software packaging system. Prior knowledge of Unix and Linux is recommended before trying this distribution. · Slackware Slackware is one of the oldest distributions of Linux. It lacks many 'user-friendly' features that can be taken for granted with many other distros. However, for those who want to get into the guts of Linux, there is not a better choice. This gives the system administrator more power and control to make Linux exactly what he wants it to be (assuming he can wield all that power). To see how it used to be done back when Linux was still young, give this distro a try. · SuSE Originally begun as a German Linux distribution, SuSE has become increasingly popular in the US and is the number one Linux distibution in Europe. It is considered one of the most complete distros available, with many software packages available for almost any application. SuSE is a great distro for beginners, on par with Red Hat. · Corel Corel is a distribution aimed at new users, offering an attractive graphical interface and quick setup. Installing new applications not included with the distribution is troublesome, however. · LinuxPPC LinuxPPC is a powerful and easy-to-use port of Linux to the PowerPC platform. · FreeBSD FreeBSD is a "Linux-like" free Unix operating system based on the BSD source code. Its main focus is for servers, but it can also function as a workstation OS, supporting most Linux applications. The extensive "Ports Collection" makes installation of software simple and relatively painless, but hardware support tends to lag behind Linux. |
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