InstallFest 26

Linux comes in many "flavors" called distributions, each geared towards a different type of user. This article has more information about Linux basics, including what a distribution is. Below is a list of distributions available. For more information about the various distributions, try the following outside links:

• Linux.com
• LinuxLookup
• Linux.org

Note: If you know what distribution you want, and have access to a CD recorder, you may want to download and burn the ISOs for the distribution before arriving at the InstallFest. This ensures you will have copies of the install mediums, in case you wish to reinstall Linux on your own, install it on another machine, or use the CDs to install extra software (although most distributions allow you download the extra software from the internet with ease). We will be glad to give away a few sets of CDs to those who really want them, but we can't give everyone a set. Listed below are links to where you can download the ISO files, where available.

BTW - If you require Linux for a class, most likely you will need RedHat 9, although it is old and not supported (Fedora is its replacement). Please make sure which version will be officially supported by your Prof and TAs before you come, if necessary.

There are of course many more distributions. Below is a list of the distributions we will have at the Installfest, and under that some descriptions of most of those. If you want something other than what is listed, look around on the net. We will try to help you with the distribution, but can't make any guarantees.

• Fedora Core 3 i386 on CD
• Fedora Core 3 i386 on DVD
• Fedora Core 3 x86_64 on DVD
• Mandrake 10.1 x86 on DVD
• Mandrake 10.1 x86 on CD
• Red Hat 9 x86 on CD
• YellowDog Linux 3.0.1
• YellowDog Linux 4.0
• Gentoo 2004.3 x86
• Gentoo 2004.3 ppc
• Gentoo 2004.3 ppc (G5-specific)
• Gentoo 2004.3 amd64
• Gentoo 2004.3 sparc64 (just in case...)
• Slackware 10.0
• FreeBSD 5.3 i386
• OpenBSD 3.6 i386
• NetBSD 2.0 i386
• Solaris 10 for x86
• Solaris 10 for SPARC
• OpenDarwin 7.2.1 (x86/ppc)
• Ubuntu x86
• Ubuntu x86_64
• Ubuntu ppc
• Debian 3.0r4 x86 on DVD
• Smoothwall 2.0 x86 (for routers/firewalls)
• Knoppix (and Game Knoppix) x86
• SuSE 9.2 i386 on DVD
• .. and more, but older versions

· Red Hat 9
Red Hat 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. Unfortunately, it is considered old and is no longer supported by Red Hat. If you desire something newer (or your hardware is bleeding edge, and require newer drivers), consider Fedora Core.

• Download Disc 1 (Georgia Tech mirror)
• Download Disc 2 (Georgia Tech mirror)
• Download Disc 3 (Georgia Tech mirror)

· Fedora Core 3
Since the changes Red Hat made to the structure of their development team, they have handed over the maintenance of Red Hat Linux to the Fedora team, and their third release, Fedora Core 3 maintains the same look and feel of Red Hat 9 but with many new features, and up to date software packages. You can also consider getting FC 2.

• Georgia Tech mirror (slow)
• Download using BitTorrent
• Download from RedHat's site

· Mandrake 10.1
Linux-Mandrake was once known as the "better Red Hat." This is because they used to wait a month or two after a major Red Hat release and redo the things that they thought Red Hat did wrong. But now Mandrake has evolved into its own fully developed distribution. Mandrake now competes with Red Hat for the easiest to install and use. Mandrake also touts itself on being one of the first to support new hardware and software. 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 Red Hat compatable so support is as plentiful as Red Hat support from the Linux Community.

• BitTorrent (CDs)
• BitTorrent (DVDs)
• FTP - Indiana Mirror
• FTP - Georgia Tech mirror

· Debian 3.0r4
Debian is a distribution for those who wish to dig deeper into the inner workings of Linux, yet still want the ease of maintenance provided by a package management system. Debian lacks many of the friendlier features of distributions like Red Hat or Mandrake, yet doesn't share the minimalist philosophy towards software management found in Slackware. Though Debian has a more strict interpretation of what constitutes "free" software, there are a wide range of packages available, and dependencies and upgrades are handled in a user-friendly manner through apt. Prior knowledge of Unix and Linux is recommended. 3.0 is called "Woody" and the most recent release is 3.0r4.

• Download from Debian's Website

· Gentoo 2004.3
Gentoo is a relative newcomer amongst Linux distributions, but offers fresh new ideas for installing, running, and maintaining a Linux system. Through the "Portage" system (which draws its inspiration from the FreeBSD "Ports Collection"), intermediate and advanced users can keep their system up-to-date quickly and easily. Like Debian, prior knowledge of Unix and Linux is recommended before trying this distribution. Gentoo will also work on PPC. Note: Since much of a Gentoo system is compiled from source code, we highly recommend (actually, require) that you arrive early! Double Note: We will refuse to to start a Gentoo install after 4 PM.

• View install instructions
• Download CD isos (Indiana Mirror)

· Slackware 10.0
Slackware is one of the oldest distributions of Linux. It lacks many 'user-friendly' features that can be taken for granted with many other distributions. 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 distribution a try.

• FTP - Download ISOs (TDS.net)
• Download via BitTorrent

· SuSE 9.0
Originally begun as a German Linux distribution, SuSE is a popular distribution in Europe. Focusing on completeness, SuSE boxed sets include just about every application you may need in the base distribution (at the expense of lots of disk space). The YaST system configuration system centralizes many system maintenance tasks into a single user interface.

• SuSE does not offer installation ISO images for download. Therefore, we cannot install SuSE on your system unless you bring your own SuSE install CDs.

· Yellow Dog Linux 3.0
Yellow Dog is a PowerPC port of Linux based on Red Hat 7.0 components, designed to be easy to use and compatible with a wide range of PowerPC-based hardware.

• Yellow Dog's Download page

· FreeBSD 5.3
FreeBSD is a "Linux-like" free Unix operating system based on the BSDlite 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, and the "Linuxulator" system allows compiled Linux applications (such as Netscape, StarOffice, and VMWare) to run without modification. However, hardware support tends to lag behind Linux.

• FTP - some USA mirror