Various Linux distributions are available, such as Debian, Red Hat, Caldera, and SuSE. Each of these distributions is aimed at a different type of user.
The core of all Linux distributions is the kernel. Most system and administrative software that comes with different Linux distributions is freely available, and can be ported between various UNIX platforms.
You need to consider all your requirements, such as intended use, before selecting a distribution. You can seek advice from the Linux community through various Linux mailing lists, such as caldera-users-digestand debian-user. In addition, you can refer to the comparison report of various Linux distributions that is avail-able at http://www.distrowatch.com. You also can ask for help and advice from people who have installed Linux.
I’ll now discuss the following Linux distributions:
◆ Red Hat
◆ MandrakeSoft
◆ Caldera
◆ Debian
◆ Corel
◆ SusE
Red Hat
Red Hat was established in 1994 by Bob Young and Marc Ewing. Red Hat is a leader in the development, deployment, and management of the Linux operating system. Red Hat solutions cover the Red Hat Linux operating system, developer
and embedded technologies, training, management services, and technical sup-port. They also provide open source solutions for Internet infrastructure devices ranging from embedded devices to Web servers.
Red Hat makes the source code of its products available to everyone. Developers who use the software can work on the source code of the software and improve it.
Red Hat delivers its open source innovation to its customers through an Internet platform called Red Hat Network.
MandrakeSoft
In November 1998, several Linux enthusiasts had an online discussion and founded MandrakeSoft. MandrakeSoft’s strategy is to promote Linux for users of all levels, ranging from beginners to experts and from individuals to corporate users. It provides a wide range of services, such as improved software and hard-ware and a package manager developed for the Linux environment.
MandrakeSoft, with its Linux-Mandrake distribution, has become an interna-tional mode of reference in open source software and Linux. Several factors, such as open source for Linux and the availability of the Linux-Mandrake distribution in more than 40 languages, have contributed to the company’s growth.
Linux-Mandrake currently includes more than 2,300 applications in its distribution. It provides a distribution that is easy to install and use. In addition, Linux-Mandrake is fast and reliable. Linux-Mandrake products include the oper-ating system, related programs, installation tools, full documentation, and techni-cal support.
Caldera
Caldera is based in Orem, Utah, and has a worldwide presence with 20 offices spread across 18 countries, including the U.S., Germany, the U.K., Brazil, South Africa, and some Asian countries. Caldera’s infrastructure extends to 82 countries and has over 15,000 resellers worldwide. Caldera was the first Linux company to create the Linux Value Added Resellers (VAR) channel.
Caldera enables the development, deployment, and management of unified Linux and UNIX platform solutions for business through its OpenLinux, OpenUNIX, and SCO OpenServer product lines and services. Caldera solutions combine the performance, scalability, and confidence associated with UNIX and the flexibility
associated with Linux. Therefore, Caldera provides an integrated solution for small-to-medium businesses, retail operations, telecommunications, and other vertical markets. Caldera solutions are divided into two business lines: Platform Business Line and Services Business Line.
◆ Platform Business Line. The platform business line supports Caldera Volution, which is a collection of Caldera server, development tools, and management products. Caldera Volution provides a platform for applica-tion development and administraapplica-tion and management of Caldera Linux and UNIX operating systems.
◆ Services Business Line. The services business line is responsible for pro-viding a wide range of services on the Caldera platform. The services range from management products to application development.
Debian
The Debian project was founded by Ian Murdock on August 16, 1993. When Ian started this project, the concept of free Linux distribution was new. Ian wanted the Debian project to be a distribution whose source would be made freely avail-able. The creation of Debian was sponsored by the Free Software Foundation’s (FSF) GNU project for one year—from November 1994 to November 1995. It started as a small group of software hackers and gradually grew to become a large, well-organized community of developers and users.
The Debian distribution is open for contribution from every developer and user.
The features of Debian are listed here:
◆ The only non-commercial Linux distribution.
◆ The strong dependency between its packages ensures consistency in upgrades.
Debian includes over 3,950 packages. The Debian GNU/Linux distribution is the primary product of the Debian project. The distribution contains kernel and var-ious pre-packaged software applications. The Debian distribution supports mul-tiple processor types, such as Intel i386 and above, PowerPC, IBM S/390, Sparc, and Hitachi SuperH.
Debian motivated the formation of Software in the Public Interest, Inc. (SPI), which is a New York-based, non-profit organization. SPI helps companies in development and distribution of hardware and software.
SuSE
SuSE Linux is one of the world’s leading providers of complete solutions based on Linux. SuSE also provides Linux deployment solutions.
SuSE provides a wide range of consultation, technical, and other services to its customers. It has the largest open-source solutions development team.
Now that you are familiar with the different types of Linux distributions, I’ll discuss the installation of Red Hat Linux using various installation media.