mirror of https://github.com/tLDP/LDP
1172 lines
44 KiB
Plaintext
1172 lines
44 KiB
Plaintext
<!-- This is the Linux Distribution HOWTO, SGML source -- >
|
|
<!-- Eric S. Raymond, esr@snark.thyrsus.com -- >
|
|
|
|
<!doctype linuxdoc system>
|
|
|
|
<article>
|
|
|
|
<title>The Linux Distribution HOWTO
|
|
<author>Eric S. Raymond <esr@thyrsus.com>
|
|
<date>v6.9, 8 June 2000
|
|
|
|
<abstract>
|
|
This document is intended to help new users choose a Linux distribution,
|
|
and to help experienced users track the state of the Linux market. It
|
|
does not aim to be a complete list of Linux distributions for all
|
|
platforms, but instead focuses on leading English-language Intel
|
|
distributions available on CD-ROM and accessible to Linux novices.
|
|
</abstract>
|
|
|
|
<toc>
|
|
|
|
<sect>Introduction
|
|
<p>
|
|
There is no single distribution of the Linux software. Instead,
|
|
there are many such distributions, available both via anonymous FTP
|
|
and by mail order on CD-ROM.
|
|
|
|
The purpose of this document is to provide short summaries of the
|
|
English-language Linux CD-ROM distributions, and to provide
|
|
pointers for the reader to find more information. A German
|
|
Distributions HOWTO was formerly maintained by Marco Budde but
|
|
seems to have disappeared. We are not aware of any distributions
|
|
in languages other than English and German.
|
|
|
|
The information presented here is not complete; there are other
|
|
Linux distributions than are listed here. By the nature of open
|
|
source software, anyone that changes anything in their Linux
|
|
installation and makes it available to others somehow is `a
|
|
distribution'. A document such as this has to pick somewhere to
|
|
draw the line. I have picked `available on CD'. This is by no
|
|
means the definition of a Linux distribution. There are numerous
|
|
small distributions that offer things the big distros don't, not
|
|
the least of which is smallness itself.
|
|
|
|
The information presented here is not complete; there are other
|
|
Linux distributions than are listed here. If you are associated
|
|
with a CD-ROM distribution we don't list, please see
|
|
<ref id="submissions" name="Submissions To This Document">
|
|
near the end of this document
|
|
for information on making a submission. It's easy and should take
|
|
less then five minutes.
|
|
|
|
For a more complete list of distributions (albeit with sparser
|
|
information on each) see the <url name="Linux HQ Distributions List"
|
|
url="http://www.linuxhq.com/dist-index.html">.
|
|
|
|
<bf/Disclaimer:/ We make absolutely <em/no/ guarantee as to the
|
|
correctness of the information, prices, and ordering details given
|
|
in this document. Check the last-modified field of each to get an
|
|
idea of its currency, then go to the vendor's web page for
|
|
up-to-date information. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated the
|
|
Linux software comes with <em/ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY/.
|
|
|
|
Your editor tries to stick to facts in most of this HOWTO, but he
|
|
has some opinions on the state of the Linux market. If you care
|
|
what they are, you can read them under <ref id="opinions"
|
|
name="Editorial Recommendations">.
|
|
|
|
<bf/Disclosure:/ I (esr) have no financial connection to any Linux
|
|
vendor, nor have I accepted any renumeration or perquisites from
|
|
any vendor other than free product for review (and one T-shirt from
|
|
Red Hat).
|
|
|
|
<sect1>New versions of this document
|
|
<p>
|
|
This document will be posted monthly to the newsgroups
|
|
<tt>comp.os.linux.answers</tt> . The document is archived on a number
|
|
of Linux FTP sites, including <tt>metalab.unc.edu</tt> in
|
|
<tt>pub/Linux/docs/HOWTO</tt>.
|
|
<p>
|
|
You can also view the latest version of this HOWTO on the World
|
|
Wide Web via the URL <url
|
|
url="http://metalab.unc.edu/mdw/HOWTO/Distribution-HOWTO.html">.
|
|
|
|
Feel free to mail any questions or comments about this HOWTO to
|
|
Eric S. Raymond, <tt/esr@snark.thyrsus.com/. Please do <em/not/
|
|
send me general Linux questions or requests for help in
|
|
choosing a distribution unless you're willing to hire me at
|
|
normal consulting rates; I don't have time to deal with them,
|
|
and I try to put everything I know about choosing a
|
|
distribution in this document.
|
|
|
|
<sect1>Recent Changes
|
|
<p>
|
|
Yggdrasil Plug-And-Play and Craftworks Linux seem no longer to be
|
|
available for sale, and have been dropped. DOSLINUX has also been
|
|
dropped due to its specialist nature. KRUD, Linux-Mandrake, and
|
|
LinuxGT have been added.
|
|
|
|
<sect1>Overview of the Linux Market
|
|
<p>
|
|
In the beginning (say, 1993), a Linux distribution was something
|
|
you downloaded off the Internet onto floppies. Installation was a
|
|
laborious process and repeated frustrations due to bad media were
|
|
common.
|
|
|
|
Then came cheap CD-ROM drives and the CD-ROM, a medium ideally
|
|
suited for shipping large volumes of operating-system software
|
|
cheaply. There's a whole mini-industry now built around commercial
|
|
CD-ROM Linuxes, and (because the vendors have actual cash flow to
|
|
fund support and marketing) they increasingly dominate the Linux
|
|
world. Debian is now the only significant non-commercial release,
|
|
and even it seems to be propagated largely by shovelware CD-ROMs.
|
|
|
|
Most of the CD-ROM distributions (including Slackware, Yggdrasil and
|
|
Red Hat) are still available for FTP from the home sites of their
|
|
developers. But if you have a CD-ROM drive and a few dollars, you
|
|
will have many more distributions and more support options to
|
|
choose from (and you'll usually get some useful paper
|
|
documentation). For more on the details of installation, see
|
|
the Linux Installation HOWTO,
|
|
<url url="http://metalab.unc.edu/mdw/HOWTO/Installation-HOWTO.html">.
|
|
|
|
Prices for CD-ROM distributions of Intel Linuxes start at
|
|
$20 and top out at a whole $50 (and the extra few
|
|
dollars can buy real value). Many vendors sell subscription deals
|
|
that will lower your cost-per-CD for regular updates over the
|
|
subscription period.
|
|
|
|
Price correlates with features and quality pretty well (as one
|
|
would expect in a very competitive market). Your editor recommends
|
|
paying the few extra dollars for a top-drawer original CD-ROM
|
|
distribution; this will pay off in fewer installation and
|
|
administration hassles down the road.
|
|
|
|
Making good choices is much simpler than it used to be. In 1995-96
|
|
the Linux market underwent a serious shakeout, with a very few
|
|
commercial distributions emerging as leaders while weaker ones
|
|
disappeared or stagnated. The toll among general-purpose
|
|
non-commercial distributions has been even fiercer; essentially,
|
|
only Debian survives in this role.
|
|
|
|
As a result, the three-tier structure of primary distribution
|
|
builders, value-added repackagers, and bottom-feeding CD shovellers
|
|
that used to define the market has nearly collapsed. To be
|
|
competitive in the third millennium, a Linux outfit (whether
|
|
commercial or noncommercial) has to offer reasonable support and
|
|
behave like a primary distribution builder, whether it's really one
|
|
or not. So as long as you look for a recent freeze date, it is
|
|
pretty hard to get stuck with a dud distribution these days.
|
|
|
|
<sect1>Editorial Recommendations<label id=opinions>
|
|
<p>
|
|
Last section, the facts. In this section, my opinions (for
|
|
whatever they're worth -- and remember the caveat about free
|
|
advice). There is no substitute for doing your own evaluation
|
|
based on experience and the data in this guide, and these are
|
|
intended more to illuminate my possible biases than as a guide to
|
|
what you should do.
|
|
|
|
From the beginnings of the Linux CD-ROM industry in 1993 to Fall
|
|
1995, Yggdrasil was the king of the hill -- it essentially founded
|
|
the CD-ROM market and then set the standard for everybody else. I
|
|
used Yggdrasil, and I recommended it over commercial System V
|
|
versions for its superior documentation, large collection of
|
|
applications, and enlightened policy of sending free releases to
|
|
open-source authors and dedicating part of the price of each CD-ROM to
|
|
financially supporting free software. But Yggdrasil hasn't issued
|
|
a new release since 1995 and they've been left behind by the
|
|
market.
|
|
|
|
I now run Red Hat Linux and am quite satisfied with it. They have
|
|
successfully created a de-facto standard in distribution packaging
|
|
with RPM (now also used by SuSE and Mandrake, among others). They've
|
|
made most of the right moves at the right times and I consider them
|
|
the current market leader.
|
|
|
|
If you're ideologically wedded to using a non-commercial distribution,
|
|
Debian seems to me to be the clear choice, the only one left with
|
|
a serious support team behind it.
|
|
|
|
These opinions should certainly not be interpreted as an
|
|
unconditional endorsement; different Linux distributions are
|
|
optimized for different needs, and yours may well be best served by
|
|
some other distribution (especially if, unlike me, you're mainly a
|
|
DOS user and are looking for a distribution tuned for dual-boot
|
|
systems and being launched from DOS).
|
|
|
|
Furthermore, industry standing is volatile. By the time you read
|
|
this, Red Hat or Debian may well have fallen off their games and
|
|
been displaced by hungrier newcomers.
|
|
|
|
<sect>Distributions
|
|
<p>
|
|
All these distributions are available on CD-ROM (some of the
|
|
non-commercial ones only show up on network-archive snapshots).
|
|
Most of these are available for free over the network (but the
|
|
commercial ones won't support you if you buy this way). They are
|
|
custom-assembled, rather than just being re-packagings of a
|
|
pre-existing network release.
|
|
|
|
They are listed in alphabetical order.
|
|
|
|
<sect1> Caldera OpenLinux
|
|
<p><descrip>
|
|
<tag/Distributor:/
|
|
<cdx>Caldera, Inc.</cdx> <newline>
|
|
633 South 550 East <newline>
|
|
Provo, Utah 84606 <newline>
|
|
|
|
Net: <htmlurl name="info@caldera.com" url="mailto:info@caldera.com"> <newline>
|
|
WWW: <url url="http://www.caldera.com"> <newline>
|
|
FTP: <url url="ftp://ftp.caldera.com"> <newline>
|
|
Vox: (801)-377-7678 <newline>
|
|
Fax: (801)-377-8752 <newline>
|
|
|
|
<tag/Provider's Description:/
|
|
|
|
Caldera is shipping OpenLinux 1.2 in a three-tiered family of
|
|
products: OpenLinux Lite, OpenLinux Base, and OpenLinux Standard.
|
|
|
|
OpenLinux Lite is a freely available evaluation of the OpenLinux
|
|
product (it includes a 90-day evalutation of the Caldera integrated
|
|
Desttop--the full licensed version of the desktop is included in the
|
|
Base and Standard products). OpenLinxu Lite can be downloaded from
|
|
Caldera's ftp site, or obtainded on CD for the cost of shipping. It
|
|
is also designed for use by book and software publishers to provide
|
|
a commercially stable Linux offering with their books and software
|
|
products.
|
|
|
|
OpenLinux Base contains everything that is in Lite plus it is a
|
|
complete, easy-to-install Linux operating system, with integrated
|
|
Desktop, Internet client and server components, and Intranet
|
|
connectivity. OpenLinux Base includes Netscape Navigator and full
|
|
documentation.
|
|
|
|
OpenLinux Standard includes what is in Base plus more high-end, name
|
|
brand, commercial software components (such as Netscape FastTrack Web
|
|
Server, Netscape Navigator Gold Web browser and authoring tools,
|
|
ADABAS D database, StarOffice productivity suite, Caldera OpenDOS, and
|
|
NetWare client and administration tools).
|
|
|
|
All three tiers of the OpenLinux 1.2 release are currently available.
|
|
|
|
With Caldera OpenLinux, you can see a whole world of powerful
|
|
new computing, even the power of a UNIX workstation on your PC!
|
|
By using a Linux kernel, OpenLinux gives you speed and stability
|
|
that compare to systems costing thousands of dollars. Open Linux
|
|
also gives you:
|
|
<itemize>
|
|
<item> Real multi-tasking runs many text or graphical applications at
|
|
once; no application can cause another to crash, unlike less robust
|
|
systems.
|
|
<item> The Linux 2.0 kernel gives super-fast TCP/IP access to the
|
|
Internet, plus loadable device drivers, for the most efficient use
|
|
of your system resources.
|
|
<item> Easy-to-follow, quick installation with menu-based choices and
|
|
auto-detection of your hardware make installation a snap on most
|
|
systems. The Getting Started Guide (included) provides a
|
|
step-by-step illustrated procedure, with troubleshooting tips.
|
|
</itemize>
|
|
|
|
No other Linux system includes a complete, integrated desktop
|
|
interface with configuration tools and graphical editor. Its
|
|
powerful drag-and-drop capabilities come pre-configured with
|
|
thousands of icons and application settings. The Desktop provides a
|
|
convenient place where you can store your favorite programs and
|
|
data files for instant access. The Desktop gives you:
|
|
|
|
<itemize>
|
|
<item> Drag-and-drop launching of programs with data files.
|
|
<item> An integrated graphical text editor.
|
|
<item> Easy access to an array of powerful system configuration tools.
|
|
<item> A configurable icon bar, custom layouts, and preference settings.
|
|
<item> Powerful file management using drag-and-drop or graphical dialogs.
|
|
</itemize>
|
|
|
|
<tag/Ordering:/
|
|
By email with PGP key, by phone, by fax, or by conventional mail.
|
|
Full ordering details are at
|
|
<url url="http://www.caldera.com/mpro/orinfo/orderinfo.html">.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Support:/
|
|
Caldera is one of the only Linux distributers to offer E-mail and
|
|
telephone support. OpenLinux Base (E-mail only) and Standard
|
|
(Telephone and E-mail) users are fully supported (Standard users
|
|
receive 5 free incident calls during the first 30 days). There is
|
|
no technical support for the Lite product.
|
|
|
|
OpenLinux Base and Standard ship with full licensed versions of the
|
|
Caldera Desktop, which do not expire. OpenLinux Lite ships with a
|
|
90-day evaluation version of the Desktop.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Last Freeze Date:/
|
|
May 1998 (?)
|
|
|
|
<tag/Entry last modified:/
|
|
13 August 1998
|
|
</descrip>
|
|
|
|
<sect1>Debian Linux Distribution
|
|
<p><descrip>
|
|
<tag/Distributor:/
|
|
<cdx>Software in the Public Interest, Inc.</cdx>
|
|
PO Box 1326 <newline>
|
|
Boston, Ma. 02117 USA <newline>
|
|
|
|
Net: <htmlurl url="mailto:info@debian.org" name="info@debian.org"> <newline>
|
|
WWW: <url url="http://www.debian.org"> <newline>
|
|
FTP: <url url="ftp://ftp.debian.org/debian">
|
|
|
|
<tag/Provider's Description:/
|
|
|
|
Debian Linux is the result of a volunteer effort to create a
|
|
high-quality non-commercial Linux distribution. Debian Linux 2.0
|
|
is a complete and fully-functional Unix-compatible operating system
|
|
for the personal computer. The system uses ELF executables and
|
|
libc6 (unlikeprevious Debian versions, which used libc5). At
|
|
present, Debian Linux is available for the IBM PC architecture
|
|
(386/486/Pentium) and m68k, with versions for Sparc and Alpha
|
|
promised for 2.1. ARM, PPC, and UltraSparc ports are underway.
|
|
|
|
Debian Linux is an easy-to-upgrade distribution that mostly
|
|
consists of freely redistributable software from a number of
|
|
different sources and systems. Support for shadow passwords is
|
|
available, although it should be considered experimental in the 1.1
|
|
release. Non-free packages may also obtained, making Debian a
|
|
well-rounded system.
|
|
|
|
The benefits of Debian Linux are its upgradability, well-defined
|
|
dependencies between packages, and its open development. It is the
|
|
only distribution of Linux that is being developed co-operatively
|
|
by many individuals through the Internet, in the same spirit as
|
|
Linux and other open-source operating systems. More than 400
|
|
package maintainers are working on over 1500 packages and improving
|
|
Debian Linux. A sophisticated bug tracking system allows users to
|
|
easily report bugs and security concerns which are quickly dealt
|
|
with by the Debian community. A new release of the package will
|
|
soon occur on well-known ftp archives.
|
|
|
|
Debian Linux is a very dynamic distribution. Snap-shot releases
|
|
are made about every three months, the ftp archives are updated
|
|
daily.
|
|
|
|
For more information about Debian Linux, please refer to the files
|
|
at <url url="ftp://ftp.debian.org/debian/doc/"> or visit our World
|
|
Wide Web page at <url url="http://www.debian.org/">. There is also
|
|
a book, "Running Debian GNU/Linux", from O'Reilly & Associates.
|
|
|
|
If you're interested in joining this project you are invited to
|
|
subscribe to either debian-user@lists.debian.org or
|
|
debian-devel@lists.debian.org by sending a mail to
|
|
debian-user-request@lists.debian.org (or debian-devel-request
|
|
respectively) with the word "help" in the subject line.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Internet Access:/
|
|
Debian Linux is available via anonymous FTP from <url
|
|
url="ftp://ftp.debian.org/debian/"> and on a <htmlurl name="mirror"
|
|
url="http://www.debian.org/ftplist.html"> near to you.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Last Freeze Date:/
|
|
24 July 1998 (2.0)
|
|
|
|
<tag/Entry last modified:/
|
|
13 Aug 1998
|
|
</descrip>
|
|
|
|
<sect1>Linux Pro
|
|
<p><descrip>
|
|
<tag/Distributor:/
|
|
<cdx>WorkGroup Solutions, Inc.</cdx> <newline>
|
|
P.O. Box 460190 <newline>
|
|
Aurora, CO 80046-0190 <newline>
|
|
|
|
Vox: (303)-699-7470 <newline>
|
|
Fax: (303)-699-2793 <newline>
|
|
Net: <htmlurl url="mailto:info@wgs.com" name="info@wgs.com"> (orders) <newline>
|
|
FTP: <url url="ftp://ftp.wgs.com/pub2/wgs"> <newline>
|
|
|
|
<tag/Provider's Description:/
|
|
The charter of the WGS Linux Pro CD is different from all other
|
|
distributions currently on the market. We are actively
|
|
pursuing penetration into the commercial marketplace for Linux.
|
|
Everything we do is aimed at increasing the size of the Linux
|
|
community, and helping Linux to become THE one true operating
|
|
system, not just an operating system.
|
|
|
|
WGS Linux Pro consists of our Main "Stable" Linux CD, for which
|
|
we select what we consider to be the best Linux distribution
|
|
available. Then we make bug fixes & minor enhancements. This
|
|
CD often contains software older than the latest, under the theory
|
|
that "the latest is not always the greatest". Together with this
|
|
approach we provide technical support as well as support agreements.
|
|
For this reason WGS Linux Pro is considered a primary Linux
|
|
distribution. Optionally, and in addition to our primary CD, we
|
|
supply supplemental CDs containing all the latest Linux software
|
|
(including current archives of the tsx-11, metalab, and Red Hat
|
|
sites). Virtually anything you will get with anyone's Linux
|
|
product can be found on these supplemental CDs. We continually add
|
|
more to these supplemental CDs as software becomes available. Even
|
|
with all this, pricing on our product line is very favorable when
|
|
correctly compared to other Linux distributions. Also optional
|
|
(included with Linux Pro+) is a professionally produced and printed
|
|
manual containing the Linux documentation project and more!
|
|
|
|
Current version is 4.0a; kernel is 1.2.13 with installable 2.0.x
|
|
on the CD.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Internet Access:/
|
|
Look in <url url="http://www.wgs.com"> for a list of WGS products,
|
|
and latest information on the CD-ROM.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Ordering:/
|
|
WGS Linux Pro is available on CD from dealers and distributors
|
|
worldwide, and soon from our FTP site.
|
|
|
|
You may call, fax, email, or mail us, to purchase, or request
|
|
additional information. We will be happy to respond to any
|
|
question you have. We accept American Express, Visa, Discover, and
|
|
MasterCard, or purchase orders with approval of credit.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Miscellaneous:/
|
|
Complete information is available on our FTP site.
|
|
|
|
WGS publishes a free E-Mail newsletter on Linux and FlagShip
|
|
to which you may subscribe by just emailing us your request.
|
|
|
|
In addition we carry Motif, FlagShip, A line of books, and
|
|
other products to make your experience with Linux more complete
|
|
and fulfilling. Check us out!
|
|
|
|
<tag/Last Freeze Date:/
|
|
1 October 1996.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Entry last modified:/
|
|
13 March 1997
|
|
|
|
<tag/Editor's comment:/
|
|
They describe their current distribution as "Red Hat 3.03 plus".
|
|
</descrip>
|
|
|
|
<sect1>Red Hat Linux
|
|
<p><descrip>
|
|
<tag/Distributor:/
|
|
<cdx>Red Hat Software</cdx> <newline>
|
|
3201 Yorktown Rd, Suite 123 DeKalb Center <newline>
|
|
Durham, NC 27713 <newline>
|
|
|
|
Vox: (800) 546-7274 or (919) 572-6500 <newline>
|
|
<!-- Erik Troan x229 -->
|
|
<!-- Bob Young x227 -->
|
|
<!-- Ed Bailey x232 -->
|
|
Fax: (919) 572-6726 <newline>
|
|
Net: <htmlurl url="mailto:redhat@redhat.com" name="redhat@redhat.com"> <newline>
|
|
WWW: <url url="http://www.redhat.com"> <newline>
|
|
FTP: <url url="ftp://ftp.redhat.com"> <newline>
|
|
|
|
<tag/Provider's Description:/
|
|
Red Hat 6.1 is based on the 2.2 kernel and is available for
|
|
Intel, Sparc and Alpha platforms.
|
|
|
|
Four installation innovations make Red Hat the easiest Linux to
|
|
install ever. Our graphical installation mode brings you straight
|
|
up into X for most of the installation. Our boot disk creation script
|
|
eases selection of the proper boot disk, and it saves your existing
|
|
network configuration information and XF86Config so you don't have to
|
|
configure TCP/IP or X! Our FTP install allows you to install simply
|
|
by downloading 3 floppy disk images -- the rest is done automatically!
|
|
And finally, the installation includes seamless support for PCMCIA
|
|
devices -- install Red Hat on your laptop as easily as on your
|
|
desktop machine!
|
|
|
|
After installing Red Hat Linux once, you will never need to reinstall
|
|
Linux again! The new RPM packaging system is sophisticated enough to
|
|
allow upgrading to new Red Hat releases without reinstalling your
|
|
system - no partitioning, no backing up all your files, no headaches.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Ordering:/
|
|
Available directly from Red Hat Software and most distributors
|
|
of Linux related products. Please contact Red Hat Software for
|
|
ordering details (on-line ordering is available through Red Hat's
|
|
Web). Suggested retail price for the Standard version is
|
|
$29.95; for the Professional (server) version
|
|
$149.95; for the Deluxe version $79.95.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Last Freeze Date:/
|
|
Unknown.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Entry last modified:/
|
|
1 Nov 1999.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Editor's Comments:/
|
|
The big selling point of this distribution is RPM, the Red Hat
|
|
Package Manager. This piece of software is a remarkable advance;
|
|
it allows you to cleanly install and de-install applications and
|
|
operating-system components, including the kernel and OS base
|
|
itself. RPM is now used as well by essentially all other
|
|
distributions except Debian.
|
|
</descrip>
|
|
|
|
<sect1>Trans-Ameritech Linuxware
|
|
<p><descrip>
|
|
<tag/Distributor:/
|
|
<cdx>Trans-Ameritech</cdx> <newline>
|
|
2342A Walsh Avenue <newline>
|
|
Santa Clara, CA 95051 <newline>
|
|
|
|
Net: <htmlurl url="mailto:info@trans-am.com" name="info@trans-am.com"> <newline>
|
|
WWW: http://www.trans-am.com <newline>
|
|
Vox: (408)-727-3883 <newline>
|
|
Fax: (408)-727-3882 <newline>
|
|
BBS: (408)-980-9840
|
|
|
|
<tag/Provider's Description:/
|
|
Trans-Ameritech has published 10 releases of Linux by early 1997.
|
|
Traditionally, Trans-Ameritech has set new standards for combining
|
|
ease of use and straightforward installation, even for a first-time
|
|
user, with its line of LinuxWare CD-ROMs. This is a flexible,
|
|
easy-to-install operating system geared toward those interested in
|
|
learning Unix as well as technical people, students and home PC
|
|
users.
|
|
|
|
<itemize>
|
|
<item> New Linux users will appreciate a Windows-based set up
|
|
program from the CD.
|
|
<item> To minimize the possibility of hardware conflicts many extra
|
|
kernels are provided for different configurations. They are usable
|
|
for installation and normal operation.
|
|
<item> Many on-line documents are provided for quick reference,
|
|
including the Linux Documentation Project files in source, dvi and
|
|
ps formats.
|
|
</itemize>
|
|
|
|
Many applications are included:
|
|
|
|
<itemize>
|
|
<item> MS-Windows based X configuration program
|
|
<item> C/C++,Pascal and Ada compilers as well as converters fron
|
|
Fortran
|
|
<item> TCP/IP networking, UUCP,SLIP,CSLIP,PPP
|
|
<item> Internet access with binaries and sources for
|
|
FTP,Telnet,News and E-mail
|
|
<item> Multiple terminals and X-Windows environment
|
|
<item> Gnu and international versions of the ispell spell-cheker
|
|
<item> The communications apps:term,minicom,Seyon (X-Windows based)
|
|
<item> Editors:elvis(vi clone),joe,jove,Emacs
|
|
<item> PostScript clone ghostscript
|
|
<item> Object oriented GNU Smalltalk and the Smalltalk interface to X
|
|
<item> TCL/Tk (Powerful scripting language with Motif-like X interface)
|
|
<item> Programs for electrical engineers and ham enthusiasts
|
|
<item> Interviews libraries,include files and doc Word-processor
|
|
and idraw drawing program
|
|
<item> Typesetting:TeX,LaTeX,xdvi,dvips,Metafont,groff
|
|
<item> Andrew multimedia word prodessor with hyperlinks
|
|
<item> FAX send and receive on either class 1 or class 2 fax modems
|
|
<item> DOOM for game enthusiasts
|
|
</itemize>
|
|
|
|
All the sources are available on the CD-ROM. The often needed
|
|
sources are uncompressed and can be used directly from the CD-ROM.
|
|
|
|
An uncompressed Linux filesystem is available for references and
|
|
disk space conversaion. You can run programs directly from the
|
|
CD-ROM! There is a large info directory for on-line reference and
|
|
many manpages.
|
|
|
|
For hacker's reference, uncompressed FreeBSD and netBSD sources are
|
|
provided.
|
|
|
|
Our distribution is targeted for Windows and DOS users who want an easy
|
|
migration path upwards, rather than for UNIX experts.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Ordering:/
|
|
Email orders are taken at <htmlurl url="mailto:order@trans-am.com"
|
|
name="order@trans-am.com"> <newline>
|
|
|
|
The price for our current release of LinuxWare 2.5 is $19.95
|
|
|
|
The price for a package order: LinuxWare 2.5,Supplement 5 and
|
|
Supplement 4 (Ultimate LinuxWare Bundle) in one shipment is $30
|
|
|
|
If you order with a credit card (VISA, MC, AmEx, Discovery),
|
|
please, indicate the card number, expiration date and your mailing
|
|
address.
|
|
|
|
Shipping and handling in US: single CD-ROM or Ultimate LinuxWare
|
|
Bundle is $5(first class US mail).
|
|
|
|
Overseas shipping is $8 for single CD-ROM , $12 for
|
|
the bundle.
|
|
|
|
COD is available in the US only for $4.50.
|
|
California residents, please add 7.75% sales tax.
|
|
|
|
Annual subscription (4 releases) is available for $80 plus
|
|
S&H (note: there are 4 shipments in a subscription). Example:
|
|
subscription in US is:$80+$5x4=$100.
|
|
Subscription in Europe/Japan etc. $80 + $8x4 =
|
|
$112.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Miscellaneous:/
|
|
If you have any further questions,please contact us through E-mail:
|
|
info@trans-am.com or order@trans-am.com.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Last Freeze Date:/
|
|
January 1997 (Supplement 5)
|
|
|
|
<tag/Entry last modified:/
|
|
13 August 1998
|
|
</descrip>
|
|
|
|
<sect1>Slackware
|
|
<p><descrip>
|
|
<tag/Distributor:/
|
|
<cdx>Walnut Creek CDROM</cdx> <newline>
|
|
4041 Pike Lane, Suite D <newline>
|
|
Concord, CA 94520 <newline>
|
|
|
|
Net: <htmlurl url="mailto:info@cdrom.com" name="info@cdrom.com">
|
|
(information), <htmlurl url="mailto:order@cdrom.com"
|
|
name="order@cdrom.com"> (orders), <htmlurl
|
|
url="mailto:support@cdrom.com" name="support@cdrom.com"> (support).
|
|
|
|
<tag/Provider's Description:/
|
|
Ftp.cdrom.com is the home of Slackware Linux. We are the publishers
|
|
of the Official Slackware Linux CDROM. Our distribution is a 4-disc
|
|
set with the current version being Slackware 96. The current disc
|
|
is based on the 2.0.34 kernel.
|
|
|
|
Slackware Linux is a full featured distribution
|
|
of the Linux operating system designed for 386/486 computers with a
|
|
3.5&dquot floppy and CD-ROM drive.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Internet Access:/
|
|
WWW: <url url="http://www.cdrom.com/titles/os/slack96.htm"> <newline>
|
|
FTP: <url url="ftp:ftp.cdrom.com/pub/linux/slackware"> <newline>
|
|
|
|
<tag/Ordering:/
|
|
The cost of the CD-ROM set from Walnut Creek is $39.95.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Last Freeze Date:/
|
|
July 1998 (3.5)
|
|
|
|
<tag/Entry last modified:/
|
|
13 August 1998.
|
|
</descrip>
|
|
|
|
<sect1>S.u.S.E.
|
|
<p><descrip>
|
|
<tag/Distributor:/
|
|
S.u.S.E., Inc.<newline>
|
|
458 Santa Clara Ave<newline>
|
|
Oakland CA 94610 USA<newline>
|
|
|
|
Net: <htmlurl url="mailto:info@suse.com" name="info@suse.com"><newline>
|
|
WWW: <url url="http://www.suse.com"> <newline>
|
|
FTP: <url url="ftp://ftp.suse.com"> <newline>
|
|
Vox: +1-510-835-7873
|
|
Fax: +1-510-835-7875 fax
|
|
|
|
<tag/Provider's Description:/
|
|
S.u.S.E. Linux offers users of all levels, from novice to expert,
|
|
quick and easy entry into world of Linux and Unix. Resources such
|
|
as a menu-driven installation from CD-ROM, a modular boot diskette,
|
|
400-page reference book and S.u.S.E.'s own system administration
|
|
tool, YaST allow one to quickly get Linux installed and running,
|
|
and to keep it running smoothly.
|
|
|
|
Furthermore, S.u.S.E. offers a series of supported X servers, which
|
|
support the newest graphics cards. These servers are created in
|
|
cooperation with the XFree86 (tm) development team. See the
|
|
following URL for more details: <url url="http://www.suse.de/XSuSE">.
|
|
|
|
New in S.u.S.E. Linux 5.3:
|
|
|
|
<itemize>
|
|
<item>Kernel 2.0.35
|
|
<item>KDE 1.0
|
|
<item>GIMP 1.0
|
|
<item>SaX (SuSE advanced XF86 configuration tool)
|
|
</itemize>
|
|
|
|
Quick overview of other features:
|
|
|
|
<itemize>
|
|
<item> The Linux OS, over 875 software packages, including complete
|
|
sources and live file system on 4 CD-ROMs
|
|
<item> 400 page reference book
|
|
<item> Packages in RPM format; TGZ packages installable
|
|
<item> System V compatible boot concept, compliance with file
|
|
system standard
|
|
<item> Installation and administration utility 'YaST' configures
|
|
network, ISDN, e-mail, printer, X Window System
|
|
<item> S.u.S.E. X servers which support new graphics cards
|
|
<item> Administration of file systems, users, groups
|
|
<item> Automatic configuration of several window managers
|
|
<item> Online help system and documentation
|
|
<item> Demo mode, either directly from CD-ROM, or on DOS partition
|
|
</itemize>
|
|
|
|
<tag/Ordering:/
|
|
You can download from <url url="ftp://ftp.suse.com/pub/SuSE-Linux">.
|
|
For the CD-ROM with support, order vphone, secure WWW order form,
|
|
fax, or post. Price is $49.95, or $34.95 per edition by
|
|
subscription. Use order code LSUE520 for the English version,
|
|
LSUD520.
|
|
|
|
Also available: OSF Motif 2.1 for $129.95 (price for update to be
|
|
determined; order code: LMEA210
|
|
|
|
<tag/Support:/
|
|
60 days of free installation support are included with each
|
|
purchase of S.u.S.E. Linux. See the web page for contact info and
|
|
conditions.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Last Freeze Date:/
|
|
Unknown.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Entry last modified:/
|
|
13 Aug 1998 (5.3)
|
|
</descrip>
|
|
|
|
<sect1>LinuxGT
|
|
<p><descrip>
|
|
<tag/Distributor:/
|
|
Grey Technology<newline>
|
|
PMB 205<newline>
|
|
2479 Murphreesboro Rd.<newline>
|
|
Nashville, TN 37217<newline>
|
|
|
|
Net: <htmlurl url="mailto:rick@greysite.com" name="rick@greysite.com"> (orders) <newline>
|
|
WWW: <url url="http://www.greysite.com"> <newline>
|
|
FTP: <url url="ftp://metalab.unc.edu/pub/Linux/distributions/linuxGT"> <newline>
|
|
|
|
<tag/Provider's Description:/
|
|
LinuxGT is based in the Linux 2.2 kernel, available for Intel only
|
|
at this point, a PPC and SPARC are on the way! With a simple, to
|
|
the point installation, we believe it is the easiest to get running
|
|
server solutions available today! Creating a boot disk is a simple
|
|
click of a button (from Windows), or running a simple script
|
|
(DOS/Linux). Other installation methods are via ftp, http, NFS, or
|
|
from your existing hard disk partition. By following the steps in
|
|
the QuickStart Guide, you can't go wrong, most people won't NEED
|
|
the Guide if they have ANY familiarity with Linux. Further product
|
|
information can be found at our website (http://www.greysite.com)
|
|
or via e-mail.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Ordering:/
|
|
Available through Grey Technologies, GT Partners, and Distribution
|
|
Vendors. Please contact Grey Technology for ordering details
|
|
(on-line ordering is available through GreySite.Com). Suggested
|
|
retail price is for the Intel Server version is $dollar;24.95. Other
|
|
platforms will be priced at time of availability.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Miscellaneous:/
|
|
Technical support is available via telephone, e-mail, chatroom, or
|
|
online Web Forum.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Last Freeze Date:/
|
|
24 Jun 1999
|
|
|
|
<tag/Entry last modified:/
|
|
24 Jun 1999
|
|
</descrip>
|
|
|
|
<sect1>KRUD - Kevin's Red Hat Uber Distribution
|
|
<p><descrip>
|
|
<tag/Distributor:/
|
|
tummy.com, ltd.<newline>
|
|
5400 Fossil Court North<newline>
|
|
Fort Collins CO 80525<newline>
|
|
|
|
Vox: (970) 223-8215
|
|
Net: <htmlurl url="mailto:krud@tummy.com" name="krud@tummy.com">
|
|
Web: <url url="http://www.tummy.com/">
|
|
|
|
|
|
<tag/Provider's Description:/
|
|
The current Red Hat distribution with full errata available by
|
|
subscription or as a single CD. Also included are a variety of
|
|
useful packages for Linux, including a several security-related
|
|
packages such as ssh and isinglass.
|
|
Requires standard Red Hat compatible Hardware.
|
|
Currently, KRUD is not for export because it contains crypto software.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Internet Access:/
|
|
Available on CD-ROM only because of export restrictions.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Ordering:/
|
|
<htmlurl url="https://www.tummy.com/krud/onlineorder.html"> (online)<newline>
|
|
<htmlurl url="http://www.tummy.com/krud/mailorder.html"> (by mail)<newline>
|
|
$3/US each<newline>
|
|
$36/US 12 issue subscription (monthy update)<newline>
|
|
Visa/Mastercard/Discover/Amex credit cards accepted.<newline>
|
|
University and large business purchase orders, Postal money orders are
|
|
also accepted.<newline>
|
|
|
|
<tag/Support:/
|
|
Support is available on an hourly or contract basis from tummy.com,
|
|
ltd. Rates start at $120/hour.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Miscellaneous:/
|
|
KRUD helps you keep up with the flood of errata and package upgrades
|
|
by offering a monthly CD-ROM subscription delivered to you at a
|
|
reasonable price.
|
|
</descrip>
|
|
|
|
<sect1>Linux-Mandrake
|
|
<p><descrip>
|
|
<tag/Distributor:/
|
|
MandrakeSoft<newline>
|
|
Daniel Morales - MandrakeSoft 818.834.9860<newline>
|
|
Caroline Carmagnol - Alizé Public Relations 650.323.1607<newline>
|
|
mandrake@linux-mandrake.com<newline>
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net: <htmlurl url="mailto:mandrake@linux-mandrake.com" name="mandrake@linux-mandrake.com"> (orders) <newline>
|
|
WWW: <url url="http://www.linux-mandrake.com"> <newline>
|
|
Vox: 818.834.9860
|
|
|
|
<tag/Provider's Description:/
|
|
Linux-Mandrake is inspired by Red Hat(tm) Linux, with many
|
|
improvements and pre-configured applications which make it easier to
|
|
use for beginners, and faster for everyone.
|
|
|
|
Linux-Mandrake is available both in GPL Edition and in the PowerPack
|
|
Edition which includes 5 CDs and commercials applications. The GPL
|
|
Edition CD (base system and applications) is freely available from
|
|
Internet as an iso image.
|
|
|
|
Linux-Mandrake 6.0 won two LinuxWorld Editors' Choice Awards and
|
|
was a runner up at LinuxWorld Expo, San Jose, CA in August 1999:
|
|
|
|
<enum>
|
|
<item>Best Linux Product of the Year.
|
|
<item>Best Distribution/Server.
|
|
<item>finalist for Best Distribution/Client.
|
|
</enum>
|
|
|
|
Mandrake 6.1 (Helios) features:
|
|
|
|
<enum>
|
|
<item>Linux-Kernel: 2.2.13 (pre4)
|
|
<item>XFree86: 3.3.5
|
|
<item>Glibc: 2.1.1
|
|
<item>RPM: 3.0.3
|
|
<item>Bash: 2.03
|
|
<item>KDE: 1.1.2 (with Mandrake customization)
|
|
<item>Gnome: built from 1.0.4->1.0.14 versions (with Mandrake
|
|
customization)
|
|
<item>Enlightenment 0.16-dev5, Windowmaker 0.60, AfterStep 1.7.111,
|
|
XFCE 3.0.2, IceWM 0.9.48
|
|
</enum>
|
|
|
|
and many applications such as Apache, MySQL etc.
|
|
|
|
In Mandrake, packages have been compiled with CPU optimizations for
|
|
pentium-class (intel, amd, cyrix, winchip...) and higher processors
|
|
resulting in speed improvements up to 30%.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Internel Access:/
|
|
<url url="http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/ftp.php3">
|
|
|
|
<tag/Ordering:/
|
|
Free download available from Internet.
|
|
The Linux-Mandrake PowerPack price is typically between $45 and $50.
|
|
Payment method depends on the distributor.
|
|
Distributor lists available at:
|
|
<url url="http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/fsinglecd.php3">.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Support:/
|
|
The PowerPack is provided with 100 days of support by email.
|
|
|
|
Several specialized mailling-lists and a USENET newsgroup
|
|
(alt.os.linux.mandrake) are available for support between users.
|
|
|
|
Bynari Systems Group and LinuxCare also provide complete support
|
|
for Mandrake.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Last Freeze Date:/
|
|
Sep 17, 1999 for Mandrake 6.1 (Helios).
|
|
Update frequency: about 4 months.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Entry last modified:/
|
|
18 September 1999
|
|
</descrip>
|
|
|
|
<sect1>Linux by Libranet
|
|
<p><descrip>
|
|
<tag/Distributor:/
|
|
Libra Computer Systems Ltd.<newline>
|
|
1860 Langworthy Street<newline>
|
|
North Vancouver, BC<newline>
|
|
V7K 1N8
|
|
|
|
Net: <htmlurl url="mailto:sales@libranet.com" name="sales@libranet.com"> (orders) <newline>
|
|
Net: <htmlurl url="mailto:support@libranet.com" name="support@libranet.com"> (support) <newline>
|
|
Net: <htmlurl url="mailto:faq@libranet.com" name="faq@libranet.com"> (faq) <newline>
|
|
WWW: <url url="http://www.libranet.com"> <newline>
|
|
|
|
<tag/Provider's Description:/
|
|
Based on the Debian distribution, it allows users to start with
|
|
an already configured desktop complete with the most commonly used
|
|
applications. The simple installation gets the system up and running
|
|
easily. This is a major benefit to those new to Linux and a great
|
|
time-saver for the experienced.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Ordering:/
|
|
Available on CD for intel i386 and higher compatibles.
|
|
Order via the web at http://www.libranet.com or fax/mail order
|
|
One year free support via email and fax.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Miscellaneous:/
|
|
The Linux by Libranet Desktop brings Debian, traditionally the
|
|
choice of developers, to the desktop user.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Last Freeze Date:/
|
|
Updated CD about every 4 months.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Entry last modified:/
|
|
1 November 1999
|
|
</descrip>
|
|
|
|
<sect1>Turbo Linux
|
|
<p><descrip>
|
|
TurboLinux, Inc.<newline>
|
|
2000 Sierra Point Parkway<newline>
|
|
Suite 401<newline>
|
|
Brisbane, CA 94005<newline>
|
|
|
|
Net: <htmlurl url="mailto:info@turbolinux.com" name="info@turbolinux.com"> (orders) <newline>
|
|
WWW: <url url="http://www.turbolinux.com"> <newline>
|
|
FTP: <url url="ftp://ftp.turbolinux.com/"> <newline>
|
|
Vox: (650)-244-7777
|
|
Fax: 650-244-7766
|
|
|
|
<tag/Provider's Description:/
|
|
TurboLinux makes a suite of high-performance Linux products for the
|
|
workstation and server markets. Our products are available from our
|
|
Web site, at more than 3,000 retail stores in North America and
|
|
from our value-added reseller partners around the world. Our products:
|
|
|
|
<descrip>
|
|
<tag/Workstation 6.0/
|
|
TurboLinux Workstation 6.0 is your high-performance choice for
|
|
Linux on the desktop. The powerful office productivity suite
|
|
StarOffice gives you full Microsoft Office compatibility and
|
|
Netscape gets you quickly online for e-mail and Web surfing.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Server 6.0/
|
|
TurboLinux Server 6.0, completely re-engineered as a secure,
|
|
high-performance backend server for business workgroups in the
|
|
enterprise, now includes robust e-commerce software for
|
|
business-to-business transactions.
|
|
|
|
<tag/TurboCluster Server 4.0/
|
|
Build affordable, scalable and available server clusters (25+
|
|
cluster nodes!) with TurboCluster Server 4.0, voted Best Web
|
|
Solution by the editors of Linux Journal. TurboCluster Server,
|
|
also named Corporate IT Best Product winner for enterprise-class
|
|
customers at the IT 2000 Sydney computer show, integrates
|
|
seamlessly into your existing IT environment to cluster Solaris and
|
|
Windows NT server nodes as well as Linux..
|
|
|
|
<tag/enFuzion 6.0>
|
|
Turn your existing network into a supercomputer! Based on a simple
|
|
but powerful concept called parametric execution, enFuzion turns
|
|
your existing computer network into a high speed, fault tolerant,
|
|
highly available supercomputer.
|
|
</descrip>
|
|
|
|
<tag/Ordering:/
|
|
See <url url="http://www.turbolinux.com/products/">
|
|
TurboLinux is also offered in retail stores and many online stores.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Last Freeze Date:/
|
|
Workstation 6.0 - January 3.<newline>
|
|
Server 6.0 - January 3.<newline>
|
|
TurboCluster Server - October 4.<newline>
|
|
|
|
Estimated update frequency can vary from 2 weeks to 3 months
|
|
depending on the product.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Entry last modified:/
|
|
22 Mar 2000.
|
|
</descrip>
|
|
|
|
<sect>Submissions To This Document<label id="submissions">
|
|
<p>
|
|
I encourage anyone and everyone who maintains a Linux distribution
|
|
or mail order service, to submit information on their service to
|
|
this HOWTO. It's easy and fun, and it's free advertising. This
|
|
document is posted to many places and is archived (see the next
|
|
section).
|
|
|
|
<sect1>Types of Submissions
|
|
<p>
|
|
We are interested in submissions for:
|
|
|
|
<itemize>
|
|
<item>Complete distributions of Linux software available on CD-ROM.
|
|
(We no longer carry FTP-only distributions, as this document is
|
|
aimed primarily at new users for which they are not appropriate.)
|
|
By `complete distribution' we mean any set of software which can be
|
|
used to build a complete Linux system from scratch.
|
|
|
|
<item>Layered products or individual software packages available only
|
|
via mail order. If your software package is available via
|
|
anonymous FTP, chances are people can find it. Software products
|
|
only available via mail-order include commercial things such as
|
|
Motif, and any other commercial software ported to Linux.
|
|
|
|
<item>Any other <em/Linux-specific/ goods available via mail order,
|
|
such as Linux-specific books and documentation, T-shirts, and
|
|
assorted paraphrenalia. Note: our interest in the latter
|
|
categories is marginal -- this is a Linux Distributions HOWTO,
|
|
not a catalogue of cutesy Linux junk. Whatever you're
|
|
selling will have to be (a) very useful, (b) very original, or
|
|
(c) very funny, to get listed here.
|
|
</itemize>
|
|
|
|
If the number of submissions for services and layered products
|
|
is large, I'll create a separate HOWTO for these items.
|
|
|
|
<sect1>How to submit
|
|
<p>
|
|
To submit an entry to this HOWTO, please send mail to
|
|
<tt/esr@snark.thyrsus.com/ with the following information. This
|
|
format is not machine-parsable; any of the fields may be any
|
|
length that you wish, but I'd like to keep each entry down to,
|
|
say, 50 lines.
|
|
|
|
<descrip>
|
|
<tag/Name:/
|
|
<em/Name of service or distribution/
|
|
|
|
<tag/Distributor:/
|
|
<em>Name of company, person, etc. who distributes/maintains
|
|
the service or distribution. Should include mail, email,
|
|
phone contact information, and (if possible) a WWW reference.</em>
|
|
|
|
<tag/Provider's Description:/
|
|
<em>Description of the distribution or service
|
|
that you provide. If this is a software distribution, please include
|
|
information such as what software is included, versions, general
|
|
overview of installation, requirements, and so on.</em>
|
|
|
|
<tag/Internet Access:/
|
|
<em>Where your service or distribution is
|
|
available over the Internet; typically a WWW or FTP address.</em>
|
|
|
|
<tag/Ordering:/
|
|
<em>How to order your distribution or service, if
|
|
applicable. Include prices, shipping information, methods of
|
|
payment, etc.</em>
|
|
|
|
<tag/Support:/
|
|
Information on support terms and support contracts.
|
|
|
|
<tag/Miscellaneous:/
|
|
<em>Anything else that you find relevant.</em>
|
|
|
|
<tag/Last Freeze Date:/
|
|
Last freeze date of the current version(s). Also, your estimated
|
|
update frequency.
|
|
</descrip>
|
|
|
|
<sect1>Submission Guidelines
|
|
<p>
|
|
Please keep your entry as short as possible. If you need to include
|
|
extensive information, please make a reference to where one can FTP
|
|
or mail to get more information on your distribution; these entries
|
|
are only meant to be <em/pointers/ to where one can find information
|
|
on your service or distribution.
|
|
|
|
If you provide more than one service or distribution, please use
|
|
<em/separate entries/ for each.
|
|
|
|
I may edit your entries for conciseness and brevity, if I find
|
|
any irrelevant information, or if the entry is overly verbose.
|
|
Otherwise the content should remain the same.
|
|
|
|
When making submissions to the Distribution-HOWTO, you grant implicit
|
|
permission for me to use the entries in other materials, such as books
|
|
from the LDP, and other online documents. For example, information
|
|
from the Distribution-HOWTO may be included in a published Linux book.
|
|
If you do not want me to include your entry in materials other than
|
|
the Distribution-HOWTO, please say so.
|
|
|
|
<sect>Administrivia
|
|
<p>
|
|
<sect1> Terms of Use
|
|
<p>
|
|
This document is copyright 1997 by Eric S. Raymond. You may use,
|
|
disseminate, and reproduce it freely, provided you:
|
|
|
|
<itemize>
|
|
<item>Do not omit or alter this copyright notice.
|
|
<item>Do not omit or alter or omit the version number and date.
|
|
<item>Do not omit or alter the document's pointer to the current WWW version.
|
|
<item>Clearly mark any consdensed, altered or versions as such.
|
|
</itemize>
|
|
|
|
These restrictions are intended to protect potential readers from
|
|
stale or mangled versions. If you think you have a good case for
|
|
an exception, ask me.
|
|
|
|
<sect1>Acknowledgements
|
|
<p>
|
|
This document was originated by Bill Riemers. Matt Welsh
|
|
maintained the second version. Erik Troan then maintained
|
|
the document to release 3.0.
|
|
<p>
|
|
In January 1995, Eric Raymond, while unaware of the existence of
|
|
this document, began to develop a similar FAQ in the format
|
|
of his now-discontinued "PC-clone UNIX Software Buyer's
|
|
Guide", which had covered mainly System V UNIXes and BSD/OS.
|
|
<p>
|
|
In March 1995, Eric approached Erik about cooperating on a merged
|
|
version. In early April 1995, Erik went to work for Red Hat
|
|
Software, and (wishing to avoid a conflict of interest) handed the
|
|
document to Eric. Eric merged in a lot of new information and
|
|
added several new fields to the distribution entries.
|
|
<p>
|
|
Accordingly, this document has been a sort of serial collaboration.
|
|
The editorial `we' generally tags observations by all the
|
|
maintainers; `I' is Eric (the current one) speaking.
|
|
<p>
|
|
We are delighted to acknowledge the contributions of all the
|
|
Linux users and Internet hackers who have contributed information
|
|
and feedback.
|
|
|
|
</article>
|
|
|
|
<!--
|
|
This is a distribution template:
|
|
|
|
<sect1>{name of your distribution}
|
|
<p><descrip>
|
|
{your corporate name and postal address}
|
|
|
|
Net: <htmlurl url="mailto:{your email address}" name="{your email address}"> (orders) <newline>
|
|
WWW: <url url="{your WWW address}"> <newline>
|
|
FTP: <url url="{your FTP address}"> <newline>
|
|
Vox: {your voice phone, if any}
|
|
Fax: {your fax phone, if any}
|
|
|
|
<tag/Provider's Description:/
|
|
{your description of your product}
|
|
|
|
<tag/Ordering:/
|
|
{price/availability information}
|
|
|
|
<tag/Miscellaneous:/
|
|
{anything that doesn't fit elsewhere}
|
|
|
|
<tag/Last Freeze Date:/
|
|
{freeze date of current CD-ROM release, and the release frequency}
|
|
|
|
<tag/Entry last modified:/
|
|
{date of the most recent entry update}
|
|
</descrip>
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following sets edit modes for GNU EMACS
|
|
Local Variables:
|
|
fill-prefix:"\t"
|
|
fill-column:75
|
|
End:
|
|
-- >
|
|
|