Linux: spoiled for choice!

Apart from the fact that it's freely distributed, Linux's functionality, adaptability and robustness, has made it the main alternative for proprietary Unix and Microsoft operating systems. IBM, Hewlett-Packard and other giants of the computing world have embraced Linux and support its ongoing development. More than a decade after its initial release, Linux is being adopted worldwide as a server platform primarily. Its use as a home and office desktop operating system is also on the rise. The operating system can also be incorporated directly into microchips in a process called "embedding" and is increasingly being used this way in appliances and devices.

Throughout most of the 1990's, tech pundits, largely unaware of Linux's potential, dismissed it as a computer hobbyist project, unsuitable for the general public's computing needs. Through the efforts of developers of desktop management systems such as KDE and GNOME, office suite project OpenOffice.org and the Mozilla web browser project, to name only a few, there are now a wide range of applications that run on Linux and it can be used by anyone regardless of his/her knowledge of computers. Those curious to see the capabilities of Linux can download a live CD version of Knoppix or Ubuntu and venture out. It comes with everything you might need to carry out day-to-day tasks on the computer and it needs no installation. It will run from a CD in a computer capable of booting from the CD drive. Those choosing to continue using Linux can find a variety of versions or "distributions" of Linux that are easy to install, configure and use.

Distribution
Although Linux is originally the kernel created by Linus, it does not function as an OS generally available with only the kernel. To function as an OS, various software applications must be combined with the kernel. Thus, the combination of the kernel and some application software supporting it for use as an OS is called a "distribution".

Types of distribution
A number of application software programs as well as the kernel is needed to run as an OS, but software applications necessary depend on the specific purpose of use or policy. This is the difference of distributions, so there are many distributions. Popular mainstream distributions are mentioned below, both Unix based and Linux based, but do note that not all of them are free to download and use.

Debian
Debian GNU/Linux is a free distribution of the Linux based operating system. It is maintained and updated through the work of many users who volunteer their time and effort. Along with its large selection of pre-packaged software is contains advanced package management tools that allow for easy installation and maintenance on individual systems and workstation clusters. Extensive pre-release testing is done to ensure the highest degree of reliability possible, and a publicly accessible bug tracking system provides an easy way to monitor customer feedback. Debian supports Intel compatible, PPC, Alpha, Sparc, Other, Mainframe, m68k, 64bit processors. However you can download just over a hundred megabytes from the internet burn it on a CD and install all the software you need from the Debian ftp servers.

Website: www.debian.org

Knoppix
Full-featured Linux distribution that boots from a CD. Includes the latest version of KDE and OpenOffice.org. Can be used to work from Linux on PCs without actually installing it, so it is ideal for demonstrations of Linux. Knoppix is based on Debian and supports Intel compatible processor based computers.

Website: www.knopper.net

Gentoo
Gentoo Linux is designed for the developer, power user and enthusiast. It incorporates the latest sources and technologies. Developed by Gentoo Technologies, Inc the OS supports platforms built on Intel compatible, PPC, Alpha, Sparc, 64 bit processors.

Website: www.gentoo.org

Mandriva
Mandriva Linux is a powerful operating system that is available for many platforms: 32 bit processors such as Intel Pentium, AMD Athlon, PowerPC; and 64 bit processors such as Intel Pentium D, Itanium and AMD Opteron. Mandriva Linux includes many graphical administration assistants & wizards that make it intuitive and fun to use while providing all the power and robustness of other Linux systems. Hundreds of included applications make it an ideal solution for both professional and home users.

Website: www.mandriva.com

RedHat
Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a high-end Linux distribution geared toward businesses with mission-critical needs. it supports most of the processors available in the market today but the OS is not free. But it is the most popular Linux distribution in Bangladesh.

Website: www.redhat.com

Slackware
Slackware Linux by Patrick Volkerding is an advanced Linux operating system, designed with the twin goals of ease of use and stability as top priorities. Including the latest popular software while retaining a sense of tradition, providing simplicity and ease of use alongside flexibility and power. Slackware Linux provides new and experienced users alike with a fully-featured system, equipped to serve in any capacity from desktop workstation to machine-room server.

Website: www.slackware.com

SuSE
Both SuSE and Novell supports platforms based on the Intel compatible, PPC, Alpha, Sparc, Itanium, and other mainframe processors including 64 bit processors. SuSE, now a subsidiary of Novell, produces one of the most popular mainstream Linux distributions.

Website: www.suse.com

Linspire
Linspire is a full-featured computer operating system designed for desktop and laptop computers. Based on Debian Linux, Linspire provides a powerful, stable, almost virus-free computing experience, yet is incredibly easy-to-use. Bundled software includes a Microsoft Office file-compatible office suite, a powerful Internet and email suite, complete music and photo programs, media players for viewing animation and videos, and much more.

Website: www.linspire.com

Fedora
Fedora Core is RedHat's plan to develop a complete, general-purpose operating system exclusively from free software. The distribution was created to replace low-end, consumer versions of RedHat Linux.

Website: http://fedora. Redhat.com/

Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a complete Linux-based operating system, freely available with both community and professional support. It is developed by a large community. The Ubuntu community is built on the ideas enshrined in the Ubuntu Philosophy: that software should be available free of charge, that software tools should be usable by people in their local language and despite any disabilities, and that people should have the freedom to customise and alter their software in whatever way they see fit. Ubuntu can be downloaded from its website or you can have it delivered anywhere in the world via mail absolutely free of charge.

Website: www.ubuntu.org

OpenBSD
The OpenBSD project produces a free, multi-platform 4.4BSD-based UNIX-like operating system. The efforts are emphasized on portability, standardisation, correctness, proactive security and integrated cryptography. OpenBSD supports binary emulation of most programs from SVR4 (Solaris), FreeBSD, Linux, BSD/OS, SunOS and HP-UX. OpenBSD is freely available from FTP sites, and also available in an inexpensive 3-CD set. OpenBSD is developed by volunteers. The project funds development and releases by selling CDs and T-shirts, as well as donations from organizations and individuals.

As shown above, there is a great variety of distributions. Since their software can be installed and deleted individually after installation, it is possible to make similar environments whichever you select. If you want to try using Linux for the first time, I would recommend Fedora Core 5, Ubuntu or the latest stable version of Debian from the viewpoints of easy installation and configuration, large collections of software, information on the internet on how to use them and the handling of bugs and security holes and because they are absolutely free.

Sources: www.linux.org