John Montgomery
Technically, you don't have to pay for Linux. But that's just for the kernel -- you need to download the X Window System, compilers, editors, and lots of other pieces before you have a usable OS. That's why many enterprising souls have created distributions -- compilations of the Linux kernel with often-used software. Distributions differ greatly in the features they include and their prices. Here's a quick look at some of the more common ones (you'll find additional information at
http://www.linux.org
).
Debian GNU/Linux
This distribution (available from
http://www.debian.org
) is the only one we know of that's free. In some ways, it's a little rough. For example, the text-based installation process requires you to know how to set up Unix partitions on your hard drive. The majority of the administration is done through a text interface as well. Debian includes X and TeX, not to mention C, C++, Pascal, the EMACS text editor, and other software.
Red Hat
Red Hat's Linux runs not only on the x86, but on Alpha and SPARC systems as well. It comes with graphical management tools, including an intelligent installation program. Software in the distribution includes a graphical calendar, a relational database, EMA
CS and joe editors, and numerous audio tools. It even comes with a Linux version of id Software's Doom. Cost: $49.95. Download it from
http://www.redhat.com
.
Slackware
This distribution includes much the same software as the one from Debian. Like the Debian release, it's configured largely through text-based tools. It also includes some PC Card support. And, if you're interested, you can typeset Klingon with Slackware's TeX. It's available for $39.95 from
http://www.cdrom.com/titles/os/slack96.htm
.
Yggdrasil
Probably the most interesting feature of this d
istribution is that you can run it entirely from the CD. If you're interested in demonstrating Linux without doing a complete installation, this is a great feature. It also comes with some good X-based configuration and management tools. It's available for $39.95 from
http://www.yggdrasil.com
.
John Montgomery is BYTE's West Coast bureau chief. You can contact him by sending e-mail to
jmontgomery@bix.com
.
Some Linux Distributions
